i was messing around and removed the front crash bar. i like it. i also want to remove the rear crash bar but need to get the brace kit. i know it saves alot from damage if the bike falls over but i am not concerened about that right now.

 

Looks nice!

 

Of course it looks nice,but you know the rest of the story,don't think it can't happen to you,once daughter was getting on,I wasn't paying attention,over it went,second time was in my shop lifting the bike with a under frame handel lifting device,got off balance over it went,no damage both times,was resting on the crash bar,saw my friend go to move his bike from the gas pump,his foot slipped out from him in some spilled gas,over it went,no damage,it landed on the bar.Looks or function your call.

 

Most times, if you keep the bars on the only thing that gets damaged is your ego, but that self heals over time. It's a chance you take and you have to weight the risk / reward for yourself.

 

What do I think?
I think I'd like to see more of your avatar

 

YEA, but the GIF version where's shes wigglin' n' jigglin!

 

i know the bike falling over can happen at any point. i just want to see how it looks with them off. i would like to take the back ones off but need to get the brackets for the bags to do so.

 

Well put! +1. Weigh the risk vs. reward. Very nicely stated. It does look good. But I remember my little slip at the Buffalo Chip campground on a muddy dirt road going to my tent to get out of the rain. Guy pulled in front of me to turn, I hit the brakes to avoid him and down in the mud I went. Didn't do any damage at all, crash bars saved the day. I never thought for a minute I'd ever really need them. But they definitely saved the day. Yea I was muddy, pissed, and wanted to shoot the idiot that pulled in front of me. But he stopped, helped me get up, and apologized saying it was totally his fault. No real damage, so what are you going to do. Wash the bike, ride on. But it would have been a bummer with a dented gas tank, broken mirror, busted turn signals, passing lamps broken or bent, busted or bent controls, shifter, brake, clutch, or broken....you get my message here. Your call.

 

I like the look and I know you're not worried about it now but you'll be hating life if your bike ever tips over on it's side.

Just my 2 bits,
Krusr

 

This is probably the only topic that ensures more pro/con debate than the one on helmets!

Sure looks nice without the guard though! I've often wondered why HD markets the Road Glide and Street Glide without the saddlebag guards since it's a sure bet that if the bike goes over that the saddlebags will take a hit. Same for the front guard, but it would be the fairing or handlebar that would get it. I've taken mine off a time or two, and really liked the improvement in appearance. But then I read all these posts and put it back on for fear of what would happen without it.

Then one guy commented that's was the purpose of insurance. But with a $500 deductible, I couldn't justify the risk. I dunno....