If you’re an avid rider or just getting started, investing in the right motorcycle accessories can save you from costly repairs. One of the most important components in ensuring the safety and longevity of your bike is the motorcycle crash guard. This simple yet effective accessory plays a significant role in safeguarding your bike from drops, impacts, and other accidents that can happen on the road. This blog will traverse the benefits of using a crash guard and discuss specific models designed for Harley-Davidson bikes.

Why You Need a Motorcycle Crash Guard? 

Riding a motorcycle comes with inherent risks, but with the right gear, you can significantly reduce the chances of severe damage to your bike. A motorcycle crash guard helps to mitigate these risks by acting as a protective barrier between your bike and the ground. These guards are typically made of high-quality materials like stainless steel or aluminum, ensuring strength and durability.

The motorcycle rear crash guards are especially beneficial for touring bikes that carry saddle bags. Without these guards, your bike’s rear end could sustain significant damage if it tips over or gets into a minor crash. Rear guards prevent scratches, dents, or worse, which can be costly to repair. These guards also improve the bike’s structural integrity, ensuring it remains stable and secure, even in case of a fall.

Harley-Davidson and Motorcycle Crash Guards

For Harley-Davidson riders, there is a range of motorcycle crash guard options available. The front motorcycle crash guard is compatible with most Harley bikes, including popular models such as the Road King, Road Glide, and Street Glide. These guards are designed to fit perfectly with the 1.25-inch standard Harley stock OEM front highway bars, ensuring seamless integration with your bike’s design.

In addition to the front crash guard, the rear motorcycle crash guard is also an essential addition for riders who want to protect their saddle bags and rear end. The rear drop guards fit Harley motorcycles equipped with 7/8-inch OEM rear saddle bag bars. Models such as the Road King, Street Glide, and Electra Glide are fully compatible with these guards. The rear drop guards help protect your bike’s rear section from drops, preventing any damage to the rear frame, exhaust, and saddlebags.

Material and Durability

The durability of motorcycle crash guard options varies depending on the materials used. The front and rear drop guards for Harley-Davidson motorcycles are often made from either polished stainless steel or black powder-coated steel. Stainless steel guards offer superior resistance to corrosion, ensuring your crash guard lasts for many years, even in harsh weather conditions. Polished stainless steel can be easily repaired and buffed back to its original shine, making it an excellent choice for those who value both function and aesthetics.

Installing Motorcycle Drop Guards

Installing a motorcycle crash guard is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s important to ensure that the guards are installed correctly to ensure maximum protection. For Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the drop guards are designed to fit seamlessly with the bike’s existing crash bars and saddle bag bars. If you own a Harley from 2016 or later, the primary guard may be necessary, but it is not required for bikes older than 2016. The guards are installed using sturdy screws, and the rear guards come with extra clearance to avoid contact with the saddle bags.

For those riding non-Harley bikes, such as Indian or Yamaha models, the crash guards can still be used if the crash bars and saddle bag bars match the specifications of Harley’s OEM models. It's essential to check that the diameter and curvature of the bars are compatible before purchasing a crash guard for these motorcycles.

Final Words 

A motorcycle crash guard is one of the most important accessories for riders who want to keep their bikes protected during everyday rides and unforeseen accidents. Whether you own a Harley or another type of bike, there is a suitable crash guard for your needs. From front to rear crash guards, these protective devices help prevent costly damage to your bike’s frame, engine, and other crucial components. If you ride a Harley-Davidson, consider upgrading your bike with the right motorcycle crash guard and motorcycle rear crash guards to maximize safety and protection on the road.