Crash protection, you might think you’ll never need it, and hopefully you don’t! But hindsight is a wonderful thing, you’ll thank yourself if the worst should happen and you have crash protection for your sports bike and it’s protected against scuffs (or worse). Crash protection acts like a good suit of armour, it’s all about mitigating the damage if things go sideways (literally).
This blog will show you the crash protection available for your sports bike, highlighting what to think about, and what’s worth your hard-earned money.
Types of Sports Bike Crash Protection
There’s a fair range of crash protection bits for your bike. Here’s the main kit you’ll come across:
Frame Sliders/Bobbins
These are the bread-and-butter of crash protection for sports bikes. They stick out from the bike’s frame and take the brunt of a slide, sparing your fairings from becoming a cheese grater on tarmac.
Engine Case Covers
These shield your engine casing from grinding into oblivion during a slide. A damaged engine case can leak oil everywhere, ruining your day, or your trousers…
Bar Ends
Simple but effective, these protect your handlebars and levers. Keeps them from snapping if the bike hits the ground.
Fork Protectors
Little sliders that attach to your front forks. They stop the bottom of your suspension or brake callipers from being ruined.
Swingarm Protectors
Same as fork protectors but for the back end, keeping your swingarm and rear axle in one piece.
Tank Pads
These won’t save your tank from a crash, but they’ll fend off scratches from your gear or a tumble.
What to Look Out For
When you’re choosing sports bike crash protection, it’s not just about grabbing the first thing that fits your bike or looks good on a product page. Here’s a proper dive into what you should keep in mind:
Your Riding Style
Your riding habits play a massive role in determining what kind of crash protection you need. Let’s break it down:
Road Riders/Commuters:
Priorities: Versatility and practicality are essential here. You’re more likely to deal with low-speed drops at junctions or car park mishaps, so frame sliders and bar ends can provide good coverage.
Key Features: Aim for protection with robust materials and designs that protect the widest areas of the bike, like handlebars, engine, and fairings. Additionally, items like bar-end sliders are great for keeping your brake/clutch levers intact.
Tip: Consider your environment. If you often ride in busy traffic, having bar-end protection is invaluable for filtering through narrow gaps, reducing the chance of damage if you knock anything.
Track Riders:
Priorities: Lightweight, aerodynamic gear is key. On the track, you’re more likely to be dealing with high-speed slides. Fairings, engine casings, and rear suspension are most at risk, so gear like crash bobbins, engine case covers, and fork/swingarm protectors are must-haves.
Key Features: Look for slim, unobtrusive designs that won’t compromise lean angles. Bolt-on options that don’t require fairing modifications are ideal for those swapping parts between track and road use.
Tip: If you regularly attend track days, check with the organisers about any specific requirements for crash protection, as some circuits may have rules for what’s mandatory.
Material
The materials used in crash protection are critical to its performance when it comes to mitigating damage. Here’s what to look out for:
High-Density Plastics:
Pros: These materials absorb impact well and can deform slightly to dissipate energy. Commonly used in frame sliders and fork protectors.
Cons: Cheaper plastics can be brittle and may snap on impact, which can transfer forces to other parts of the bike.
Billet Aluminium:
Pros: Strong and lightweight, aluminium is commonly used in engine case covers and swingarm protectors. It resists abrasion and can take a beating without cracking.
Cons: More expensive than plastic, and if it’s not well-designed, it might not absorb energy as effectively as some composites.
Steel or Alloy (Crash Bars):
Pros: Extremely durable and great for riders looking for full coverage, particularly ideal for touring and adventure bikes. Would also offer great protection on your sports bike, but might ruin the look slightly (if you can deal with that!)
Cons: Heavier than plastic or aluminium and not as sleek for sports bike applications.
Rubber Components:
Often integrated into designs to absorb vibration and minor impacts. These are ideal for protecting delicate areas like mirrors or controls.
