I think Flatland did right in making this product so strong. It is all one piece (CRF450X) and extremely well built, well thought out and they didn't gouge my wallet in the process. Even though no protection device can prevent 100% of off road damage, this product will make me sleep better knowing my next ride won't be worrying about the damn radiators breaking in a fall.
I have these on my 2006 250x. Pretty bullet proof. I've fallen off many times riding all sorts of terrain. Worth the investment. I have a Flatland skidplate also...Best after market investment I've ever made. I ride in some very rocky areas and it saved me at least 2 motors!
Love these guards, or more like cages! The install instructions are crap, and the included hardware was random from what was listed. Had to hit the hardware store for longer spacers and longer bolts. But, they do fit over aftermarket larger rads, such as fluidyne, etc. Took some heavy crashed in my first race out, and left guard bottom bowed out a bit, and snugged up against side of rad. Took it off at home and put in vice, a little rubber mallet and right as rain.
This is my 2nd review for this product. Since I installed them in late 2005, I have had a few spills and they have protected the radiator each time with no damage. From an end-over-end to side spills, they have held up.
I just bought and installed the Flatland Racing Radiator Guards on my new 2006 CRF450X. The install was pretty straight forward, and I was able to figure it out pretty quickly. There was what I believe was a typo in the instructions regarding the length of bolt to install on the left side, but after a few minutes of looking things over I was done without a hitch. I've only ridden with them once and they've not yet taken any abuse, but overall the construction seems solid and they appear to offer good protections. I definitely feel like I got my money's worth with these guards.
I have the flatland racing radiator guards for my 250x and I have (though I hate to admit it) wiped pretty good at least 3 times with the bike taking a very hard jolt. Thankfully I have had NO deformation whatsoever. I guess anything is possible, but I expected at least a slight bend and mine look perfect (far better than my body did after 2 of those 3 crashes). - The Cowboy