Protect Your Motorcycle Investment with Crash Bars
October 8, 2009
Most Harley or cruiser riders understand the golden rule about motorcycles. When in doubt, add more chrome.
What’s why many Harley Davidson motorcycles and customer cruisers have crash bars installed. They are a great way to add chrome to a bike and add another layer of protection.
But does it really add protection? No one seems to know.
Here’s where crash bars really shine. Most cruisers are very heavy and can weigh in excess of 800 lbs. Most “accidents” occur when bikers are parking, maneuvering slowly, or making a quick stop. When those accidents occur, the biker tends to tip over on the side.
Crash bars are great for minimizing damage to a bike when it falls on the side. The bars which stick out a few inches wider than the bike hit the ground and prevent the side and engine area from contacting the ground. This protection can potentially save the bike from thousands of dollars in repairs.
Unfortunately, there is very little hard data on the effectiveness of crash bars in other types of accidents. Unlike DOT helmets, there are no regulations or requirements for crash bars. As a result, there are almost no studies to prove their effectiveness.
Detractors of crash bars as a motorcycle safety accessory state that crash bars are only effective in certain type of crashes and only when the rider is still on the bike. Crash bars are useless if the rider is ejected from the bike. Also, a rider could actually get pinned under the bike if they fall under the crash bar
Although there is no data to support this claim, crash bars are generally thought to minimize ankle and foot injuries in crash situations. In terms of rider protection, wearing protective motorcycle gear and a full DOT approved helmet is still the gold standard of rider protection.
Motorcycles, especially Harley Davidson, are major investments so any opportunity to make them look nice while providing protection is a good thing. While crash bars may not protect the rider in a crash, they can surely help protect the biker in the event of a slow speed crash or if the bike is tipped over. That makes crash bars a sensible and stylish accessory.
Posted Under: Motorcycle Products and Accessories, Motorcycle Safety Tags: crash bars, cruiser, DOT approved helmet, Harley, Harley Davidson, motorcycle safety accessory, motorcycles, protective motorcycle gear
Reader Comments
Rented a bike with a crash bar from a reputable Harley Dealer. Upon return of the bike, parked in the lot, i was getting up off of the bike when the stand gave way and the bike began to lean. it rolled towards the pavement against my leg and then the ground. Not with any excessive force. I was still stradled on the bike. Dealer claims that the tab on the crash bar is bent and therefore they must replace the entire frame of the bike!!!!!! Please let me know what your thoughts are on this, they estimate given to me was $4800.00. They weren’t concerned as i had purchased extra insurance but it still cost me $2000.00 Have I been taken for a “ride” by this dealer. I still cant wrap my head around the thought of thousands of Harley owners having tipped their bikes at one point in time or another. Im sure they have not had to replace the frame because of it!!!
Thanks for your comment’s Tony.
I don’t know for sure if you are being taken for a ride but man, that sure sounds fishy. Having to replace the frame due to a biker being tipped over? There must be a cheaper and/or easier option. I’ve talked to dozens of Harley owners who tipped their Ultra, Street, and Road Glides with very few ill effects….Sounds like all that needs to be done is replacing the crash bars.
What sounds even more strange is that usually when the frame of a vehicle is bent, the vehicle is considered ‘totaled’ by the insurance company.
In a recent blog, I commented that no dealer or mechanic is beyond a second opinion. So, I suggest getting one. I’m sure you can go on Craigslist and find an independent Harley mechanic who can give you an opinion or even evaluate the bike.
I also think you should read through the rental agreement carefully. If needed, you may want to call an attorney who can evaluate whether or not you even have any options. Hell, it may even be cheaper for you to buy the bike from them.
Man, I’m sorry this happened but KEEP riding!