Pro Tip: Always choose products from manufacturers that disclose the materials used. Avoid anything vague like “high-quality plastic” without details, it can be code for cheap materials.
Mounting Points
Where the crash protection attaches to your bike is just as important as the protection itself. Poorly designed mounts can cause more harm than good. Consider these factors:
Strong Anchoring Points:
Ensure the sliders or protectors mount to robust parts of the frame, like engine mounts or swingarm pivot points. Avoid kits that bolt onto weak or unsupported areas, as they could snap or bend during a crash.
Force Distribution:
High-quality crash protection is designed to spread the impact across a wider area, minimising stress on any single part of the bike. Look for descriptions mentioning “load-spreading brackets” or “energy-dispersing designs.”
No Interference:
In rare cases, some protectors require trimming or modifying fairings to fit, which might not be ideal for everyone. If you’re not keen on hacking up your fairings, look for kits specifically designed for your bike. These often come with spacers or extended brackets to avoid the need for trimming.
Design and Quality Assurance
This is where the real difference between quality protection and cheap knock-offs becomes clear. Pay attention to:
Real-World Testing:
Reputable manufacturers often test their products in simulated crashes or lab conditions, providing detailed data about their performance. You might be able to find this information on the company website or even the product description if curious.
Engineering Features:
Good crash protection is designed to deform slightly under stress. This might sound counterintuitive, but that deformation absorbs the energy of an impact, preventing it from transferring to your bike’s frame or engine.
Precision Fitment:
Products should be machined or moulded to fit your specific bike model without gaps or excessive force during installation. Precision not only ensures better performance but also makes installation far easier.
Protective Coatings:
Aluminium or steel parts should be anodised or powder-coated to resist corrosion, especially if you ride in all weather conditions. Unless you are buying cheap knock offs, most protective parts will have an element of corrosive resistance.
Manufacturer Transparency:
Be careful with overly vague descriptions or generic “universal fit” claims, although these might seem the best as – in theory – they should fit any bike, they might not fit or work as well as dedicated protective parts specific to your bike. A reputable manufacturer will offer clear fitment guides and customer support for questions.
What’s Best for Sports Bikes?
For sports bikes, the priorities are lightweight, aerodynamic protection that won’t interfere with performance. Frame sliders and engine case covers are top of the list, they’re practically essential. Fork and swingarm protectors come next, as sports bikes tend to have pricey suspension and fancy rear ends. Bar ends are great too, as they’re inexpensive and can prevent a lever snap ruining your day.
Crash bars? They’re not as common on sports bikes due to weight and style concerns, but if you’re prioritising full coverage, they’re worth considering.
Compatibility with Your Specific Bike
This is critical. Every bike is different, so you’ll need to ensure the protection fits properly. Check if the product is listed specifically for your make and model. Some manufacturers offer “universal fit” items, but those can be hit or miss as mentioned. If in doubt, look for installation guides or reviews specific to your bike.
Also, check that adding crash protection won’t interfere with other bits, like your fairings, exhaust, or footpegs. In rare cases, some kits might require trimming your fairings, worth knowing before you grab the saw.
Budget Upgrades – What to Get First?
If you’re on a budget but still want some protection, here’s what we’d prioritise:
Frame Sliders: They’re your first line of defence and protect the most expensive bits.
Engine Case Covers: A cracked engine casing is no joke—it’ll stop your bike in its tracks and cost a fortune to fix.
Bar Ends: They’re cheap and prevent snapped levers, which could leave you stranded.
Fork Protectors: Suspension repairs are pricey, so these are a solid next step.
Final Tip
Always fit crash protection properly, don’t take any shortcuts. A poorly installed slider or loose bar end can cause more harm than good. If you’re not confident with a spanner, our motorcycle fitting centre will sort you out, but if you’re not in the Wrexham area, your local bike shop will be able to help.
Sports bike crash protection is a bit like insurance, you hope you’ll never need it, but when you do, you’ll be thankful you invested.
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