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Crash bars or head covers?

Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2021 10:27 pm
by Stu
As above really


What and why?


My 2016 has head covers already but I am wondering if I should fit crash bars instead? do they offer more protection?

Re: Crash bars or head covers?

Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2021 7:35 am
by bushbikie
Both! Head covers to protect from rocks, crap, etc, thrown up from the road. Engine bars to provide additional protection in the event of a slow speed tip-over.

Re: Crash bars or head covers?

Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2021 8:50 am
by Stu
bushbikie wrote: Both! Head covers to protect from rocks, crap, etc, thrown up from the road. Engine bars to provide additional protection in the event of a slow speed tip-over.

Both it is then  :))


Has anyone had any issues with rear bars interfering with pillions feet? I have heard some people mention it with certain bars

Re: Crash bars or head covers?

Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2021 10:34 am
by Casbar
sakm wrote:
Both it is then  :) )


Has anyone had any issues with rear bars interfering with pillions feet? I have heard some people mention it with certain bars

Have a look at Illium rear bars, you can fit with any front bars. They are low so don't impact passengers calves and they are quickly removable if you ever ride without bags. There is a UK distributor. sportouring.co.uk

Re: Crash bars or head covers?

Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2021 7:10 pm
by Stu
Casbar wrote:
Have a look at Illium rear bars, you can fit with any front bars. They are low so don't impact passengers calves and they are quickly removable if you ever ride without bags. There is a UK distributor. sportouring.co.uk

Yes I have seen those


I also saw the price!  :))  but needs must  :D

Re: Crash bars or head covers?

Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2021 1:08 am
by wbunning
Casbar wrote:
Have a look at Illium rear bars, you can fit with any front bars. They are low so don't impact passengers calves and they are quickly removable if you ever ride without bags. There is a UK distributor. sportouring.co.uk

I just did exactly that. I went with Wunderlich engine bars for a couple of reasons.. the mounts seemed stronger than Ilium, and I had a couple of price-reductions that got them into the garage at about $40 US less than Ilium. But I strongly favored the Ilium rear bars for their ease of removal when riding without the panniers.


My feeling is that the bars offer more protection for the plastics in the event of a tip-over, and have the advantage of offering placement for highway pegs. The rear set is helpful in lifting the bike up on center stand. I’m in the camp that believes none of the bars or valve cover protectors are of significant value in a real crash.

Re: Crash bars or head covers?

Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2021 7:28 pm
by Stu
wbunning wrote:
I just did exactly that. I went with Wunderlich engine bars for a couple of reasons.. the mounts seemed stronger than Ilium, and I had a couple of price-reductions that got them into the garage at about $40 US less than Ilium. But I strongly favored the Ilium rear bars for their ease of removal when riding without the panniers.


My feeling is that the bars offer more protection for the plastics in the event of a tip-over, and have the advantage of offering placement for highway pegs. The rear set is helpful in lifting the bike up on center stand. I’m in the camp that believes none of the bars or valve cover protectors are of significant value in a real crash.

To be honest the engine bars would be the least of my worries in a crash as they are usually a waste of time and can do more damage than good!


I am more interested in drops than anything else really