Crash Bar Hunt

[ChrisP]

I've recently acquired an '83 R65 and am hunting down a set of crash bars for it.  I know these are scarce and was wondering if anyone here had some input on tracking a set down.

[montmil]

Post up your request in the Trading Post section where others are also looking for the bars.

[ChrisP]

Thanks!  Will do.

[Red_Hen]

Also suggest IBMWR dot org under airhead parts, ADV Rider, BMW MOA and eBay

They're out there - just gotta be patient and find the right set.

[NC Steve]

There's a nice set on IBMWR, but they seem a bit pricey, at least to me. Also a set on Ebay that are scuffed up, but priced right. Nothing on MOA today, but I didn't think to check ADV rider, good suggestion...

[georgesgiralt]

Hello !
They're still available new from BMW shop :
 46 71 1 240 413 left   108,73 € chrome (less for the black one)
 46 71 2 301 820 right  108,73 €
 46 71 1 237 759 x2    14,59 € x2
 46 71 2 302 080 x2   3,02 € x2
46 71 2 302 079 x2    3,96 € x2
Plus some nuts, washers and bolts...
So if you do not find them used you can get them new in a week or so and free delivery in Europe as the parts ordered total is above 75€  

[fbenach]

What do you guys think about these kind of crash bars?
Although I find them nicer than the original stock bars on my beemer, I do have concerns about how "safe" they are for the heads...

Thanks!!

[steve hawkins]

Looks to me that they will rotate round at the first sign of any drop with any forward motion.  

All that weight for very little protection when you need it.

I am not a fan - as you might have guessed - of crash bars of any type.

But if you like Chrome decorations......

Just my opinion - sorry if it grates....

Cheers

Rev Light

[bruce_launceston]

The OEM crash bars rotate and dent the rocker covers or at a minimum bend even if dropped at slow speed.
I used to bend them back with my foot so they were not exactly strong.

I've ditched mine and don't bother with them anymore.

The only thing they were good for was mounting driving lights to.

[NC Steve]

...and for preventing the bike from landing completely on its' side in case of a whoopsy, thus making it easier to stand back up again. Also, they may help to prevent various other damage as well, such as to valve covers. They could possibly make a difference in preventing costly fuel tank dent and ding repairs too.

I've never thought of them as "crash" bars" per se, but they are able to help minimize damage in some situations. Of course, though, I'm speaking of the more traditional triangulated bars, not the very nice looking wraparound units. For those, beyond appearance, please disregard all the above!  

[steve hawkins]

Now I see that they are indeed triangulated.

Still won't find a place on any of my bikes.

In fact I think I have a rusty set in the loft...where they will probably stay.  Took them off the R100.

What could be called a 'Marmite Mod' - You either love them or hate them.  No in between.....

[Luca]

Less damage to the valve covers etc. if you drop it in a parking lot...

More damage to the frame (possible motor mounts) and maybe the cylinders if you drop it at any kind of speed.  Those wraparound units look like they'd do a number on the lower cylinder fins, unless that's just the angle of the picture...  not to mention that if they get bent back far enough, your ankle could become part of the engine guard assembly.

My bike came with a set, but one of the bars kept the valve cover from coming off, so I had to undo a motor mount just to check and adjust my lash.  They didn't last long.  Now they are sitting in the garage... but not gaining rust since I thought it would be a great idea to repaint them before I got the bike together.    [smiley=wall.gif]

Plus, our short-stroke boxers enjoy a greater lean angle than the big boys.  Who wants to mess with that?

[raypond]

I'm with Bruce Launceston....only good for mounting driving lights.

I've fallen off twice, once with crash bars once without. I was going quite a bit faster the time I had the crash bars on but all it did was bend back until it hit the rocker cover. It did take a fair beating as it slid along the road but a new rocker cover would have been cheaper than a new crash bar.

Otherwise the same damage both times: mirror, headlight, pannier, pride.