Are those bits really going to save my bacon?

[Aidjay]

I'm referring specifically to a headlamp shield and oil cooler cover, but I suppose this query can cover all after-market protection.

I'm off on a 5 month jaunt through Africa and I know my R1150GSA is going to get a beating, but has anyone every had a damaged front headlamp that a polycarbonate sheet over the front would have prevented, or a stone through the oil cooler that a shield would have stopped?

There's the age old debate about how Touratech, etc. are printing their own money, but there's a reason people buy their stuff. Are those bits going to save me, is it just peace of mind, or pure bling?

Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[Mutley]

Oil cooler protection an absolute must IMHO. I've hit bugs that would have holed the oil cooler and that would be a total fail for your trip

I don't know if the plastic cover on my headlight has ever saved it, but if you ever follow another bike I think you'll get hit by enough stones to know it makes sense

Sump cover extender (on the centre stand) doesn't seem to do much. Ridden over enough boulders and never had a problem without one, having said that, mine is now scratched and dented so maybe I'm lucky

Don't have a hard part and never have had one. Fallen off enough to need one but the bottom yoke is till intact.

No guards on the brake reservoirs

 

[Mutley]

There are better and cheaper alternatives to Touratw@ though

 

[Aidjay]

There are better and cheaper alternatives to Touratw@ though

Thanks Mutley.

My incessant research has pointed me to many other fine purveyors of all things metallic and see-through for my GSA. I just wish I had an arc-welder, blow torch, punch press, rudimentary lathe, etc of my own. And a garage with an assistant, that would also be handy. When I say assistant, I mean an experienced metal-worker.

 

[Darryl]

I'm referring specifically to a headlamp shield and oil cooler cover, but I suppose this query can cover all after-market protection.

but has anyone every had a damaged front headlamp that a polycarbonate sheet over the front would have prevented
Any thoughts appreciated.

Yes a stone holed my headlamp costing £148 for a new unit a bit of plastic now resides in front of it...

 

[Vern]

Luck plays a huge part of it all. In the last 300+k I've had two stones through my headlight,on the same day, just after I had told everyone what bollox the plastic light guards are. That's the only light I've ever had a stone through.

I've seen broken gearbox lugs, steering stops and just about everything else you can break, broken.

Give me a bell and we can have a chat about what's good and what's not.

Vern 01829 771040

 

[freeloader]

I once had a stone go straight through a transparent headlight protector, AND the headlight glass, on a Peugeot 306. Don't know what type of plastic it was, but it was sold by Peugeot as a headlight protector.



Yes I know, I should have complained...

 

[DrAlf]

As above but I think I would go for the hardpart from TT or glue a couple of rubber bungs to the telelever arm as a cheap fix. Breaking the front frame in Africa could turn into a right PITA

Sounds like a great trip

 

[slimbo]

i get asked all the time what is needed for a trip all i say is a sense of humor and the time to enjoy the journey.

but its your money and a little protection can make the difference between a good trip or a great trip..

 

[STUBBS]

spend a fortune and it may never look to have done anything sods law if you dont it will take a hit

 

[Aidjay]

I've seen broken gearbox lugs, steering stops and just about everything else you can break, broken.

Give me a bell and we can have a chat about what's good and what's not.

Thanks all, very helpful indeed. Sounds like its better to be safe than sorry.

Vern, I'll give you a shout in the next couple of days.