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Let's Talk Crash Bars, what brand do you Have?

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Discussion starter · #21 ·
tried to order the altrider lower bars yesterday from revzilla...they posted a notice regarding the 2015 R1200 GS that 2 different frames had been made for that model and depending on how many holes in the frame I needed to order either the 2013 bs or the 2014 and up.....I had the 1 hole model but then another notice popped up that said if I had the std skid plate I would have to order the skid plat bracket as well ($15). I decided to call altrider and called about 10am their time the girl that answered stammered somewhat at my question, "if I install your skid plate bracket, do I have to remove it or a crash bar in order to change the oil?"....she finally said she would speak to a tech guy and call me back. after couple of hours I decided to send an email.......nothing yet when does not speak well of their customer service....maybe I learn soothing today or go with the tourtech...
 
#22 ·
Altrider Bars

I recently installed the Altrider Bars and skid plate on my 16 1200GS. The brackets are required regardless if you mount the skid plate or not. Just make sure, if you mount both, that you only purchase one set of brackets. Their skid plate does allow for draining oil and removing the filter. The system is very substantial and relatively easy to install.

I communicated with their Seattle home office folks when I mad my purchased through their European distributor. I had quick response and great service.

Good luck!
 
#24 ·
Based on reviews I went with the SW Motech bars on my 15 R1200GS lc, because they are strong, fit tight to the engine, and allow valve adjustments without having to remove them. I mated these with an Altrider skid plate and have been pleased so far.[/SIZE][/SIZE][/B]
 

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#25 ·
justwant2ride said:
x7289155 thank you for the vid of your bike, what a great set up! however, you have made my "want list" even longer, my wife will black list you for this. :wink2:
what bag is that where you removed the rear luggage rack? I have no plans of ever doing "2 up" and the xtra space would be handy.
thanks to all for the replies, a-shopping I will go.....:nerd:
Click to expand...
i just saw your post!.. i never get notifications on this forum.

my rear bag is an OGIO tail bag, from amazon, it's amazing, and super affordable.

fits really nicely and i can FIT TONS OF STUFF IN THERE!.

https://www.amazon.com/ogio-110091-...e/dp/B0036GGFV8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489526806&sr=8-1&keywords=ogio+tail+bag

I think i paid $49.. for it.. it was like on sale, i dont remember.. but it's amazing and beats lots of other tail bags outthere.
 
#26 ·
JetSpeed said:
I have a standard 2013 GS with the OEM lower crash bars and Touratech uppers.
The BMW crash bars are garbage as far as strength goes, they are stainless and fit/look good but otherwise almost worthless.
I broke the right crash bar when I was pushing the bike on the grass to get it in the shed, it could not have been a lighter drop.
Photo is after I repaired it with a marginal weld job, BMW would not warranty it.
Click to expand...
they are not pure garbage, u just need the reinforcement bar. i think u maybe had a bad weld.
i dropped mine several times with no problems.
 
#27 · (Edited)
x7289155 said:
they are not pure garbage, u just need the reinforcement bar. i think u maybe had a bad weld.
i dropped mine several times with no problems.
Click to expand...
As far as I'm concerned they are, they are expensive and I shouldn't need a reinforcement bar. There are much stronger bars on the market that are all less money, BMW also doesn't stand behind them.
I'd never recommend them, they are the worst of the all the crash bars on the market in my opinion.
 
#28 ·
JetSpeed said:
As far as I'm concerned they are, they are expensive and I shouldn't need a reinforcement bar. There are much strong bars on the market that are all less money, BMW also doesn't stand behind them.
I'd never recommend them, they are the worst of the all the crash bars on the market in my opinion.
Click to expand...
well if it did not come stock on my bike, i would not buy them i agree.
but if u already have them, they are not trash. just reinforce it.

why waste it
 
Discussion starter · #29 ·
what was I thinking? just installed my lower altrider crash bars last week.....at my rate of riding, in 1 1/2 weeks I will be up for my 24,000 mile service. bmw dealer says they have to take them off for the valve adjustment.....duh? :surprise:
 
#30 · (Edited)
justwant2ride said:
what was I thinking? just installed my lower altrider crash bars last week.....at my rate of riding, in 1 1/2 weeks I will be up for my 24,000 mile service. bmw dealer says they have to take them off for the valve adjustment.....duh? :surprise:
Click to expand...
The crash bars come off easy enough and it only adds about 15-20 minutes max to the job, there is a 99% chance at 24k miles that your valves will not need any adjustment, you might want to consider learning how to check the valve clearance yourself if you don't already know how, the tools required are minimal and the task is simple.
 
