My dad insists there some sort of bars you can put on a bike, similar to engine bars, that protect your LEGS from getting crushed if you go down. Has anyone heard about/seen these things?

Thanks,
Kel

i think that's what some people refer to frame sliders as.

however, they arent created for the purpose of protecting your legs, some people just think that.


what i read, anyway  :mrgreen:

Back in the good old days when motorcycles were jacks of all trades, large crash bars were available from aftermarket suppliers.  These units were generally one size fits most, and attached to the frame with u-bolts.  They were so wide that highway pegs fit so that they folded inward with plenty of clearance.  Perhaps you could find an old rusty universal one in a junkyard somewhere.

As an example, check this out from the Royal Enfield accessory site.  Not only does it list this one (that appears to be an exact fit), but it also lists several others, including rear crash bars  that bolt on behind the rider.  

I've tipped a GS over and unless you got fat Albert Legs the engine itself kinda leaves a lot of room in between the bike and yourself.

ONE SOLUTION:

Wear your leathers.





I went down at over 80kmh and the bike fell right on me, I was wearing full leathers, lid, and racing gloves... nothing more than a few bruises and sore muscles... the bike is not heavy enough to crush your legs should you go down at speed... unless you go out further than the bike and it slams back into you, and then crash bars would not be any safer either.

The ONLY way I would EVER consider crash bars would be if I were on the track, and it wouldnt be big bulky crash bars... just a small bolt on to the frame so that the engine casing wouldnt be damaged in a crash. Other than that, wearing gear is your best bet.

1) Suzuki used to sell engine guards for the GS500.  Maybe they still do...?

2) Srinath is fabricating a batch of his own design.  They're supposed to be MUCH stronger than the Suzuki units.  See the message thread Case guards being made....

3) I have some rather unique guards made by a German (I think) company called Five Stars.  See my recent post on the topic.

I think what he is referring to are something like highway bars for cruisers. They are big hoops that go out on the front downframe for 1. stretching your legs out on long rides 2. protecting the frame/body from harm on a layover. I guess they are protective but I think they'd look absolutely absurd on a GS. Just My Opinion tho...

OK, you've forced me into it.    I'm gonna have to release a few more pictures from my trip to India.

Check out the "guards" on these bikes:







EDIT: Changed links from sisna.com to bbburma.net

Hey Kerry, I think those are along the lines of what my dad was talking about. I have absolutely no intention of getting something like that for my bike, though an engine guard and/or frame sliders would be worth considering.  

-Kel

I think your Pops is thinking of ol' Harleys or big ol' Jap standards that weight half a ton (literally). They had a tendency to pin the rider underneith them but a wee little GS isn't likely too. Big wide crash bars are more likely to cause you to wreck in the first place because of the reduced ground clearance than be of any help afterwards.  Either tell him to bugger off, or if you insist on humoring the guy, find a set of the OEM suzuki case guards.

I'm getting alot of mileage out of this pic lately...

Thanks everyone for your input. I think what my dad is suggesting is more hinderance than help for me.  

-Kel

Quotea wee little GS isn't likely too

one can almost bench press the GS500 hehehe

i think the feature that your dad is looking for...has doors and 4 wheels

in a crash it's better to get away from the bike than hang on for the drag....