Crash Bars
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 331
Likes: 3
From: CA
A buddy dropped his RK pretty hard onto the edge of a curb...thought he busted it up pretty bad. When we picked it up I was amazed at the only damage was a few scaratches to his guards and his EGO. He is a pretty short guy and he miss judged the slope. Would have broken his leg I'm sure with out them.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 684
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
My father (who started riding after he got out of the service in 1945, and continued until he died in 2002), never liked them.. and he gave me that bias.
He told me that a friend of his died because his highway bar got hooked on a car bumper at speed down the freeway. That may sound odd to some of you young guys, but way back when, car bumpers were chromed metal jobs that stuck way the hell out away from the body of the car.. and it was actually possible to hook something with them.
Anyway - regardless of this bias, I now own a geezer glide (electra glide actually), and it has a crash bar... and I think it's great. Every time I stretch out and put my feet up on the highway pegs for a long ride, I think of my Dad... and say (quietly) yeah yeah.. shut up Dad...
Regarding our original question... Highway pegs make a long ride a lot more comfortable. Sure, some say they don't look cool.. but in my old age I go for function over form, so I'll just keep looking goofy as I cruise down the road in comfort.
He told me that a friend of his died because his highway bar got hooked on a car bumper at speed down the freeway. That may sound odd to some of you young guys, but way back when, car bumpers were chromed metal jobs that stuck way the hell out away from the body of the car.. and it was actually possible to hook something with them.
Anyway - regardless of this bias, I now own a geezer glide (electra glide actually), and it has a crash bar... and I think it's great. Every time I stretch out and put my feet up on the highway pegs for a long ride, I think of my Dad... and say (quietly) yeah yeah.. shut up Dad...
Regarding our original question... Highway pegs make a long ride a lot more comfortable. Sure, some say they don't look cool.. but in my old age I go for function over form, so I'll just keep looking goofy as I cruise down the road in comfort.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 724
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati Ohio
I kept the front ones, but took off the rear bag guards like a street glide has I too contemplate removing the front ones. Yeah, I guess it's safer with them on, but how much? Guys ride choppers and softails al,l their life without em. It sure does help your bagger take on a more custom appearance.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
I think the thing with the touring bikes is the weight. A couple of hundred more pounds makes a difference in being able to "muscle up" the bike if it gets off kilter. Same with picking it up afterwards. When it happens, you'll be glad you kept them.
took mine off / then put back on 2 days later and added the saddle gaurds too.. will update photo as soon as i get back home next week. i wouldnt do without them.
saddle gaurds also prevents kids from kicking the saddle bag - they dont like the saddle gaurds because it hits the underside of their knee on a bump..
saddle gaurds also prevents kids from kicking the saddle bag - they dont like the saddle gaurds because it hits the underside of their knee on a bump..
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 13,422
Likes: 2
From: Las Cruces, NM
Nope, I wouldn't take them off. I've now found out that they are neither "crash bars" or "engine guards" they are "side inspection stands".......when the bike is over on them it is oh so much easier to inspect and clean the underside of the bike! Don't ask me how I know.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 3
From: Southeastern Michigan
Pro's with bars:
Looks natural on a tourer.
Added safety in a tip over or when hit by road debris.
Place to put Highway pegs and or fairing lowers.
Pro's without bars:
Looks sleek and sexy.
Con's with bars:
Doesn't look sleek and sexy.
Con's without bars:
When you tip her over it'll get expensive fast.
Looks natural on a tourer.
Added safety in a tip over or when hit by road debris.
Place to put Highway pegs and or fairing lowers.
Pro's without bars:
Looks sleek and sexy.
Con's with bars:
Doesn't look sleek and sexy.
Con's without bars:
When you tip her over it'll get expensive fast.
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