How To Protect Your Touring Motorcycle

How To Protect Your Touring Motorcycle

Now no one wants to crash, but taking the proper precautions in case the worst were to happen can (will) save you a lot of money in repairs. No matter what or where you are planning to ride, protecting your bike from a potential tumble with crash protection is just as important as choosing the perfect route. 

Continue reading to find out how to protect your touring motorcycle in the event of a crash or tumble. We will cover the types of crash protection available, and what you should consider if you’re looking to get some crash protection. Also we will go over what’s best for touring bikes, compatibility and what to think about if on a budget. Let’s dive in.

Types of Crash Protection

First things first: you’ve got a buffet of crash protection options to choose from. Each serves a specific purpose. 

Now this list might seem daunting but don’t worry, you don’t need to go out and buy them all if on a budget. let’s break them down:

Crash Bars

These arguably offer the most protection, albeit they might be a bit of an eyesore. They are metal bars that wrap around the sides of your bike, typically protecting the engine, fairings, and sometimes even your legs. Perfect for touring bikes since they handle road slides and even low-speed drops like champs. Bonus: they make your bike look rugged!

Toe/Chain Guards

Toe or chain guards can act as lifesavers, keeping your toes out of the danger zone and stop any rogue debris from messing with your chain – safety first, folks!

Frame Sliders

These are sleek little pucks that stick out from the frame. They’re designed to take the brunt of the impact during a slide. While they don’t offer as much coverage as crash bars, they’re a solid choice for lighter bikes or more road-focused rides.

Fork Protectors

Think of these as shin guards for your bike – fork protectors shield your fork legs from nasty scrapes and dings if things go sideways.

Skid Plates

Touring somewhere off the beaten path? A skid plate is your best friend. It bolts underneath your bike to shield the engine and oil pan from rocks, roots, or that sneaky curb that jumps out at you.

Bar End Sliders

The unsung heroes of a tip-over, bar end sliders take the hit so your handlebars and throttle tube don’t have to – worth every penny!

Axle Sliders

These little guys attach to your front and rear axles. They’re lifesavers for protecting your wheels and forks during a spill – essential if you don’t want to ruin an expensive set of tires or suspension components.

Engine Covers

Armor for your engine! Engine covers are tough, taking the brunt of a crash, keeping the pricey bits underneath safe and sound.

Hand Guards

Don’t forget your hands! These protect your levers, bars, and – most importantly – your fingers from being crushed in a crash or whacked by rogue branches if you’re riding off-road.

Cotton Reels & Spindle Sliders

Two-for-one magic – cotton reels and spindle sliders protect your swingarm and axles during a spill and make paddock stand mounting a breeze. Handy and heroic!

touring bike going down hill with protection

What to Look Out For When Choosing

Now, crash protection isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. The type of riding you do is the most crucial factor when selecting crash protection. Here are some things to consider while shopping around:

Road Touring

For road-focused riders, crash bars and frame sliders are the dynamic duo. Crash bars protect the engine and fairings from the dreaded parking-lot drop or a slide at highway speeds. Think of them as your bike’s bodyguard. Frame sliders, on the other hand, are like airbags for your frame. They don’t take up much space or weight but offer a solid buffer if you have a slide or crash.

Key Consideration: If you’re tackling a lot of twisty roads, prioritize protection that doesn’t hinder cornering clearance. You don’t want crash bars scraping every time you lean into a bend!

Off-Road Touring

When hitting the trails, the challenges shift – rocks, tree roots, and unpredictable terrain become your foes. In this case, skid plates, engine covers and hand guards are a must. A sturdy skid plate and engine cover protects the soft underbelly and engine of your bike (the engine and sump) from rogue boulders, while hand guards shield your levers and digits from impacts.

Bonus Tip: Look for hand guards with metal reinforcements if you’re likely to tip over. Plastic-only options can crack under pressure.

Hybrid Riders

If you’re a bit of a dual-threat, riding both highways and trails, you’ll need an all-around approach. Combine crash bars, skid plates, and hand guards for a full suite of protection. Consider modular crash bars with removable sections for more off-road clearance when needed.

Durability: Materials Matter

Not all crash protection is created equal. The materials used can make a world of difference in how much damage your bike sustains.

Steel Crash Bars

These are the heavy hitters of durability. Steel can take a beating, whether it’s a parking-lot drop or a more serious crash. Look for powder-coated finishes to prevent rust – especially if you ride in wet conditions.

