Crashbars: Givi or SW Mo-Tech?

[Necro-99]

I haven't even picked up my Wee-Strom yet, and already I'm planning the accessories.

This bike was meant for crashbars. I don't care if it's going to be a city bike. I want crashbars. (And eventually a skid plate.) As I see it, there the 4 most popular options are:

1. Givi crash bars. I like the looks of these the best. They have a nice, organic shape to them. And I like the way they're coated.

2. SW Mo-Tech Bars. These seem more substantial. I've only seen a few head-on shots of these things mounted on a V-Strom, but it looks like they project farther away from the side of the bike.

3. Hepco & Becker. Can't say I like the looks of these. I like the looks of the Givi and MoTech bars better. These don't seem to with the lines of the bike as well.

4. Pat Walsh Crash Bar/Skid Plate. Ugh. I just don't like the look of this thing at all. It lacks refinement, looks too homemade.

So, my question is, which of these offers the most protection in the event of a tip-over? I'm probably going to go with the Givi bars, unless someone tells me that something else offers superior protection.

Thanks!

Rob

[water warrior]

You might want to consider the versatility factor of the bars. What skid plates will work ?? Can you mount highway pegs ?? Can you mount driving lights or a Stebel horn easily ?

[Necro-99]

Yeah, I do want to go with a skid plate at some point. I'm leaning toward the Adventure Motostuff plate, which seems to be compatable with the Givi bars. I don't see my self ever wanting highway pegs. I actually have a set of high-output horns and the Eastern Beaver wiring kit ready to go (they never made it onto the Hawk)... I was thinking that I'd mount them under the faring somewhere.

[tmcgee]

This bike was meant for crashbars. I don't care if it's going to be a city bike. I want crashbars.

Aesthetics is up to you. I bought HB bars for my first DL650 and they did the job (again and again and again) so I bought another set for my ABS model. I've had to replace a few blinkers, but the HB bars have protected the cowl every time and one cowl costs more than the bars.

[mtlee]

If you're highly concerned about the plastic, the GIVI probably will protect it a little better, as they rise higher over the fairing than the SW-Motechs that I have.

I've had 3 or 4 drops when maneuvering the bike in the garage, so somewhat controlled (i.e. I was hanging on 'til I couldn't support it anymore), and the Motechs have prevented any marks on the fairing. Even the crash bars have had little to no scuffing.

I chose the Motechs because I like their lines - they seem to fit the general lines of the bike better.

[Necro-99]

Do you notice any vibration issues? I'm getting the impression that the SW bars are the least prone to annoying vibes.

[BadTrainDriver]

Just my two cents worth.....

My HB Crash Bars and Amoto Skid Plate look very nice, are solid/no vibrations, and I think they'll stand up nicely if I ever do drop the bike.

I upgraded all the bolts to Stainless Steel, locktited them, and they've not budged since.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a69/csxtrainman/CIMG0620.jpg

[SaPPeR]

Hepco Becker bars and Amoto skidplates on both of our DLs. Drop you DL with Hepco ars and all you will have to replace is a front turnsignal ... my wife knows =P They protect all that plastice very well. No vibs at well over 3 digits ... don't ask me how I know that either :twisted:

My Vee has some dings in the plastic from dumps in gravel and dirt .... Bear Lake beach ... gravel/dirt passes in CO ... places a lot of people say the DLs aren't meant to go :mrgreen: