| Author | Message | ||
     Sanjuro |
Not a big deal, but the flimsy plastic bar-end plug and fastener for the handguards, I've been looking at alternatives. In part, just to switch things up a bit and them being prone to falling off. Not a must, but I've been considering the Palmer bar-ends, or swapping out the plastic and mounts assembly all together (looking at the Barkbusters) as alternatives. What are some alternatives that you've been happy with and would recommend? (Message edited by Sanjuro on March 04, 2021) | ||
| Dtaylor |
I replaced the OEM wind guards with the Barkbuster universal two point mount kit and Storm wind guards. They've hit the ground countless times with dirt naps and driveway tip overs in the past 10 years. The Uly's now my secondary bike, so it's sporting shiny new wind guards in case I decide to sell it. When I was running stock levers, the Barkbuster's aluminum backbone interfered with the brake lever end a bit. That was solved by sliding the MC/brake assembly inboard a few millimetres. https://barkbusters.net/what-fits-my/buell/xb12x-ulysses/storm/two-point-mount/    (Message edited by dtaylor on March 09, 2021) | ||
| Panhead_dan |
What you call flimsy I call very well engineered. When designing a part, we need to consider what happens when the part is subjected to stresses during and outside of normal use. If it's made of steel, for example, and there is an impact, what happens? Does the stronger material transfer the stress to the handle bar, damaging the bar or does part absorb the impact, preventing further damage? Does the guard deflect wind and weather from the hands? There are also cost and weight to consider. I'm no engineer but I really like the way my Buell handguards react when I do stupid stuff. They've taken a beating for a decade and a half and still look and function as new. They have saved me several levers, too! I like that the complete handguard system weighs nearly nothing. I like that they don't cost much. I like that they provide great protection and coverage. I like that they integrate perfectly with hippo hands. I have found that when I'm considering replacing a part, I need to consider first that some very talented people spent a lot of time and money engineering the part and the likelihood of a simple carpenter doing a better job is generally something that needs some careful thought. Your results may vary. | ||
| Cletusberontwood |
Panhead_dan, great points and I appreciate the note to weight penalty of the heavier duty parts, which has to be considered. There was another point that a buddy of mine brought up, that some avoid the heavy duty handguards as if you slip off of the bars in a crash, your arms could get wedged between the bars and guards. Something to consider. I've dropped my bike in the woods a few times and no issue with the guards or levers. I did lose a bar end connecter, but replaced it.  (Message edited by cletusberontwood on April 08, 2021) | ||
| Cvc |
But the day has come when getting replacements for the OE guards is coming to an end. I buggerer a set and st paul was only able to get the left no rights left (no pun intended) | ||
| Mnrider |
 The Palmer ends work well because they grip the guard and the guard stays in place when you tip.Don't if you could find them anymore. | ||
| Mnrider |
 The Palmer bar ends grip the guard and the guard stays in place when you tip.Don't know if you can get them anymore. |
