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Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



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  • 1 Post By Tim Cullis

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  #1  
Old 31 Mar 2020
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Handguards
I have the standard BMW handguards on a 2004 GS, however, these are quite flimsy and are actually just wind deflectors and offer no protection. I looked at Barkbusters, these are somewhat expensive. Are there other alternatives with a metal frame?
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Old 1 Apr 2020
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You haven't said what model GS you have. The original purpose of these was to stop branches of trees and bushes from messing with the clutch and brake levers. No sure what you are after with 'protection'. Those who ride offroad and expect to occasionally drop the bike often have the handguards quite loose so they move with the crash rather than get damaged.

There's lots of handguards on the market, just google for 'motorcycle handguards'.
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Old 1 Apr 2020
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The KTM branded ones are basically Barkbusters as I understand it. BMW I couldn't tell you, but I figured the OE seal of approval was worthwhile when I was buying.

Other than that most of the hand/lever guards you'll find out there are universal ones, Acerbis do lots for MX, and Cycra is another brand that comes to mind. Just bear in mind if you do buy universal ones you may have issues with clearance to instruments, levers, cables etc.
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Old 6 Nov 2020
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bark busters rule !!
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Old 7 Nov 2020
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Barkbusters are good. But £100+ for an bent aluminium bar with some moulded plastic is complete Adventure tax and a rip-off.

Acerbis Rally pro are what everyone used to fit before Barkbusters became trendy. They're about £65. And they're very good.

But even they're expensive for what they are. I just buy Generic handguards off Ebay.. They're exactly the same. Do the same.. And they're about £25

That's all they should cost anyway.

Here's an example.. But search harder for your specific requirements.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MOTOCROSS...YAAOSwnfZbxzwg


One benefit of the Barkbusters is that they sell bigger hand covers. The Stormshields. Which in cold/wet climates are much better than the smaller ones.
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Old 7 Nov 2020
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The trouble with a lot of cheapy handguards is the clearance for your levers .and most are not wide enough .

You get what you pay for in life !
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Old 10 Nov 2020
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Quote:
Originally Posted by badou24 View Post
The trouble with a lot of cheapy handguards is the clearance for your levers .and most are not wide enough .

You get what you pay for in life !
Fitted hundreds of them. Never yet had that problem.
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Old 10 Nov 2020
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I've fitted precisely three (3) hand guards, and on each I had to do some adjusting to clear levers. "Adjusting" in this context means bending in a vice or stomping on then judiciously while gripping with vice-grip pliers. Not a big deal, but worth being prepared to do this just in case.
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