[BigMan73]

I know it is an issue that was discussed a lot, but I still wanted to get advice.
Saw the Acerbis Rally ProX for $80: (Free shipping if I add $10)
Acerbis Rally Pro X-Strong Handguards - Dirt Bike Motocross - Motorcycle Superstore

The OEM hand guards are no where near that quality but cost realistically $60 online (with shipping). I think that for $20 I should get the Acerbis.

My concern is installation difficulty - I read that the OEMs are easy to install.

How hard is the Acerbis to install? Does it require special tools?
Are there are other brands which are cheap ($80 or lower), strong and easy to install?

 

[Stromin'Nroman]

I had the 'Zuki's on my '07 650 and now have the Barkbusters with covers.

As I recall the Barkbusters might have been an easier install, but they are sold as a kit from Twisted Throttle for more than $80. Considerably more. I think almost twice.

I am not displeased.

 

[BigMan73]

I had the 'Zuki's on my '07 650 and now have the Barkbusters with covers.

As I recall the Barkbusters might have been an easier install, but they are sold as a kit from Twisted Throttle for more than $80. Considerably more. I think almost twice.

I am not displeased.

Thanks - I'm sure they're good.
Saw them, but $150?? wow.
TwistedThrottle.com : Barkbusters VPS Handguard Honda XL1000V Varadero, Suzuki V-Strom DL650 & DL1000 - BB.BHG31

The Acerbis look similar (too my non-expert eyes). Just worried about installation..Also hope the ABS cables on right side don't interfere.

 

[jokermtb]

You're probably going to have some installation issues - seems that the Vstrom's control pod layout/hydro brake takes up so much real estate on the bar, that dirt-bike handguards often interfere and require backyard home depot style workarounds.

Investigate further and you'll see that the Vstrom designed aftermarket handguards have unusual curved mounts to avoid interference conditions. Kinda makes the inadequate Suzuki ones that fit perfectly seem like a viable alternative [for mosquito and moth deflection]. If you don't have 150 bux, don't bother.

 

[BigMan73]

You're probably going to have some installation issues - seems that the Vstrom's control pod layout/hydro brake takes up so much real estate on the bar, that dirt-bike handguards often interfere and require backyard home depot style workarounds.

Investigate further and you'll see that the Vstrom designed aftermarket handguards have unusual curved mounts to avoid interference conditions. Kinda makes the inadequate Suzuki ones that fit perfectly seem like a viable alternative [for mosquito and moth deflection]. If you don't have 150 bux, don't bother.

@Joker, yea, I figured that it is going to be a messy job.

It is not that I don't have it, but there are priorities..
I don't do off-road, and wanted wind protection mainly, but seeing how easily the OEM turn signal shattered from a small no-speed fall, I have doubts that cheap plastic hand guards will last the first fall.

 

[rjwinz]

I used cheap Emgo bar style handguards for years. Had to make a simple bracket to get one side around the fluid reservoir; that was on the stock bars. They saved my levers a fair number of times.

After my get off last fall I installed different bars and the Emgos would no longer fit. I actually have them sitting around somewhere.