Engine bars - worth their weight in gold!

[APE]

i think they make sense if the bike goes over at slow speed or when stationary.

Agree at higher speeds they can be counter productive but most people have them to limit cosmetic damage if they are 'caught out'

 

[Ali-bear]

I agree. But if you only need cosmetic protection there are simpler options like those OE black plastic guards.

My H&B engine bars were fitted for five years and were going rusty, so I scrapped them. Bike is much better for being lighter. Since then I did actually tip the bike over when stationary on gravel, I got a few marks on the R/H rocker cover and don't really care that much. The engine bars would have got scratched the same.

What would bother me is if I dropped it while moving and put a hole in the rocker cover, making the bike unrideable. On tour this would be a major bummer.

 

[APE]

In my experience the rocker cover will get scuffed even with those plastic protector fitted (unless you are able to 'lay it down'). You then have to fork out for a new protector as well as a new rocker cover. IMO the plastic / alloy protectors are pointless for that reason.

Crash bars tend to stick out further and you are less likely to damage the rocker cover with a slow speed spill. A scuffed crash bar adds character so no outlay required.

Having said that it has crossed my mind to bin them as I haven't dropped it for a long while

 

[PaulW21781]

Other people want their bikes pristine - I just want mine mechanically sound!

Same! I always get moaned at when it's in for a service as its filthy by the same mechanic each time (but I always book it with him as the guys on the service desk love winding him up anyway)

Anyways, bike is at Southport now being sorted as-and-when, as no real rush to get it back just yet. Also got some pictures for those who feel like having a laugh also!

The road a week after, still buggered but at least can see tarmac!

Le Bike

And then first time I've towed anything... Ever!

Fun times! Need to get a new lid too, so more cost, but I've had the Arai for 4 years now so time for getting something newer I think!

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[Merv]

Glad your ok,your bike is crying out for a wash and some acf 50,ive just spent the last 2 days doing mine,thats it til next year

 

[JIm]

I wonder if your box helped protect the rocker cover by taking some of the impact?

Jim

 

[Melly Senior]

They work at slow speed.....lol

Can't believe I read this yesterday morning and in the afternoon had fallen off mine

Doing a tight turn on a hill, narrow road, with bad camber (due to accident/blocked road ahead) and just didn't get it right, dabbed front brake and suddenly off I tumbled. Did a fantastic (worthy of a film stunt) roll down the road as bike seemed to slam (sounded that way) into road

Got her up with help of laughing onlookers (very concerned and nice people really) - one of the guys said "Where's the damage to your bike mate, I can't see anything?" to which I replied "Built to take a tumble these things" and then buggered off quickly!!

Further inspection later on and only damage was to plastic bung on crash bars and and to plastic head protector; also couple of slight scratches to handguard/mirror

Certainly worked for me at slow spead

 

[Steptoe]

IWhat would bother me is if I dropped it while moving and put a hole in the rocker cover, making the bike unrideable. On tour this would be a major bummer.

Araldite and cotton wool. Mixed together covers and seals large holes in rocker covers.
Once did a "temporary" repair on my old airhead rocker cover using araldite and cotton wool that lasted for 6 years.
And even then it wasn't leaking, i only replaced it because i picked up a cheap one.

 

[Steptoe]

Certainly worked for me at slow spead

Those 1150 ADV bars don't work at all at higher than walking speed.

They make the bike tip over onto it's fuel tank, screen, bars, instruments etc etc .
A minor speed slide which should leave a few scratches usually ends up writing the bike off. An 1150 adv tank is getting on for £1K .

Just a couple of examples, and believe me, i've seen a lot.

This bike lost it's complete instruments at not much more than walking speed. The rest of the bike was unmarked

 

[Mark Hooton]

I rode my CX500 to work in the snow many years back. Unstoppable

Wish i could buy one in mint condition - I used to have 2, bless their maggoty good looks

 

[Bendy toy]

My adventure came with the standard crash bars so at least the plastic tank is protected from slow speed falls. The bike also came with Touratech head covers that along with the crash bars now have some minor scars. They fit close, so hopefully won't punch through the rocker covers.

 

[Melly Senior]

those pictures certainly paint a different picture....

Those 1150 ADV bars don't work at all at higher than walking speed.

They make the bike tip over onto it's fuel tank, screen, bars, instruments etc etc .
A minor speed slide which should leave a few scratches usually ends up writing the bike off. An 1150 adv tank is getting on for £1K .

Just a couple of examples, and believe me, i've seen a lot.

This bike lost it's complete instruments at not much more than walking speed. The rest of the bike was unmarked