TOPIC:

This bike I'm currently working on has had a questionable radiator repair. I am guessing it is JB weld (epoxied), but has enough paint over it that it's hard to tell.

I have no interest in repairing almost 40 year old radiators. That seems like a never ending chase.

What options (other than custom made), are there for a new radiator?

A ZRX radiator is similar size (and DIRT CHEAP), but with the inlet/outlets on the sides I am wondering about hose clearance issues. Most modern radiators are cross flow so if this one is problematic, I expect most would be. Some ATV radiators are top/bottom flow, but most are going to be too small for a 1300.

If you do decide on a custom radiator, Randy's Cycle can hook you up. Click

Any idea what that one runs?

Don't quote me on this, but I'm pretty sure I saw a photo somewhere of a KZ1300 fitted with a Kawasaki Vulcan radiator. It looked really good because the Vulcan radiator is a bit longer, but also a lot narrower so you saw more of the exhaust pipes.

McZee,

Thanks.

I looked at the Vulcan radiators, specifically the VN1500 as that bike is old enough that new radiators are available aftermarket.

I agree that will probably look good. To do it right, it looks like I'd have to do a bit of welding on the radiator, but that is fine.

I am going to table this until the bike is sorted, then plan on going that route. The 'fixed' radiator will probably be fine, but I would not trust it for any kind of out of town trip.

There is a fella who frequents the Z1300 facebook page who has customised his 13 & fitted a Suzuki SV650 radiator. It does look good as it more or less is the same width of the frame down tubes, but my reservations for him that the radiator is from a model half the cubic capacity of the Z1300 & therefore of much less ability to dissipate the same amount of heat were answered with "it will be OK". I'm not so sure...