Crash Bars
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
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From:
Crash Bars
Earlier today I made my first post, though I’ve been reading and enjoying this forum for a while. Many thanks to all who have welcomed me, as well as to those whose posts sometimes educate or entertain or do both! 
This question will certainly show how green I am, but I am struggling to find an answer. As I wrote in my introduction, I have logged tens of thousands of miles on bicycles but have never driven a motorcycle. In less than two weeks, I’ll be going to a riding school and then purchasing a new Sportster 883 Low. I am a short guy, but well built and athletic. Moving from a 17 pound bicycle to a 550 pound machine is an exciting and somewhat intimidating prospect. My question concerns crash bars—i.e., should I have them installed on the new bike? With a bicycle, my balance is never in doubt, and I never crash. But a Harley is not a bicycle! Would you advise a newbie to add the crash bars so that if a fall over or, more humiliating still, an accidental drop happens, the damage to the bike will be minimal?
Your considered advice, smarta$$ opinions, funny anecdotes, or any other comment is welcomed and will be appreciated.
DarkWater
This question will certainly show how green I am, but I am struggling to find an answer. As I wrote in my introduction, I have logged tens of thousands of miles on bicycles but have never driven a motorcycle. In less than two weeks, I’ll be going to a riding school and then purchasing a new Sportster 883 Low. I am a short guy, but well built and athletic. Moving from a 17 pound bicycle to a 550 pound machine is an exciting and somewhat intimidating prospect. My question concerns crash bars—i.e., should I have them installed on the new bike? With a bicycle, my balance is never in doubt, and I never crash. But a Harley is not a bicycle! Would you advise a newbie to add the crash bars so that if a fall over or, more humiliating still, an accidental drop happens, the damage to the bike will be minimal?
Your considered advice, smarta$$ opinions, funny anecdotes, or any other comment is welcomed and will be appreciated.
DarkWater
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 226
RE: Crash Bars
They don't cost a lot, they are easy to install, and they are easy to remove.
No reason why you could not buy a set off ebay and run them till you are 100% confident that you do not want them anymore. Then just put them back on ebay.
No reason why you could not buy a set off ebay and run them till you are 100% confident that you do not want them anymore. Then just put them back on ebay.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 185
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From:
RE: Crash Bars
Crash Bars will save a lot of damage to your bike if you drop it or crash at very low speeds. I have never dropped my Boy but I have them on anyway. What if you leave you bike parked somewhere and you come back later to find that somee $$s Hole has pushed your bike over!
Crash Bars have a purpose.............
Crash Bars have a purpose.............
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,630
Likes: 1
From: Munford, TN
RE: Crash Bars
Unfortunatly Crash Bars will lead some to believe they are there to protect in an actual crash. I think they should call them Drop Bars, or Got Drunk and Fell Over Bars.
They will definatly help to protect your paint and chrome on an accidental drop. If you want to put highway pegs on them they can make the occasional long trip a little more comfortable on the legs and feet. Don't put them on thinking that "you" are going to be protected with them. So it basically comes down to your own personal likes and dislikes about the aesthetics of them on the bike and any comfort they can provied to you.
It's your bike, do what you want.
Just another .02 for ya to consider,
Rick
They will definatly help to protect your paint and chrome on an accidental drop. If you want to put highway pegs on them they can make the occasional long trip a little more comfortable on the legs and feet. Don't put them on thinking that "you" are going to be protected with them. So it basically comes down to your own personal likes and dislikes about the aesthetics of them on the bike and any comfort they can provied to you.
It's your bike, do what you want.
Just another .02 for ya to consider,
Rick
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,230
Likes: 4
From: Amherst, VA
RE: Crash Bars
I have seen 3 accidents where the crash bars have saved the legs of motorcyclists. All three were from people shoving a motorcycle and rider into guardrails on freeways. You'd be suprised how much that little round tube can do when it comes to a crash.
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
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From:
RE: Crash Bars
Thanks for the advice Rick, and the same to the others who have responded.
If it were simply a matter of aesthetics, I would leave the crash bars off. I think the bike looks best without them. My reasoning in putting them on is purely practical. The guy I've been working with at the dealership says that there are two types of riders: those who drop their bikes and those who someday will.
Is this true? Does every rider drop their bike, especially early in the learning process? If most newbies do, then I am not so arrogant to think that I will unquestionably be the exception (though I'd try like hell to be it).
Again, thanks for your replies!
DarkWater
If it were simply a matter of aesthetics, I would leave the crash bars off. I think the bike looks best without them. My reasoning in putting them on is purely practical. The guy I've been working with at the dealership says that there are two types of riders: those who drop their bikes and those who someday will.
Is this true? Does every rider drop their bike, especially early in the learning process? If most newbies do, then I am not so arrogant to think that I will unquestionably be the exception (though I'd try like hell to be it).
Again, thanks for your replies!
DarkWater
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
RE: Crash Bars
I just bought a set for my low rider at Zanotti's HD on-line. $155. I went to bike night last night and there were about 1,000 bikes there. About 1/3 had them. They are designed for low speed accidents and drops and in my case to alleviate the fear of my kids knocking my bike off the jiffy stand while in the garage. I have a friend whose kid knocked his HD off the stand onto a concrete garage step and did almost $3,000 damage (cracked the engine casting). I like them. Hit my pics for the latest photo.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,630
Likes: 1
From: Munford, TN
RE: Crash Bars
ORIGINAL: Yellotang
I have seen 3 accidents where the crash bars have saved the legs of motorcyclists. All three were from people shoving a motorcycle and rider into guardrails on freeways. You'd be suprised how much that little round tube can do when it comes to a crash.
I have seen 3 accidents where the crash bars have saved the legs of motorcyclists. All three were from people shoving a motorcycle and rider into guardrails on freeways. You'd be suprised how much that little round tube can do when it comes to a crash.
I've got them on my Heritage Classic. Like the looks and like the fact that I can put my feet up to give my legs and back a break on longer trips. But I'm well aware of what can happen if my legs get trapped in them if a cager and I get to know each other a little to well on the road.
Rick
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,230
Likes: 4
From: Amherst, VA
RE: Crash Bars
ORIGINAL: DarkWater
Thanks for the advice Rick, and the same to the others who have responded.
If it were simply a matter of aesthetics, I would leave the crash bars off. I think the bike looks best without them. My reasoning in putting them on is purely practical. The guy I've been working with at the dealership says that there are two types of riders: those who drop their bikes and those who someday will.
Is this true? Does every rider drop their bike, especially early in the learning process? If most newbies do, then I am not so arrogant to think that I will unquestionably be the exception (though I'd try like hell to be it).
Again, thanks for your replies!
DarkWater
Thanks for the advice Rick, and the same to the others who have responded.
If it were simply a matter of aesthetics, I would leave the crash bars off. I think the bike looks best without them. My reasoning in putting them on is purely practical. The guy I've been working with at the dealership says that there are two types of riders: those who drop their bikes and those who someday will.
Is this true? Does every rider drop their bike, especially early in the learning process? If most newbies do, then I am not so arrogant to think that I will unquestionably be the exception (though I'd try like hell to be it).
Again, thanks for your replies!
DarkWater