06 GSXR 750 radiator repair

[Mike:p]

I have a few options for my bike's radiator. This is a track only bike so I will be running what the guys in A run in their cooling systems, NO antifreeze. Option #1 Repair what is on the bike. The radiator that is on it now has been pressure tested and found to have a pin hole in the aluminum(on the edge where it hit the ground not the cooling fins) the repair is about $75. Option #2 I am buying a good radiator but a couple of plastic mounting tabs are broken for $25. I could probably fix them with JB Weld. Option #3 buy a new radiator. $$$

I'm trying to get by on the cheap but I don't want to risk my safety or anyone else's safety to save a buck. If I had the money I would definitely go new. Will these options pass tech and the general consensus of other serious riders?

 

[HondaGalToo]

If you go the repair route, make sure the radiator place can work on aluminum radiators. Not all can. Since you have a quote for the repair, I'm assuming they work on aluminum. If they can fix it and it pressure tests ok after the repair, I would feel confident that it's safe. I'm not familiar with the plastic mounting tabs...I have an '07 gix and I thought the mounting tabs were metal, but it's been awhile since I've had it off. I had good luck finding a decent radiator on ebay, which I got pressure tested to make sure it was good to go, since it had a big dent not shown in the pics, think I got it for around $140, which was a good price at the time.With an abundance of gix parts on ebay, and competent repair shops, I wouldn't, and haven't, gone the brand new route.
That reminds me, my bashed up one is still in the garage, I should see if it can be fixed as a back-up. The fill nozzle is bent, but the shop I use says they can cut it off and put a new one on.

 

[Thunderace]

Find a better used radiator for anything less than $75. Then spend another $75 later on when you have it and fix the old one for a spare.

 

[vinny337]

Mike,
If possible, buy all your spare parts used from ebay, forums, other members, etc I used a dented radiator on my 06 gixxer for years, no leaks and no issues.

 

[D-Zum]

Emerson Amaya aka (our beloved Bobblehead) may have one available...or know where to find one for you.