Crash Bars and mounting points - The technical side of things

[pgeldz]

Hey everyone!

 

I've been researching crash bars, and was was wondering how/why companies do the mounting, specifically from an engineering point of view.

 

Wanted to get everyone's perspective on the different crash bars I'm considering, specifically the MOUNTING POINTS of said bars, and how it affects load and impact during use (crash).

 

I've narrowed it down to 4 companies, for various reasons, and highlighted the mounting points of each with Red circles.

 

 

GIVI - I like that it's almost like the Yamaha design, but more minimalistic, and doesn't interrupt the Tenere 700 logo on the fairing, but still protects the radiator.  

 

Mounting:  It only has 2 mounting points.  One on the upper bar, and one ON the bar.  The one ON the bar has a crossbar going behind the headers to the other side to triangulate.

 

Concern:  Is it enough?  Since it's not braced further back, will those two vertical bars bend?  If they do bend, it looks like they are not a part of the frame, and easily replaceable.  Also looks like the motor us untouched because it's not braced to it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

YAMAHA- Like the GIVI, but goes further up the fairing.  Hate how it intersects the Tenere 700 logo.

 

Mounting:  Similar to the GIVI, but it adds another mounting point on the two tabs sticking up out of the engine case.

 

Concern:  Will those two tabs on the engine case break off or crack on a hard hit?  If so, you'd need a new engine case?

 

 

 

 

 

 

SW Motec- I like this one a lot.  The lines don't mess with the Tenere 700 logo, it comes up enough to protect the radiator, and at the top, it bends slightly further away from the fairing so if the bike is on its side it's further away from surface rocks, etc. 

 

Mounting:  Like Yamaha, but instead of having the rear mounting point on the two tabs sticking out of the motor casing, it mounts to a lug sticking out of the head of the motor.

 

Concern:  The lug sticking out of the head of the motor is connected to a triangular brace bolted to the frame. Is seems like it would be strong, but would a hard hit damage the head of the motor?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adventure Spec- I like the looks of this one a lot.  Great coverage, follows the lines perfectly, doesn't obstruct the logo, and it's lightweight, but strong aluminum.  

 

Mounting:  Has one mounting point like all the others on the upper tube at the bottom of the fairing, but only one more on a bracket near the headstock.

 

Concern:  The upper mounting point seems like it could get easily tweaked since there would be a lot of leverage in the head stock area, especially since it's on a bracket.  However, since the bars are made out of aluminum and not steel, maybe they would bend or crack before any headstock damage could be done?  Also, the headstock area in general make mounting a fender or light bar possibly more difficult.

 

 

 

 

 

Ok, those are my OCD thoughts on the matter.  What are your thoughts on all of this?

 

 

- Paul

 

 

Edited July 10, 2020 by pgeldz

[sbeck09]

I researched this a bit and looked my bike over carefully for this exact topic. I was going to make my own aluminum crash bars before finding and purchasing the Adventure Spec set. The aluminum is nice because it "gives" a little rather than bending right away like steel. Also, the primary point of impact for the way the bike usually falls is almost directly over the frame mount AS uses. That's a really beefy section with 2 large bolts and a primary engine mount all at one single junction. The upper portion is more for stability of everything. In the worst crash, yeah it would probably tweak, but a bad enough hit will cause all kinds of issues regardless of what company you choose. Just keep the weight down and don't out ride your skills.

 

To the further credit of AS, they openly show pictures of them crashing on their stuff. I haven't seen anyone else be that transparent. I also haven't seen a single permanently bent or damaged AS equipped Tenere. You will also find pictures of people running high fenders because there is still adequate room.

 

Hand guards will also help a bunch in minimizing side impacts. I'll happy pay $100 for bent bars if $300-500 in body parts are saved along with not having a ruined radiator stranding me.