Aluminium Skid Plates

Lightweight yet tough, aluminium is a great choice for skid plates. Opt for at least a 4mm thickness for off-road use, as thinner plates may dent from larger impacts.

Plastic Sliders

While they’re lighter and often cheaper, plastic sliders aren’t ideal for heavy touring bikes or serious impacts. If you go with these, ensure they’re made from high-strength materials such as Delrin plastic.

Fit and Compatibility: One Size Does Not Fit All

Your touring bike is a finely-tuned machine with unique dimensions, fairings, and accessory setups. Universal crash protection? Usually a bad idea. Here’s why fit matters:

Clearance Issues

Poorly fitted crash bars can interfere with your cornering, luggage racks, or even your riding position. For instance, bars that are too wide might snag on something in tight traffic.

Mounting Points

Touring bikes, like the BMW R1250GS or Honda Africa Twin, often have factory-designated mounting points for crash protection. Stick to parts designed for your bike to avoid weakening the structure or putting stress on the wrong areas.

Accessory Interference

If you’re running auxiliary lights, panniers, or other aftermarket goodies, make sure the crash protection doesn’t block access or require removing these accessories every time you work on the bike.

motorcycle with panniers

Ease of Installation: DIY or Mechanic Time?

Crash protection ranges from “grab a wrench and go” to “why did I think I could do this myself?” Here’s what to expect:

DIY-Friendly

Frame sliders and some crash bars are designed for home installation. Check for clear instructions and videos from the manufacturer. Look for kits that come with all necessary hardware – no one wants a hardware shop run mid-project.

Mechanic-Required

Skid plates or complex crash bars often require partial disassembly of your bike, like removing the fairings or relocating existing components. If you’re not comfortable with tools or lack the right equipment, factor in the cost of professional installation.

Weight: Don’t Overload the Bike

Touring bikes are already hauling your luggage, camping gear, and probably a snack stash. Adding heavy crash protection can affect handling and fuel efficiency. Here’s how to strike a balance:

Lightweight Options

If you’re a road-only rider, stick to frame sliders or minimalist crash bars that offer protection without unnecessary heft

Prioritize Critical Areas

If you’re loading up with armour, focus on protecting the most vulnerable parts of your bike – engine, sump, and levers – before adding extras like axle sliders or fork guards.

Even Weight Distribution

Make sure the crash protection doesn’t throw off your bike’s balance. Poorly designed crash bars, for instance, might make the bike feel heavier.

What’s Best for Touring Bikes?

For touring bikes, crash bars are the first things to think about. They offer amazing protection for your engine, fairings, and legs. Pair them with skid plates if your journey includes gravel roads or unexpected detours. Axle sliders are a smart addition for keeping your wheels intact, especially if you’re on a heavier machine.

And don’t skimp on hand guards! A simple drop can snap a clutch lever, leaving you stranded – or at least dealing with some very awkward shifting.

How To Protect Your Touring Motorcycle

Compatibility with Your Specific Bike

This one’s key. Every bike is a little different, so make sure to double-check that the crash protection you’re eyeing is designed for your make and model. Manufacturers often list compatibility on their websites, but it’s always a good idea to read reviews or join forums for feedback from other riders with your bike.

For instance, a BMW R1250GS will have crash bars designed to fit around its boxer engine, while a Honda Gold Wing’s setup will cater more to its bulkier, low-slung profile. No universal solutions here – it’s all about finding the right parts for your bike.

We offer the ability to filter all products to the ones which only fit your bike, so you’ll have no worries about buying the correct parts.

motorcycle off road

What to Upgrade First If You’re on a Budget

If you’re working with limited funds, here’s the priority list:

Crash Bars or Frame Sliders

These will give you the most bang for your buck by protecting the most vulnerable (and expensive) parts of your bike.

Skid Plate

If your rides include gravel or poorly paved roads, this should be your next investment. It’s cheaper than a new engine, trust me.

Axle Sliders

Small but mighty, these will save your wheels and forks from costly repairs.

Hand Guards

An affordable way to avoid lever damage and keep your hands safe.

Wrap-Up

Protecting your touring motorcycle is an investment in both your wallet and your peace of mind. No matter where you’re going, having the right crash protection can save you from expensive repairs – and maybe even a long walk home.

So, gear up wisely and ride with confidence. 


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