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RC51 Radiator Mod

Old 09-18-2005 | 10:05 PM
  #1  
PrecisionH23a's Avatar
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From: Charleston, SC
Default RC51 Radiator Mod

I'm looking into buying an RC51 in the very near future and I've done some extensive reading on the bike. I checked out a few rc51 sites and I'm still trying to figure out the 'radiator mod.'

Do any of you guys have further info pertaining to this? I'm assuming it consists of a front mount radiator and doing away with the traditional dual side mount radiators or is it just done by adding vents on the sides such as in this link:

http://www.oppracing.com/produ...id=55

"Your RC-51 will look AWESOME and run 10-20 Degrees Cooler
increases the low-pressure area outside the radiator to produce increased airflow over the radiator "


Thanks for the info
Old 09-19-2005 | 07:23 AM
  #2  
smokee's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Seattle, WA
Default Re: RC51 Radiator Mod (PrecisionH23a)

There are a few options for RC-51, ther reason for the side mount radiators is because they are able to run a much shorter wheelbase by moving the radiators to the side. The front cylinder is pretty close to the front wheel, so there is no room for a traditional front mount. there is a front mount rad kit, it fits around the front cylinder. http://www.kyaracing.com/

A friend an I have been talking about getting a '02+ right radiator for his older RC, in '02 they put a small fan on the right rad. He bought one on ebay, but hasn't tried to fit it yet.

Those wings work at speed, but the only time my side mount rads get above 225+ is when I am sitting in traffic, so the wings wouldn't help then. Really, I think its a matter of getting used to how hot the bike runs, even tho I have seen some high numbers, it has never gotten to the flashing/overheating temp, which is like 255 on the VFR. My buddy did have overheating problems with his RC-51, but it turned out to be a stuck thermostat. Using distilled water with Water Wetter helped his temps a bit also, vs. antifreeze. I personally have used Honda Type-II coolant with no issues.
Old 09-19-2005 | 07:58 AM
  #3  
03rc51's Avatar
 
Joined: May 2005
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From: stafford, va
Default

http://www.rc51.org is a good web page. the radiator mod isnt all the popular. as long as the bike is moving it is fine. its when its stuck in traffic that it gets hot.
Old 09-19-2005 | 07:59 AM
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backlash's Avatar
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From: West Jordan, UT, USA
Default Re: RC51 Radiator Mod (PrecisionH23a)

The fins are a waste, I've heard many people say they don't do jack. Front mounts are the way to go, couple peeps over at speedzilla have they KYA kit and like it.

A couple (I say couple a lot) people have also reversed the direction of the way the fans spin. If the fans are on when you moving it doesn't cool the bike down, when the direction is reveresed it helps cooling. Make sense?

Some other people have hooked up a manual switch to turn on the fans.

The bike runs hot, it needs to be moving. I'm putting in some water wetter this weekend, we'll see how that goes. My bike has never been over 225, not even on the track.
Old 04-19-2006 | 11:31 PM
  #5  
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Default Re: RC51 Radiator Mod (backlash)

old thread/
but is there a mod that makes the radiator fans turn on earlier? Or perhaps manually?
Old 04-19-2006 | 11:38 PM
  #6  
big pete's Avatar
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From: Bay Area, CA
Default Re: RC51 Radiator Mod (slvrblckf4i)

just wire the fan to the battery and stick a switch inbetween
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