ENGINE BARS - Which Ones? Photos Anyone?

[Dan Glibitz]

This week, my new 1200GS is being delivered and I can't wait, although, I'm hoping it's got all the new mod's I've just read about.

I've ordered all sorts of Touratech bolt-ons, just like I had on the old 1150GS but the only stumbling block is the Engine Crash Bars and which ones to go for.

On my list are the SW Motech bars, the Hepco & Becker, or the Wunderlich ones. (My friend's experience of the BMW ones is that all they do in a fall, is get damaged, along with the cylinder heads that they should protect!)

My decision will be based on protection of the Heads but also on mounting points / oil change accessability.

My Problem is that I have trawled the web for pictures of the 3 contenders but can't find any from the right angles to compare them.

Does anyone have any of them fitted who could find the time to photo them and send it on to me? Photos from above, side and from the front would be good. also, any advice to steer me in the right direction would also be very gratfully received.

Fanx in advance

 

[Thunder]

I'm waiting for delivery of a set of the SW Motech bars as I heard similar about BM's own and the Hepco and Beckers conflicted with some sets of replacement front pipes.

Will be glad to take some pics if you still need them when I have them fitted.

 

[Dan Glibitz]

yeah, photos would be great please. the SWM ones have the connection "Strap" under the sump guard don't they? As opposed to fixing straight to the engine block?

wonder how much that complicates oil changes? Ground clearance?

anyway, good luck with the fitting, I eagerly await your photos

Fanx

 

[Yellow Peril]

just do a search on crash bars you'll find all you want pros cons etc etc

 

[Davy F]

SW Motech

Here's a few pictures of the Motech ones fitted to my GS. Quality is first class and although they aren't stainless steel like the Touratech ones, they are half the price. Fitting was relatively easy tho' the instructions weren't exactly clear in some respects, but it's hardly rocket science.

 

[Jeremy]

A few snaps of the Hepco & Becker engine bars supplied by Nippy Norman.

 

[STUBBS]

swm would get my vote, put them on all my g/s they seem to offer more protection, can be left in place for servicing.

 

[Deadskin]

H+B
easy fitting

 

[Yoda]

SWM ones from Nippy get my vote.

I found thenm easy to fit and not too expensive. Sorted!

Ah yes - you'll need a set of Torx bits for your socket set. I think a T55 is required for the rear engine/frame bolts.

 

[redcastle]

You want to sweep that floor mush
bike looks great

 

[Thunder]

Noticed a set of SW Motech bars for the 1200 listed on Ebay Germany if anyone is interested, used but not abused.

I've already bought a set using buy it now from these guys, still selling them on Ebay.

 

[Tricky]

I have the BM ones with plastic guards as well.

H&B ones are probably the best value mind.

 

[Mouse]

I've got H+B bars, has to be the best 100 quid ever spent, they have stood up to an awful lot of abuse. Err did I say abuse, I mean I treat my bike with loving care, is my dealer reading this? Can I make a warranty claim please?

 

[Stig]

yeah, photos would be great please. the SWM ones have the connection "Strap" under the sump guard don't they? As opposed to fixing straight to the engine block?

wonder how much that complicates oil changes? Ground clearance?

anyway, good luck with the fitting, I eagerly await your photos

Fanx

I had a spill over xmas.. and enquired about crash bars... One point to consider is that some types (can't remember which).. will add about an Hours labour charge to your servicing - as they have to remove parts to get at your engine.. whereas the BMW pattern (and copies) make access "cheaper".

So my conclusion is that the BM bars are more expensive in the short term.. but lots cheaper in the long run!! However, some seem to think they are not fit for purpose - compared to others!!

John T

 

[Stoney]

If you don't mind your engine bars to be covered in stone chips within minutes get the H&B ones.

If you'd prefer some that look as good as the day you bought them, a year on while still offering great protection then I can thoroughly recommend these stainless Touratech ones.

 

[Rod]

Jeremy,
Your bike looks good in Grey & with those lights.
What make is your screen, is it any good?

Rod.

 

[Jeremy]

Jeremy,
Your bike looks good in Grey & with those lights.
What make is your screen, is it any good?

Rod.

Thx very much, the screen is from Nippy Norman, see here http://www.nippynormans.com/prodinfo.asp?number=WDE-CD1200GS-XT&variation=&aitem=1&mitem=1

Its the same height as the standard one but slightly wider and easy to fit. Oh yes, the dark screen makes the already notably quicker silver GS even faster!

Jeremy

 

[Humbug]

swm would get my vote, put them on all my g/s they seem to offer more protection, can be left in place for servicing.

Are you sure they can be left in place? I was charged £15.00 for removal and refitting at the first service.

Andy