Crash Bars
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,421
Likes: 108
From: Tennessee
My view on this is with the "engine guard" removed and if my RK fell over, I would be cryin' at the dealer parts counter purchasing the pieces that were damaged. It wouldn't take many items to run up a sizable bill.
A fellow I know let his scoot without bars fall over and that softball size indention on the side of his fuel tank convinced me that engine guards are good!
A fellow I know let his scoot without bars fall over and that softball size indention on the side of his fuel tank convinced me that engine guards are good!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 1
From: Deep South Texas
I like the look with them off, but when my sportster fell over in the garage and did over $500 worth of damage I can only imagine what it would cost to repair a touring bike.
It is your ride, you only live once so do what you feel like doing.
It is your ride, you only live once so do what you feel like doing.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Beary
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From:
I have a 2009 RK - with the bars on - and before that a Super Glide. The Super Glide flopped over on me several times: kickstand not fully down, foot slid on some sand, etc. I could pick it up with no damage except to ego. When I got the RK I wondered "what if this sucker goes over?" Well, it did when I pulled over to make some inputs to my GPS. My foot hit some sand - and flop! No damage - except to ego again (I am, following all this down time, a very humble guy). The big question was how to get it back up. I did it, but let me tell you that if it was flat on it's side and not on the bars: NO WAY. You really need to start from a 45 degree start or else be a really strong power lifter!
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Years ago I rounded a curve and hit loose pea gravel on the pavement road. My bike went right out from under me. I remember the sensation of watching the long string of sparks flying behind me as I slid down the road. I also remember thinking that my leg was under the bike with the rest of my body on top riding it out. When we came to a stop I was amazed that I didn't have a scratch on my leg. The crash bar held the bike off the pavement just enough so that my leg never touched. Convinced me!
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 33
From: TEXAS
Yeah, damage the crash bars and not the bike. Big difference in cost. It will fall over sometime.
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 630
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake VA
My$.02 take em off..and don't crash, lost mine the day after I picked up my StreetGlide...Took them off my 05 RoadGlide and my 99 ElectraGlide before that never missed them...and the bikes looked better...IMO
