Crashbars Tourtech or Wunderlich

[wespatterson]

I want to install crashbars on my '95 R11GS and wanted imput on crashbars. So far I've just looked at the Tourtech and Wunderlich bars on-line. Which ones are better or are both equivalent? Input welcomed!

[Rpbump]

Wes, I just installed Wunderlich crash bars on my CLC. Installation is straight forward but my right hand chrome side cover will not fit on the bike. There is no problem with the left cover. I will try switching brackets before resorting to "notching" side cover/bracket. the bar is well made and quite solid when the bolts are properly tightened. There have been reports that chrome plating in Germany is not as good as it once was due to "EPA" regulations in Germany. I keep a good coat of polish on my chrome except for exhausts and have had no problems so far.:) Switching the brackets was the secret/trick that allowed everything to fit correctly.:doh

[Kev95GS]

Hi Wes. :wave

I've got a 95 GS too :clap and was just considering the same thing today while riding.

I haven't looked at them but I know some of the bars have issues with maintenance chores, like changing the oil.

I've also considered Stanton head guards, anybody have any experience with them?

I'll be watching, with baited breath, and reading right along with you.

:thumb

Kevin

[wildwilly]

Hi Wes. :wave

I've got a 95 GS too :clap and was just considering the same thing today while riding.

I haven't looked at them but I know some of the bars have issues with maintenance chores, like changing the oil.

I've also considered Stanton head guards, anybody have any experience with them?

I'll be watching, with baited breath, and reading right along with you.

:thumb

Kevin


Perhaps you may wish to consider crashbars by SW Motech. I bought a set from TWISTED THROTTLE for my '03 GS. They appeared to be better engineered, especially when performing an oil change, and less expensive than either of the others.

Regarding Stanton head guards, IIRC, there was an inquiry about a year ago from which it was mentioned that Stanton no longer offered them.

[knary]

The stanton page is still up on the jimmyjib site. They may still be available. :dunno

http://www.jimmyjib.com/guards.htm

If I had to choose between crashbars and these, I'd get these. Some of the guys that really pound their GS's have found them to be more than enough protection AND most of the other guards leave the valve covers somewhat vulnerable or have other deficiencies.

[jasonTDI]

Mine are touratechs. Yes, you have to lift the tank to disconnect them to do the oil service. PITA? Yes but once you've done t it take 10 minutes to remove the stuff. Not a big deal. Saved my bacon on small parking lot stuff.

[Kev95GS]

I like the Stantons. I think they might help keep from putting a hole in a valve cover while off road.

I guess bars & Stantons would be the best overall. :brow It's only money right?

I've replaced more than one of the stock plastic guards.

Decisions, decisions.

Kevin

[wespatterson]

Hey Guys, thanks for the input so far! The money question is... which bars do not have to be removed to do oil service and offer the most protection?

[FatChance]

We have Hepco-Becker bars on both of our 1150GSs. They provide the most bulletproof protection by far, but they have to have the mounting bolts loosened (not removed) to remove the valve covers or the front belt cover. I've heard of people removing the valve covers with them tightened down, but I haven't been able to duplicate that. But loosening/tightening them for service is no more than a couple minutes.

[knary]

We have Hepco-Becker bars on both of our 1150GSs. They provide the most bulletproof protection by far, but they have to have the mounting bolts loosened (not removed) to remove the valve covers or the front belt cover. I've heard of people removing the valve covers with them tightened down, but I haven't been able to duplicate that. But loosening/tightening them for service is no more than a couple minutes.

Those always made me nervous with that rear mounting point. The fear being that a shock would shear off that bolt that, IIRC, is more than a little important.
:dunno

[wespatterson]

What about the SW Motech bars? They seem nicely priced. Sturdy or just cheap?

[wildwilly]

[QUOTE=wespatterson;318971]Hey Guys, thanks for the input so far! The money question is... which bars do not have to be removed to do oil service and offer the most protection?[/QUOT

The only items which must be unbolted from my SW Motech crashbars is the flat crossmember which reinforces the bars. This member must be unbolted from either crashbar, and from the bashplate/oil sump attach points to permit the removal of the bashplate for access to the oil filter and sump drain. I don't know what could be easier than that. Of course, if you don't wish to go to that bit of trouble, then I'd recommend removing the bashplate permanently. However, if you intend to ride on gravel, I'd suggest keeping your fingers crossed that you don't put a hole in your sump. :bottle

[FatChance]

Those always made me nervous with that rear mounting point. The fear being that a shock would shear off that bolt that, IIRC, is more than a little important.
:dunno

If you hit those bars hard enough to bend and shear that bolt, you've got bigger problems.

[knary]

If you hit those bars hard enough to bend and shear that bolt, you've got bigger problems.

:ha

That's my usual response to people asking if crash bars are a good idea.

Time to go fall down...

[DarkCloud]

The best crashbars are the ones off an Adventure. You can change oil without having to remove them. Unfortunately, they are very expensive and won't work on an 1100GS.

[revkev]

I have a 2008 1200GS and have purchased the BMW engine protectors/bars along with the aluminum head protectors. Are the BMW engine protectors that much more expensive or why do so many go away from them. IIRC the prices for all of the brands seem to be in the same ballpark. I am assuming that since the bars I ordered are made by BMW they will fit well and they won't be a problem with service. I am speaking in ignorance because I haven't yet picked up the bike but the parts, including some from Touratech, Wunderlich, and BMW should be on by now. I ordered some BMW items but those that they didn't carry I ordered from the other two. Can someone enlighten me?