2017 BMW Radiator Guards on a 2015 GS (pictorial)

So, I finally got around to posting this. I removed my Touratech Knockoffs to install the BMW plastic guards. I did this because the BMW ones appear to give better protection against smaller projectiles.

Here is the TT knockoff guard.



To remove the shroud, take out these three screws, T25 Torx, and pull down on the shroud to remove from the upper tab slots:



The 2017 guards need a bit of trimming to fit, and the radiator shroud does as well.

I found that trimming off all the tabs on both ends of the guard worked easiest.



Here is why:






Additionally, some material needed trimmed from the sides for the shroud tabs:





Then a little of the shroud itself needed to be trimmed to fit. This was the only part of the shroud that needed trimming.





Once all is trimmed, you can see how the new guard fits up to the radiator snugly, and wont move.




The curves make it stay in place. The original screws go back in and it is done. The new guards do not move at all, and stand away from the radiators a little more than 1/8".



So, not plug and play, but it took about 45 minutes, photos and all.

These are the best looking guards and amazingly, very affordable. Thank you for the guide. AltRider charges $170 for their guards, Touratech, $150? These are sub-$50. Nice job!

I gather the same would have to be done on a 2016 GS?

I have same ones on my 2017 GSAW. I had to do same modifications as JVB did. I did have the Chinese one for my 2014 GSAW which also required some modifications as well. Surprisingly BMW one is cheaper then Chinese. Labor cost of China must be going up.

Would you expect it to protect from a real rock hit or just gravel?
They do look nice bot also very flexible.

Correct.

Unless it was a very large rock at high velocities, I am confident that the worst you would get is a slight dent in the fins.

Thanks for the write up Jim. I did this install a couple months ago the same way. I think they look / work fantastic at a very reasonable cost.

Hi Jim,

Do you mind providing me the part# for those protectors?

Toni.

77_0939 - PROTECTIVE GRILLE FOR RADIATOR "STYLE"



# Part Number Description lb Qty Each
01 46 63 8 556 647 PROTECTIVE GRILLE FOR RADIATOR LEFT 0.13 1 $18.39
01 46 63 8 556 648 PROTECTIVE GRILLE FOR RADIATOR RIGHT 0.13 1 $18.39

Yeah, but Touratech stuff is more expensive, which means its better, right?

Thank you! :)

I was able to get mine to fit by only modifying the protective grills. They do fit well, are inexpensive, and certainly would offer protection from all but a very violent impact. Recommended!

I agree. I just fitted mine and did not modify the shrouds. I’m happy with the install. Thanks to Jim for the pictorial.

Since I had other guards on mine for the last three years, my shrouds may have been distorted by them.

I have to confess. The fit would have been better if I had trimmed the shrouds as shown in Jim’s pictorial.

Could you add the Touratech in addition to these and have both? Belt and suspenders?

I suppose you could, but like the BDCW, you start to block a significant amount of airflow.

Will these work for a 2016 GSAW?

Yes, I mounted a set two weeks ago. Same trimming.