Installing BMW R1200RT engine guards

[blueridgerider]

How difficult is the install of the BMW engine guards (or cylinder head guards)? I have a new Rt and it seems I should do something to add some protection of the cylinder heads....at least in the event of a tip over.

Any help in understanding what's involved is appreciated.

[AKBeemer]

Installing the BMW black valve cover protection is more involved than one would think when viewing them already mounted. It requires removing a bunch of the tuperware to do the job correctly. That being said, the instructions that come with the guards are detailed and easy to follow. Should take a couple of hours and you'll need some Torex sockets and a torque wrench. Hey, the bike isn't really yours until you've seen her naked. I'm no super wrench and did not find the job overly taxing.:thumb

You can get the guards on without removing any of the plastic, but you will not be able to torque the fasteners and you may nick the paint. Do it the right way, you'll learn something.

Also, think about what other farkels you may want to add that will require removal of some of the plastic so you only have to do it once. An oil cooler cover, for instance, will also require removal of much the same plastic and more.

[kbasa]

If you've got one of those little low torque drill drivers with a torx bit, it's a lot easier to do.

[stealthrider]

I put mine on in less then an hour... Follow the direction as stated above and it's that difficult.

[airoilheadbeemerguy]

You are obviously doing things in reverse order! You first tip over,:nono scratch up a bag & valve cover, curse and then look into purchase of cylinder protection. I'm going to start using hindsight before foresight from now on. I installed Wunderlich cylinder bars from Santa Cruz BMW. Took about forty five minutes to install, does not require removing anything on the bike. Imho, they look like original equipment and will allow for adding running lights etc. I looked at other makes of bar but they all interefered with removal of the valve covers, the Wunderlich does not. Cost was about $350

[tcate]

You are obviously doing things in reverse order! You first tip over,:nono scratch up a bag & valve cover, curse and then look into purchase of cylinder protection. I'm going to start using hindsight before foresight from now on. I installed Wunderlich cylinder bars from Santa Cruz BMW. Took about forty five minutes to install, does not require removing anything on the bike. Imho, they look like original equipment and will allow for adding running lights etc. I looked at other makes of bar but they all interefered with removal of the valve covers, the Wunderlich does not. Cost was about $350

+1...
Same story exactly...

TC

[Bob1100RTC]

You don't have to take off the tupperware to put on the BMW guards. Take out a couple screws and pull it back. That said, I put on the Touratech crash guards, They offer a lot more protection and actually look good.

[blueridgerider]

Thanks for all of the replies and shared experiences. I like the looks and functionality of the Wunderlick bars. It seems some others have had some interference problems with the lower body panels. I would think if they are well designed ($350+?) that shouldn't be a problem. How prevalent of a problem does it seem to be?

[Bob1100RTC]

Mt touratechs touch the plastic in a couple places. They give clear plastic tape to put on in those areas. I like the look and protection. Especially when I forgot to make shure the kickstand was fully extended and layed the bike on its side. I got their kickstand extension as well makes a big difference on soft ground.

[airoilheadbeemerguy]

Don't know how prevalent it is, can only speak for me and my bike. The lower bar just barely(repeat barely) misses the fairing lowers. Imho, the farther out the bar, the less strength to protect, seems like a reasonable compromise to me. I put on tape on both sides, unless you scrunch down and take a close look it won't be seen. Have had the bars on now for several thousand miles & no problems. It cost me as much to have the bag and cover repaired. Have also ordered bag scuff protectors from A&S BMW in Roseville CA, just waiting for the mailman to deliver. Ordered a spray bomb to color match them to bag. :ear

[wsteinborn]

Touratech engine guards:
http://www.dustyjacket.com/mc/r1200rt/guards1.jpg http://www.dustyjacket.com/mc/r1200rt/guards2.jpg

Now I can take of the plastic valve cover protectors, and sell them..........

[Bob1100RTC]

I left mine on. I don't think they look that bad. Maybe when I adjust the valves I'll leave them off. Do you think the valve covers will come off with the bars on? I haven't tried yet but I'm coming up on the valve adjustment so I guess I'll find out soon.

[reimerdavid]

Thanks for all of the replies and shared experiences. I like the looks and functionality of the Wunderlick bars. It seems some others have had some interference problems with the lower body panels. I would think if they are well designed ($350+?) that shouldn't be a problem. How prevalent of a problem does it seem to be?

Sir: I installed the Wunderlick bars on my 2007 R12200RT and the bars chaffed the lower fairing panels. It is my opinion that a well engineed part should NOT touch,rud,or chaff in anyway. I returned them to Santa Cruz BMW with no problems. I have since installed Touratec cylinder covers, not their crash bars, with great success. I bought the black units and they look great.

[dancogan]

Sir: I installed the Wunderlick bars on my 2007 R12200RT and the bars chaffed the lower fairing panels. It is my opinion that a well engineed part should NOT touch,rud,or chaff in anyway. I returned them to Santa Cruz BMW with no problems. I have since installed Touratec cylinder covers, not their crash bars, with great success. I bought the black units and they look great.
There are probably manufacturing tolerances, both in the bike and the bars, that cause ill fitting bars on some bikes. I installed the Wunderlich bars on my '05 RT, and although I'm not very good mechanically, I got them to fit without chafing. Installation took some time, though. :doh

[cruisincruzan]

I have had both the Wunderlichs and the Touratech (presently) crash bars on my '06 RT. I like the stainless steel finish of the Touratechs better, but for me of more importance was that the TT have a longer straight section which gives more options for mounting highway pegs (I have Kurakyn switchblades).

[MPATROVSKY]

I've got them on my 06 RT and have mounted Hella FF50s and highway pegs on them and they don't rub or cause any problems. I haven't tried a valve adjust with them yet.