Highway bars are a real benefit for most motorcycles.

Motorcycle Parts: Crash bars, Highway Bars, Engine Guards. They're all names for the tubular piece of steel on the front of the motorcycle that keeps it from hitting the ground when it falls over.

Highway bars make a convenient place to hang motorcycle parts and accessories to. Auxilliary driving lights, horns and footpegs are popular items that can find a home on your crash bar.

Most are made of thick wall chrome tubing in diameters from 7/8" to 1 1/4". Highway bars tend to be similar in design. But I have seen some innovative ones. Some are used to carry oil for cooling, others are used as air reservoirs for air shocks. Another variation is the Lindy bar which has integrated footrests that allow riding with outstretched legs for a change of riding position.

Prices of motorcycle highway bars vary with year and manufacturer. Some can run as low as $99 or as high as a couple of hundred or more.

Although they're standard equipment on the big dresser models, I think they look out of place on high power/high dollar custom bikes.

Installation is easy with some basic tools. I just installed one on a Harley FLSTF. I think most riders could put one on in about 30 minutes. Crash bars can be retro-fitted on almost any Harley including Sportsters.

Motorcycle highway bars are not designed to shield you from side impacts, but sometimes they do provide protection to your legs in some circumstances. They definately minimize harm to tanks if your Harley tips over at low speeds or in a parking lot. When installed on the rear of a motorcycle they can prevent damage to the saddlebags.

Whether you're a novice rider looking to protect your paint, or an experienced tourer who want's more comfort and safety, consider a highway bar as a worthy addition to your ride.


Source: http://www.directparts.com/static/ar...ghwaybars.html