How important is a radiator guard, really?

Biglake wrote:

Any rad guard will work with the 3.1 gal ims tank as its just taller than stock and no different by the rad.

I have the 3 gal IMS tank too and it really fits in great. The only difference is my seats concept seat sits a little higher against it.

Thanks Biglake for the pics, I'm going to try something similar too this weekend. I'll send pics!

I am a rad guard believer. Some years ago I stepped off my WR426 in the Victorian high country ie small hills compared with the Rockies et al. But the Vic country is rough in places, and the 426 did a big endo in the rocks and bent the right radiator into weirdness. But it didn't leak, which was even weirder, considering.

So now, with my WR-R being a dollar earner, a Force guard went on first thing. Will it work? F*** knows. Hope like hell I don't have to test it. Going on current form, it could happen! The only thing is that the Safari tank bumps into the rear mounting bolt, but is ok so far...

If I had the safari or big ims tank that wrapped around the rad I wouldn't bother with a rad guard as the tank will protect it when you tip over.

I have dropped my bike more times than I like to admit and haven't broke anything except for the fan and some mirrors yet, my rad shroud is pretty scratched up so I think my rad guard and my bark busters are earning their keep...

I feel better being protected.