#31 ·
Mine GS came with the Hepco and Becker chrash bars, lower and upper.
The looks and fitting is perfect, BUT the rust protection was so unbelievable bad..!
Mine allready started to rust on numerous points.. while it was just three years old.
I contacted Hepco and Becker, provided them with pictures of the rust, and they wrote back,
that I could have a discount of 100euro's on a new one..!

Ofcourse I thanked them for that..
 
#32 ·
Wunderlitch/Krauser

Ive just ordered the Wunderlitch/Krauser lower bars. Here in Australia they are about $150 cheaper than the BMW ones and are all stainless steel construction so (apparently) if the bike goes down just need a quick rubdown and good as new! I'm a road rider but we do have quite a lot of dirt roads outside the cities here so am putting them on for peace of mind, i have no intention of serious off-roadng do don't intend to test them out.
 
#33 ·
I also have the wunderlich/ krauser stainless steel lower crash bars ( designed in partnership with hepco becker) on order for my 2016 r1200gs. Price was comparable to the bmw lower crash bars. Like the look and minimalist design. Almost exclusively an on road rider.
 
#34 ·
bars, bars and more bars

Have the sw motech bars fitted in black, even the guy at BMW service desk said how good they looked over the bmw ones. The plus side with the sw motechs is i can put my legs up on top of them for a stretch ROFL0:)
 
#36 · (Edited)
Puig!

Well I'm going for the Puig lower engine guards. I'm mostly interested in head protection from a tip over. I'm sure there are better ones at a higher price. I'd need knobbies before I'd need the hardcore ones.

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/puig-lower-crash-bars-bmw-r1200gs-2014-2017

Follow up:

I got the Puig bars. I elected to keep them for general tip over protection. I'm sure Hepco & Becker and Toura-techs would be better for non Starbucks adventures.
 

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#37 ·
A couple of poster were saying that the BMW & Touratech crash bars are junk. I would have to disagree. Here is a pick of my bike just after I drop it over in some mud. Doing about 15 MPH. No damage to the bars or valve cover. I have sense installed the Touratech uppers. And no rusting. Just saying.....
 

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#38 ·
Crash Bars + Cylinder Head Guards Anyone?

I just got a brand new 2017 GS Premium, and need to decide if I will have just the crash bars installed or if I bite the bullet and get the bars + cylinder guards combo. I will not be doing a lot of off-roading, mostly fire roads occasionally, but even so just every now and then.

Does anybody have a view on whether or not to install both?

Thank you!

BR Rider from São Paulo, Brazil
 
#39 ·
Just my experience, and nothing drastic, but had a 0 mph parking lot tipover to the right.
BMW crash bar worked, did not bend, mounts did not break. minimal cosmetic damage to upper part of the bar-may be able to buff out. Was not a real challenge for the bars, but on my 09 roadster I had SWMotechs, that bent VERY easily. They would've bent in this 0 mph tipover I think.
I understand protection is the keyword here, but cosmetics of the bars is important also. Both bars protected in the minor tipovers they were exposed to.
 
#40 ·
Regarding the crash bars and guards, I have dropped my bike 4 times. All at nearly standstill. First time with only engine guards (https://machineartmoto.com/r1200gsa/2013-2014-gs-2014-adv_lc/x-head_lc/), then the lower bars (http://www.altrider.com/altrider-cr...der-crash-bar-and-skid-plate-system-for-the-bmw-r-1200-gs-water-cooled/pid/1383). Other than some localized scuffing on the drop area, no discernable issues/damage etc.

Now, 2 times (I counted!) while riding on dirt, I've had 2 rock impacts hit my cylinders, and the cylinder guards saved the day! Other than very minor scuffing, no damage etc.

I recommend a engine cylinder guard AND engine guards. Saved the day.

Kam
 
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