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[Exile]

I've been toying with the idea of fitting crash bars to Thumper. On the rare occasion that one finds it necessary to 'step off', as they say, but I thought I would sound out the gentlemen here.


So, my question is, do they offer any real protection or are they merely decorative?


I was considering this one from our hosts (Part no. 200024, page 126)...





With any necessary apologies to Mr. H. for nicking the photo from the catalogue...

[pd110961]

cant help you with an answer, but I quite like the one that is a simple straight bar with ball ends. 2 big jubilee clips and a length of scaffold tube and sorted!

[Les]

I have the bars shown in your post the only thing I was not to happy with was the vertical rail each side protruded up a few inches with a round steel ball on the top could be a hazard and just did not look right so I cut the sticky up bits off and fitted plastic plugs, I doubt if you would get much protection in a real crash but could certainly save the day if the bike is knocked over or bumped into, overall happy with them



[center]



[center]Ammo with crash bars

[Scalyback]

[center]


Handy to put tinsel around at christmas!

But then, they all get that don't they?...

[Ian Martin]

Decorative --- yes, but in a low speed tumble they can also limit cosmetic damage. They won't do much in a sliding up the road at speed situation. Mine have performed very well in protecting me and the panniers in situations when a gravel car park meant I lost my footing and the plot was lost and another time when I thought the side stand was down securely and it wasn't. They are also handy for hanging spot lights , AA badges, and leg shields on at the front and as a secure handle for hoisting the bike unto the centre stand at the rear. Over all I like the idea of crash bars especially when they are designed to protect modern bodywork. I also ride a Valerdero and a simple slide up the road could result in the insurance company writing off the bike due to the cost to a couple of fairing panels and a dented tank. Ian

[Leon Novello]

They could save a leg from being hurt in the even that the bike fell over because of a slip of the foot or the side stand not down properly with the rider still partially on the bike, as mentioned above.

[Gaz262]

Despite making the engine look like it's in prison, I think they are a good idea. Mine has a single, simple rounded chrome bar setup without the three wrap-around bars at the end which would provide a similar sort of of protection should one have to erm, 'part company with the beloved' in a small spill say.

[Exile]

Thanks gents.. I never really expected these to be of much help in a 'crash' situation but I was hoping for a little protection at low speed spills or such. Which is basically what you've all said here. I suppose the term 'crash bar' is a little over the top. I think we should call them 'fenders'. (Think maritime..)


I'll probably go with it and order the bars shortly.

[nigelphoto]

I fitted item no 200023 from our hosts following a silly incident when I stopped to let my missus off the Memsahib seat and lost my footing. If she'd not been there to lift the bike off me . . . well, I'd probably still be in the pub carpark today being fed Guinness through a straw! You can see the bars fitted to my Classic 500 here https://www.flickr.com/photos/nigelphot ... 693858110/

[Exile]

@Nigel..

Lovely photo and a lovely machine. Hope you didn't scratch it when you tipped...


Everyone deserves to see the piccy, so here goes..