heatshield ,do i need it ?????

[calliekat]

hi there ,

just doing the plugs on my 03 kat and wondering if i need to put the rubber heat sheild that covers top of motor back on as it seems to be a beach to put back on and if not needed then why use it

thanks

james

[Slofuze]

Rubber heat sheild???? Say what?

[Kreylyn]

750s have a rubber heat sheild the 600s don't, pre and post.

It's better with, but nothing is going to blow up if you remove it. It helps to reduce the heat that gets to the fuel tank, reducing fuel evaporation and increasing the cooling of the engine.

Krey

[Slofuze]

My PO must have removed it.

[arsenic]

My PO must have removed it.

A previous owner did something stupid that has a negative effect on your motorcycle? That NEVER happens.

[zukirider97]

So why did only 750's have them and not the 600's?

[arsenic]

Honest answer, no one knows.

[Wild-Bill]

750s have another 150cc of heat producing bits.

[arsenic]

Does the 1100 have it? That's a serious question, I don't know.

[Wild-Bill]

No, the 1100 doesn't have it. There is more air between the top of the engine and the tank, though. Not nearly as tight as my 750 was.

[calliekat]

thanks guys i will be removing it and will just buy some of that stick on aluminum heat shield to stick to the bottom of the tank

[Wild-Bill]

Sure but why remove it? As I remember, my 750 had the rubber shield and insulation on the bottom of the tank. Also, the wiring ran above that rubber shield so it was protected. You lose that if you throw it away.

[mike.kir]

No, the 1100 doesn't have it. There is more air between the top of the engine and the tank, though. Not nearly as tight as my 750 was.

Well both of my 1100 have some kind of thermic shields glued to the tank above the carburateurs.

[TRPUT]

Sure but why remove it? As I remember, my 750 had the rubber shield and insulation on the bottom of the tank. Also, the wiring ran above that rubber shield so it was protected. You lose that if you throw it away.

This!

It helps to keep heat from the coils and leads and other wiring as well as the tank, and probably has some role in smoothing air flow to the air box and keeping that intake air slightly cooler. All of this will help things run ever-so-slightly better and last longer. Coils don't like heat. Suzuki were never known for adding unnecessary stuff, especially on a built-to-a-price bike, so I'm sure they believe it serves a purpose.