Hepco Handguards - single use?

[Dub2shoe]

Hey guys,

 

I'm wondering if my experience with Hepco and Becker handguards is a typical one.

 

I took my t7 on its first off road day since I finally got all the crash protection installed. 

 

I was on a tight trail and ended up tipping over at walking speed once on each side. Later when I stopped at the store, I noticed both handguards were badly bent. See pics. 

 

Since these were pretty expensive, I talked to the online store I got them from (Moto Machines) and they said the handguards worked as intended and I should just bend them back. Since they're mounted onto the handlebar mounts, I'm concerned this will fatigue the metal even more. 

 

Is it typical for handguards on the T7 to become so damaged after one minor drop?   I've had Cycra guards on my DRZ and literally pushed that thing down a mountain without them moving at all.  

 

Thanks!

[Ray Ride4life]

I have the Barkbusters and just had the plastic scratched and broken of a small piece after a fast crash (and bend the OEM handlebar).
Bending metal multiple times is the only reason i ordered a new exhaust, the counter is at 2 for bending it and back again and i'm not planning on keep on counting until i have a problem on a trip.

[Tenerider]

Bending back would be a trail side fix for me - so you could ride on, until a proper repair/exchange is possible.

You have your hand guards bent, so they've absorbed some impact (and did protect your levers and handlebar). But since it's been a slow speed impact, I think they should have nothing more than scratches on them.

[Dub2shoe]

1 hour ago, Tenerider said:

Bending back would be a trail side fix for me - so you could ride on, until a proper repair/exchange is possible.

You have your hand guards bent, so they've absorbed some impact (and did protect your levers and handlebar). But since it's been a slow speed impact, I think they should have nothing more than scratches on them.

I tried to get some kind of exchange/credit and the shop I got them from told me to pound sand

 

Oh well. I've blown $200 in worse ways!

 

I'll look into the barkbusters.  At this point I'm leaning towards ones that don't have the handlebar clamp mount.

[Liquidape]

1 hour ago, Dub2shoe said:

I tried to get some kind of exchange/credit and the shop I got them from told me to pound sand

 

Oh well. I've blown $200 in worse ways!

 

I'll look into the barkbusters.  At this point I'm leaning towards ones that don't have the handlebar clamp mount.

Look at Highway Dirt Bike bars. Super stout

HDB Ultimate Handguards�

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[Landshark]

I have the HB as well.  I'm sure they're good for only one fall but I would bend them back and try and get one more use of them.  A little touch up paint to hide the blemishes and head out again.  

I'll be getting Bark Busters when I wreck these ones.