The first thing I installed on my new 2019 Harley Softail Slim last August were engine guards/ crash bars . I figured they might just save the bike from some damage or save a leg . Well last week I was on a back road here in Western PA came to a stop sign on a decent grade to make a right turn . I have stopped here many times over the years . Stopped at the sign put both feet on the pavement and there was a dip in the road and some loose gravel and down I went . I'am only 5"7 tall . Two guys behind me came out of their cars to help me pick-up the bike, laying on a hill no way I was going to lift it by myself . Damage , big scratch / gouge on the black engine guard , small scratch on the right foot pedal , 3-4" long scratch on the bottom muffler guard and the right brake assembly was loose and crooked . No damage to the engine, not even a scratch on the air filter cover . Best $235.00 I ever spent . The first time I ever dropped a motorcycle , I was embarrased and will not tell my wife because I don't want to hear her shi....t .

 

Do you have a link to the guards that you purchased?

Trying to find ones that aren't so wide. I saw some that were narrow and maybe a tad wider than the foot controls but only for the new M8 models. Assuming the engine guard mounting points have changed since the older TC

 

I have been there and done that and seen it even more times. Gravel on an off camber surface can mean disaster especially if your short in the inseam. People give me crap for adding bag guards on my street glide all the time. I haven't dropped a bike in probably 10 years but I did it then and will probably do it again now that I am getting older. They prevent a lot of expensive stuff from getting damaged.

I wouldn't have told the wife either.

 

Bradford, I texted you wife and will send her pictures. ( just kidding) 😀 Glad you’re ok and so is the bike.

 

No worries man, if you ride long enough things happen good think no injuries and not much damage. I will never bust a guys ***** who lays it over or tips it, I've been there those that say they never have ,never have as of yet

 

I drop mine all the time. They got 2 wheels. All 3 of my bikes have guards. With hard saddle bags, I would hate to pay to replace. Also gives you something to hold on to. I have no problem picking up baggers. Though hills can be a problem.

 

https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/e...kit/p/49000139 , Engine Guard kit , part # 49000139 , comes in black or chrome . Fit my 2019 Softail Slim , do not know about the earlier TC ? Thanks

 

Better check the tab on the frame where the engine guard mounts on top. Sometimes on a Softail, the guard bends that tab & if it does, I believe the insurance company considers the bike totalled. If the tab is bent, Make the claim now before it gets too late.
The reason why I don't like engine guards on Softails.
Not sure if M8 Softails have that tab, TC & Evos do, but better check.

 

But bike is not really totaled, so who cares? You could use at as an excuse to get a new bike maybe, or atleast some money. But that may not go how you think.

I suppose if you sell/trade bikes often is an issue, maybe. But so is replacing damaged parts so you can sell it.

 

my boy had a similar experience last year with his dlr, i bought him the engine guards for his birthday and strongly recommended he put them on right away....he's glad he did