Crash Bars (Engine Guards)

Crash bars, also called engine guards or engine bars, are tubular steel bars bolted to the frame on each side of the engine. If the bike falls over, they take the impact and keep the engine covers, cylinder heads, radiator and bodywork off the ground. They can also leave a little space for the rider's leg.

They are especially popular on adventure bikes, boxer-engined BMWs, tourers and cruisers, where heavy bikes are often dropped at low speed on gravel or when parking. Upper crash bars also protect the fuel tank and fairing, and many have mounting points for auxiliary lights.

Crash bars are designed for tip-overs and low-speed falls, not high-speed crashes. Choose bars made specifically for your model and check the mounting points after a fall; bent bars should be replaced, and a hard hit can also stress the frame mounts.