The point of rocker cover protectors for boxer engines?

[Knowsley]

Posting this in the RT section as that is what I have, but this question applies to all current boxer engines (I think). Considering that a new rocker cover is only around £130 and that a pair of the best rocker protectors is similar (eg Machineart X-heads £139) I am wondering why not just replace the rocker cover if one gets damaged? If you drop the bike and have protectors, the chances are you would end up replacing the protector for the same (mainly cosmetic) reason as you would with the rocker cover. Am I missing something?

 

[beemer pimp]

What if you bake fell over and burst hole in rocker cover then you be stranded

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Yep, you are missing the fact that if the bike goes over there's a very good chance your rocker box cover will be holed and your journey curtailed where as if it has the protectors fitted it's usually only the protector that gets damaged

 

[Knowsley]

Thanks for the quick replies! I knew there had to be a reason, but I think I was thrown by the relatively low cost of a new rocker cover. I thought they'd be mega bucks!

 

[bisbee]

Then there are engine bars that protect the protectors

 

[Nutty]

Then there are engine bars that protect the protectors

But what protects the engine bars?

 

[g.s.john]

But what protects the engine bars?

Not falling off

 

[bisbee]

But what protects the engine bars?

Oh have I stumbled across a gap in the market Engine bar protectors anyone?

 

[Blackal]

The BMW Adventure (2006-2013) head protectors are very good protection in a slide.

The rocker covers are soft magnesium-based alloy and will wear down very quickly in a slide.

Al

 

[Fluffmeister]

But what protects the engine bars?

The Force

 

[Schtum]

But what protects the engine bars?

Have you not seen the plastic pipe protectors that some people have fitted to their engine bars, Nutty? Surely you haven't missed such an obvious farkling opportunity....

 

[JimVonBaden]

No doubt I would not have ridden home had I not had the MAM protectors. They are still good for at least one more go.

It went over hard from what seems like a car hitting it parked.

Jim

 

[JayC]

But what protects the engine bars?

Leaving the bike in the garage.

 

[busy builder]

Why is there a plate fixed to the main stand ?

 

[Nick Evans]

The centre stand gets hit with a lot of crud from the front wheel and you get corrosion. I am looking to remove mine soon and get it blasted / repainted soon. Looks like a good idea....

 

[richardbd]

Why is there a plate fixed to the main stand ?

It's an air brake...

 

[richardbd]

What if you bake fell over and burst hole in rocker cover then you be stranded

Exactly what I did on the BMW ORS course...

 

[chopper_harris]

Dropping the bike whilst stationary will cause a surprising amount of grazing to the alloy covers, and a surprising bill to get them ground/polished and resprayed when you come to sell the bike.

Buy the rocket cover protectors second hand if you can, else buy new ones and sell them separately when you flog the bike.

If you are a short arse who needs a lowered saddle, I would say they are a must have.
At worst you will lose £30-40, which is good value for the peace of mind they provide.

 

[Shunt]

I wished i had protectors, But hey ho. Got home just fine tho

 

[mrsroynie]

Why is there a plate fixed to the main stand ?

I have one. It was sold as a "sump guard". It protects the centre stand and silencer from crud and corrosion, but also provides extra protection to the crankshaft etc., against sharp objects and stones when riding off-road.