I have a very nice chrome heavy built 1 1/4" crash bar that looks to be HD brand that came with my bike. It was not on the bike. So for the last few years, I have been kicking around selling it. Then looking at it again I started thinking about putting it on. Thoughts are it might make the bike a little tougher to get in and out of tight spots, but the thought of a light tip over might save a lot of damage. Just wondering how many have a front crash bar on their ST bikes and if they have ideas of any Pros and Cons of them.

 

Put it on. The likelihood of a tip over, at some point, is high. Especially if you practice slow speed U-turns and maneuvers as you should. It can save a lot of damage.
Plus I think my Heritage Classic looks naked without it.

 

You'll never know how much you like crash bars until you drop the bike while maneuvering around the garage or a parking lot. Not only will it prevent expensive damage to your pipes or primary cover, but it makes picking up your bike a LOT easier as it will only fall onto the bar instead of laying on its side.

 

Well, if you’re not using it as designed, to protect tip over and thats a matter of when not if, sell it. It’s not good in a crash…don’t even know how that retarded label ever came to be? But two options. Put it on or sell it

 

Groovy foot pegs are bolted to mine.

 

I removed one from my deluxe as it has a sidecar and looked wrong. I put it on my slim for the look alone and love it. The slim has streched fenders.

They take all of 10 minutes to fit. Just fit it and give it a try. If you don't like remove and sell. You've lost 20 minutes but have the right answer for you!

 

+ 1 post 6.

Test drive to discover if the guard's width will be a hindrance.

Good luck with your decision.

 

Yes, it looks like it will take longer to find the three bolts in my bolts bins than to install it. Personally, I think I will give it a try. Now, after I smack one of the cars backing out of the garage with the thing - I'll blame you guys.

 

Surely you mean thank us for without the crash bar your car would have smacked the bike.
Priorities!!!

 

From an aesthetic perspective;

I like the engine guards on the FL softails and have one on my Heritage. They seem to go with the footboards and heavy front end.

I don't like the look of the engine guards on the FX softails, and don't have one on my FX springer. They don't seem to go with the forward control foot pegs.

From a practical perspective:

I can only speak for the full sized ones, never had the "mustache" variety, but it absolutely prevents some damage in a low speed crash or tip over.

I was hit by a lady at a stop light. She hit my front end and knocked my Heritage over, right out from under me. I ended up sitting on top of my bike, with it on its side..

I had damage to the windshield, front fork, and a scrape on the saddlebag. The engine guard took the rest of the damage, and there was not one scratch on the front fender or fuel tank...

I've seen first hand that they do work...