[Flyinbrianbmx]

Makes me feel a little better about buying the Adventure spec. I was going for lightweight, so it met all my needs. but I agree the way its mounted on the front if I were to run straight into something, I'm sure it could rip the headlight off. Granted I probably wouldn't be walking out of a crash like that regardless of crash bars or not, lol.

 

[Adrenolin]

I went with the Outback Motortek CBs myself. They have 4 mounting points in total with 2 front cross braces, the top one being a mount point to the front frame. The bars come back further, mounted with 2 bolts and not into the engine which I didn’t like. During the install these were the last bolts I installed as I had to lift them a bit to align properly.. which was really the only install issue. Aside from this the install was fairly simple.

 

They have videos of the bike being pulled by a side by side, falling over on each side and being dragged a good distance without damage. I couldn’t imagine any of the other bars being more stout really.

 

I’ve seen reports and pics of at least 3 OEM CBs that have bent so those were just out of the question for me. 

 

 

[Adrenolin]

This pic shows the OB CB Mount points and the order in which I installed which differs from their video instructions. I’ll admit I was a bit peeved during the install but knowing to just leave those 2 rear bolts out until the end makes it very simple. I’d put these up against any of the others for durability. I’ll be adding a couple of the aftermarket clamp on sliders as well which stick out a bit more and take the damage before the bars. Hopefully they keep the bars in decent shape and are cheaply replaceable. 
 

 

[sbeck09]

6 hours ago, Adrenolin said:

This pic shows the OB CB Mount points and the order in which I installed which differs from their video instructions. I’ll admit I was a bit peeved during the install but knowing to just leave those 2 rear bolts out until the end makes it very simple. I’d put these up against any of the others for durability. I’ll be adding a couple of the aftermarket clamp on sliders as well which stick out a bit more and take the damage before the bars. Hopefully they keep the bars in decent shape and are cheaply replaceable. 

 

The one observation I see from your photo is you could never run a high fender kit. I know not everyone will want that, but it's worth considering if the thought has crossed someone's mind while searching for options.

[Limey]

20 minutes ago, sbeck09 said:

The one observation I see from your photo is you could never run a high fender kit. I know not everyone will want that, but it's worth considering if the thought has crossed someone's mind while searching for options.

I have the Outback bars with the Camel high fender kit. And the fitting of the bars and high fender was no problem.

Edited July 11, 2020 by Limey

[pgeldz]

All good points.  I'm still undecided.

 

On the one hand, I like the GIVI, because it's like having frame sliders but with radiator protection.

 

I like the SW Motec because of the lines, and the way it goes outward the further up the bars go, keeping the bike off the ground a little more when it's on its side, but I still feel a little uneasy about the one mounting point on the head of the motor.

 

I really like the Adventure Spec because of the coverage and clean lines, but it's SO tidy to the fairing, the fairing will make contact if the ground is the slightest bit uneven.

 

Ugh, I can't decide!!!

 

What I really want is the GIVI, but with a better looking bend on the top bar, that goes parallel to the decal, like the SW Motec.

 

[Louis]

On flat ground  crash bar work very well,  uneven  ground and a well placed rock will cause damage. Lightweight Adventurespec, barkbusters and R&G case protection for me. No problems so  far.

[Toei]

12 minutes ago, pgeldz said:

I like the SW Motec because of the lines, and the way it goes outward the further up the bars go, keeping the bike off the ground a little more when it's on its side, but I still feel a little uneasy about the one mounting point on the head of the motor.

 

I really like the Adventure Spec because of the coverage and clean lines, but it's SO tidy to the fairing, the fairing will make contact if the ground is the slightest bit uneven.

I don't have a T7 yet, but I'm wondering if hand guards will tend to keep the fairing off the ground somewhat?  It would be nice to see some photos of contact points with a bike on its side.  

 

I was set on the SW bars myself, until I just learned on advrider that they are 12 lbs.  Now I'm wondering if I could get away with the Touratech lower guards and Barkbusters.  

