Installed ugly chrome engine guard
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
From: Jensen Beach Florida
I agree the engine guard does detract from the "flow" of the bike and is why I bought the HD black guard. It does not stand out like chrome does plus it's one less chrome piece to shine. I have forwards and I can attest that the guard works very well. Bike was dropped at at very low speed and only damage was to front mirror (was able to bend it back in place) rear taillight popped off (pushed it back on) and scratches on windshield which I did replace but was only a few scratches. I took the engine guard to a place that does powder coating and had it re-coated for $50.00.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: meridianville, al.
I have the chrome HD engine....hate the look, but dropped the bike when barely moving and the only damage was left rear turn signal. I am glad I had the guard that day, but it still looks like crap. I am going to have mine powder coated.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
From: Jensen Beach Florida
I have leaned pretty hard into turns and it has not hit yet. So I am thinking the bar will not hit first.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 235
From: Texas
There are two kinds of riders, those who have dropped and those who are going to drop...
I recently had to lay down on a wet road when a cager cut me off coming up to a red light and the engine guard kept the damage minimized...not to mention allowing me to get my leg out from under the bike as I slid down the road on my butt. Yeah, I agree that the engine guard doesn't look all that great, but I can live with the looks considering the safety and damage aspect.
That makes me think...I wonder how many folks who eschew engine guards because of aesthetics but won't get on the road without being decked out in leather, armor pads, and full face helmets...I guess it is all about personal likes and dislikes, ain't it?
I recently had to lay down on a wet road when a cager cut me off coming up to a red light and the engine guard kept the damage minimized...not to mention allowing me to get my leg out from under the bike as I slid down the road on my butt. Yeah, I agree that the engine guard doesn't look all that great, but I can live with the looks considering the safety and damage aspect.
That makes me think...I wonder how many folks who eschew engine guards because of aesthetics but won't get on the road without being decked out in leather, armor pads, and full face helmets...I guess it is all about personal likes and dislikes, ain't it?
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
From: PA
Laid my Bob down 2 days ago. Only damage was the guard and my pride. I'll never ride without one. Kept the bike and my hide in a functional and happy state. I was 70 miles from civilization.. breaking something would have really sucked.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,456
Likes: 2,858
From: SW FL-Jersey Shore Emigre
There are two kinds of riders, those who have dropped and those who are going to drop.....I wonder how many folks who eschew engine guards because of aesthetics but won't get on the road without being decked out in leather, armor pads, and full face helmets...I guess it is all about personal likes and dislikes, ain't it?
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
From: Jensen Beach Florida
There are two kinds of riders, those who have dropped and those who are going to drop...
I recently had to lay down on a wet road when a cager cut me off coming up to a red light and the engine guard kept the damage minimized...not to mention allowing me to get my leg out from under the bike as I slid down the road on my butt. Yeah, I agree that the engine guard doesn't look all that great, but I can live with the looks considering the safety and damage aspect.
I recently had to lay down on a wet road when a cager cut me off coming up to a red light and the engine guard kept the damage minimized...not to mention allowing me to get my leg out from under the bike as I slid down the road on my butt. Yeah, I agree that the engine guard doesn't look all that great, but I can live with the looks considering the safety and damage aspect.
Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,515
Likes: 886
From: Upstate New York
I do like the idea of adding acorn nuts on the bolts but I would also paint them black to blend in.