Inzane 17

German Extra-Large Engine Guards / Crash Bars

Started by Glaserbeam, Mon 22, May 2017, 18:22:56

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Glaserbeam

Bought these off eBay from a German distributor.  I like their appearance, and installation wasn't bad, once I got translations off the net to see which bolts/washers/spacers went in each position. 

Here's the left side.  I'm not liking how close the bracket bolt is to the #4 header (similar situation on the right side at the #3 header), see 4th and 5th photo, but not a deal-breaker:







The problem is the front upper bar of the right side guard.






If that bar was bent 1" rearward or 1" downward, there would be no problem, but a local welder said that bending the bar would crack the chrome off.  I can cut 3/8" off the end so it's not in direct contact with the inlet hose, but I still fear that a tipover will end up breaking the inlet stub off the radiator.

I've asked the distributor to ask the manufacturer to evaluate my photos, but no response yet.  I wonder ... could the European models have a different radiator configuration?  ... or did the manufacturer simply value symmetry over function?

Ken

Bighead

To each his own, personally I don't care for them but if I were worried about a tip over and breaking the inlet off, I probably wouldn't be taking it out of the garage. Not trying to be a wisennhiemer but you are thinking of a what could be not a what is.
1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing

Hook#3287

It looks like that top attach point is pretty strong.

If you tip over hard enough, that the tube breaks the radiator, a broken radiator probably isn't going to matter much.

Savago

Looks sharp, I liked it.
:-)

Do you have the link to the distributor/manufacturer?



Savago


Jess from VA

Each to their own, those guards remind me of training wheels for some reason.

Unless you completely tumble your bike or hit at very high speed and bend or break the guards, the engine guards protect the valve covers very well, alone.   

Glaserbeam

#8
Mr. Bighead,
My point is that a protection guard should protect things and not introduce its own risks of damage. And it would have cost them nothing to design it right and make the slight modification I suggested.
I posted this so members could see this item they may have never seen before, and make an informed decision ... the eBay listing only had one photo, which is of the "good" (left) side.
Ken

Harryc

#9
@Glaserbeam, thanks for this thread. I appreciate you taking the time to keep us informed.  Great pics too.

97BLKVALK

Quote from: Harryc on Tue 23, May 2017, 15:51:27
@Glaserbeam, thanks for this thread. I appreciate you taking the time to keep us informed.  Great pics too.

Thanks for sharing Glaserbeam.  Hope you make to Inzane to see them in person :cooldude:

Michael
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.

1997 GL1500C - Black
1997 GL1500C - Purple
1997 GL1500C - Bumble Bee
1998 GL1500C - Blue and Cream

Wayn-O

I like the look of these larger guards, and from a practical standpoint, if your bike was ever to go over, it's gonna provide more protection.  If I had some extra cash I'd pick myself up a set.  Thanks for sharing.
2000 GL1500C Valkyrie 
2003 VT1100C Shadow Spirit
1998 VT1100C Shadow Spirit
1983 VF750C V45 Magna