[Adrenolin]

2 hours ago, sbeck09 said:

The one observation I see from your photo is you could never run a high fender kit. I know not everyone will want that, but it's worth considering if the thought has crossed someone's mind while searching for options.

I actually have Cory’s HF kit, just haven’t installed it yet. It does indeed fit just fine as stated above. 

 

I have engine guards from TripleClamp as well as the crash bars. While my bike will mostly see street use it’ll also get tossed around off-road as well and it’ll be crashed many times. Light weight is all well and good but I tend to build a bike for durability. I’ve seen T7s fall over and damage the side fairings and brackets below. I’d rather the protective bits and accept the extra weight as a result. 

[Matth]

Good topic, overall if your a fast rider the. Likelihood of a fast get off is higher so the strongest bar with the most coverage will be higher up the list, personally i trail ride so went with the yamaha ones which are probably the best ones for what i do ( and my bike came with them)  

[TennesseeTenere]

11 hours ago, Adrenolin said:

I went with the Outback Motortek CBs myself. They have 4 mounting points in total with 2 front cross braces, the top one being a mount point to the front frame. The bars come back further, mounted with 2 bolts and not into the engine which I didn’t like. During the install these were the last bolts I installed as I had to lift them a bit to align properly.. which was really the only install issue. Aside from this the install was fairly simple.

 

They have videos of the bike being pulled by a side by side, falling over on each side and being dragged a good distance without damage. I couldn’t imagine any of the other bars being more stout really.

 

I’ve seen reports and pics of at least 3 OEM CBs that have bent so those were just out of the question for me. 

 

 

I agree one hundred percent with @Adrenolin   Like everyone else,I spent a lot of time( you know waiting for my bike to show up) on you tube and forums trying to decide on which ones to go with. Having decided on OutbackMotortek I couldn’t be any happier with my decision. The quality and fitment were exactly as I had hoped for and checked all the boxes that were important to me. You would be doing yourself a favor to at least consider OM crashbars along with the others on your list. They may be just what you are looking for as well. OM has an excellent YouTube with plenty of information. I know it isn’t crash bar related however I would like to add that I have Outbacks Skid plate, rear rack, and pannier racks as well. High praise for those products as well.  Best of luck picking the ones that are right for you. You have laid out some good choices. 
Keep the sunny side up and the rubber side down. 

[TennesseeTenere]

4 hours ago, Limey said:

I have the Outback bars with the Camel high fender kit. And the fitting of the bars and high fender was no problem.

Thanks for the info  @Limey.  I have the same crashbars and was worried about fitment  issues when deciding on who’s kit to go with. This definitely helps me in making that decision.  Looks great.  
 

Cheers

[pgeldz]

So it looks like the Outback Motortek bars have a flat bar across the front and a high fender is a non-issue.  I didn't really consider the OM because I just don't like how they look, in general.

 

The Adventure Spec bars are round in the front, so I'm not sure a high fender will clear.

 

I'll have to sleep on it for a bit and let this all simmer before I decide, but great points and discussion so far!

[sbeck09]

On 7/11/2020 at 5:23 AM, pgeldz said:

So it looks like the Outback Motortek bars have a flat bar across the front and a high fender is a non-issue.  I didn't really consider the OM because I just don't like how they look, in general.

 

The Adventure Spec bars are round in the front, so I'm not sure a high fender will clear.

 

I'll have to sleep on it for a bit and let this all simmer before I decide, but great points and discussion so far!

AS clears a high fender. I've seen photos and I'm about to install my HF kit with the AS bars already mounted. Not a problem.

[pgeldz]

All good stuff so far!

 

I'm still waiting on what R&G comes up with.  I use pretty much all their products on my street bikes and race bikes, and I understand they are coming out with crash bars for the Tenere 700 as well.

 

Curious to see what they look like and how they mount.

[al700]

R&G are already offering crash bars for the Tenere 700...

[Colddog]

Outback Motortek lower engine guards, tripleclamp case and water pump covers, OM skid plate.  This with Barkbusters and I'm gold!

