Engine Guards (Crash Bars)

Engine guards, also called crash bars, are strong tubular frames bolted to the motorcycle's frame around the engine and sometimes the fuel tank and fairings. If the bike tips over or slides, the bars take the impact instead of the cylinder heads, covers, radiator or plastics.

They are especially popular on adventure and touring bikes and on boxer engines, whose cylinders stick out. Off-road bikes use a bash plate (skid plate) under the engine and frame guards instead. Many crash bars also give useful mounting points for auxiliary lights.

Choose bars made for your exact model, fit them with the specified bolts and torque, and check the mounts after a fall – a bent bar or bracket may not protect the second time.