SILICONE V RUBBER RADIATOR HOSES FOR GOLD WINGS

Silicone radiator hoses are flooding the market now for automobiles, trucks and motorcycles. Some silicone radiator hose makers admit that silicone hoses are not suitable for daily operation because of the permeability of silicone to water. Despite claims that silicone is watertight, water vapors escape very slowly through the walls of the hose so water must be replaced in reservoirs and radiators more often. And Gates has produced a YouTube video to prove it.

Yes, silicone hoses...

can carry fluids at higher temperatures than rubber making it a great choice for racing or turbocharged vehicles.
are more flexible than rubber hoses and have a longer life span so the higher cost becomes more economical over time.
have a greater resistant to weather factors such as, rain, snow, heat, humidity, drought, UV rays, and ozone making it a good choice for harsh environments.
are much more attractive and come in a variety of colors.
will not bond to connections like rubber making for easier removal because silicone is an inert material that resists chemical reactions to substances.

But, some critics say that same resistance may keep silicone hoses from making a tight connection that will disallow all water seepage.

Silicone hoses are more expensive than rubber and are much thicker requiring the added expense of all new hose clamps.

The molecular structure of silicone is permeable not only to water but also to oil, fuel, and other oil-based products.

The sole purpose of radiator hoses is to contain the fluid circulating under high pressure through a water cooled engine. Consequently, the slow water leakage of silicone hoses through the hose walls and at the connections will lower engine efficiency making it undesirable for the daily and long distance Gold wing rider.

We have yet to see Honda offer silicone radiator hoses for any of its vehicles.

Here at Saber Cycle we offer economical rubber radiator hose replacements for the early Gold Wing models, GL1000, GL1100 and GL1200 that have been obsoleted by Honda.