[pgeldz]

18 hours ago, al700 said:

R&G are already offering crash bars for the Tenere 700...

They didn't have pics on their website until recently, and even at that, it doesn't show the mounting all that well.  They are out of stock for at least 6 weeks also from what they told me.

 

Was hoping to see what they looked like close up, before I pull the trigger on anything.

Edited July 14, 2020 by pgeldz

[qInvention]

On 7/10/2020 at 8:05 PM, sbeck09 said:

To the further credit of AS, they openly show pictures of them crashing on their stuff. I haven't seen anyone else be that transparent.

SW Motech also show their equipment being tested, although I have to admit it's not on a T7: 

 

That was one of the reasons why I decided to buy their stuff.

[LeoB]

On 7/10/2020 at 8:29 PM, Adrenolin said:

I went with the Outback Motortek CBs myself. They have 4 mounting points in total with 2 front cross braces, the top one being a mount point to the front frame. The bars come back further, mounted with 2 bolts and not into the engine which I didn’t like. During the install these were the last bolts I installed as I had to lift them a bit to align properly.. which was really the only install issue. Aside from this the install was fairly simple.

 

They have videos of the bike being pulled by a side by side, falling over on each side and being dragged a good distance without damage. I couldn’t imagine any of the other bars being more stout really.

 

I’ve seen reports and pics of at least 3 OEM CBs that have bent so those were just out of the question for me. 

 

 

I can only confirm that! Givi bars are made of pudding

[freeride]

Hello,

I have mounted sw motech crash bars on my bike 

Problems:

 1)  the cross bars ( connection between left and right size ) does not fit with the aftermarket dominator header. i had to ask a metal worker to make a custom one to fit.

 2) once mounted, I realized that those bars are fully on the way of my knees: bad news! I am 1m89cm and I have to seat back on my saddle to seat comfortable: that does not work for me!

 

[advrallymoto]

3 hours ago, freeride said:

Hello,

I have mounted sw motech crash bars on my bike 

Problems:

 1)  the cross bars ( connection between left and right size ) does not fit with the aftermarket dominator header. i had to ask a metal worker to make a custom one to fit.

 2) once mounted, I realized that those bars are fully on the way of my knees: bad news! I am 1m89cm and I have to seat back on my saddle to seat comfortable: that does not work for me!

 

 

Your knees hit?  I'm 192cm and I don't have that problem.  Are you sitting very far forward on the seat?  

 

.

.

.

 

I'll give my input on the SW Motech bars:

 

-Yes, they're heavy.  I haven't mounted any others, so I can't compare in that regard. But they are hefty.  I think that may be a good thing considering I've seen others bending and causing further problems.

-I had SWMotech bars on my KLR as well and I liked the quality.

-I appreciate the way they take aesthetics into consideration as well as protection.  

-They seem to be protecting the important bits (radiator, plastics, engine).

-Installation was fairly smooth.

 

As far as the critique of the SW Motech mounting points above :

 

On 7/10/2020 at 10:57 PM, pgeldz said:

I like the SW Motec because of the lines, and the way it goes outward the further up the bars go, keeping the bike off the ground a little more when it's on its side, but I still feel a little uneasy about the one mounting point on the head of the motor.

 

It doesn't just have one mounting point to the head, it has two.  The upper front mounting point goes through the frame and into the motor.  The upper rear mounting point goes into the motor.  The lower point mounts to the bar that is tied into the lower frame rails.  With the connection between the two, they seem VERY sturdy.  I would venture to guess they are some of the most sturdy crash bars, with the price you pay being weight.  I rode before and after and haven't noticed a great difference.  Though weight is one of my main concerns....so if I find that these are very overkill and I find a better design, I will trade them out.  

[kainic]

I don't have a bike yet so I am just looking for now and SW Motech are bars that I am keeping an eye on along with the Puig set.  It looks like Puig bars also attach similar as SW Motech?

Edited June 21, 2021 by kainic