Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Sump/oil radiator guard for America?

Hi everyone ... Took delivery of my brand new America a couple of weeks ago...I still get up in the night just to go look at her in the garage, ha ha.

Question: is the oil cooler and oil filter not in a vulnerable position... in the line of fire for the odd stone or other highway debris? Has anyone experienced problems here? Should I fabricate a shield of some sort?

Your help is appreciated!

Andy

49,000 miles and no problems here. The oil cooler did clog up with some salt the time I took it to Bonneville. Can't say I ever heard of anybody taking their oil cooler out with a flying rock, but anytime I say something like that the exception to the rule chimes in. Anyway, I wouldn't worry about either one, and I usually look to take weight off the bike, not add on.

Thanks man - although our roads are not that great (we live in Cape Town, South Africa)The Bonnie is used to cruise away from dirt roads etc...

I've put 50000km on mine on dodgy Australian roads without an issue, and I've not heard of the sump or oil cooler being damaged on any of these bikes. I have however heard of two speedmasters having their oil filter taken out by road debris which can quickly kill your engine, so if you're concerned about this that's what I'd be fabricating a guard for. If you decide to do something with the oil cooler be careful not to reduce the airflow to the cooler or the cylinders behind it.