Engine Guards

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Gaylord Poe

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I continue to delay buying engine guards because in my opinion they really detract from the look of the bike. My R18 has never been down, hopefully never will be, but one never knows…today might be the day! But if I lived in fear I wouldn’t ride at all. So I keep thinking about the design of the cylinder head covers already in place and I keep thinking that the way they are constructed and mounted that they would surely absorb a significant impact - from a tip over not a 60mph slide or getting t-boned etc. - and would likely be the only engine component needing replacement in a tip over. Engine guards would likely be scraped up enough too to need replaced so you know where I’m going with this.

Any learned opinions on this forum??
 
You make some good points, GP. The OEM "rocker covers" that are some prominently in view are actually not the real rocker covers, but covers over the real ones. As such, you could think of the chromed pieces as "expendable" and (I presume) relatively cheap to replace. With that statement in mind, I suppose I didn't do myself any favors by getting the $1500 Roland Sands replacements. But I like the black engine guard and, for me, it now assumes the job of being the "expendable" part. Of course, I'm hoping that such an event never happens.
engine guards.jpgRSD rocker covers & engine guards.jpg
 
theMucker said:
You make some good points, GP. The OEM "rocker covers" that are some prominently in view are actually not the real rocker covers, but covers over the real ones. As such, you could think of the chromed pieces as "expendable" and (I presume) relatively cheap to replace. With that statement in mind, I suppose I didn't do myself any favors by getting the $1500 Roland Sands replacements. But I like the black engine guard and, for me, it now assumes the job of being the "expendable" part. Of course, I'm hoping that such an event never happens.
View attachment 1737View attachment 1738
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Those RS covers are beautiful but too rich for my blood…because I bought the OEM final drive oil🤣🤣
 
Gaylord Poe said:
I continue to delay buying engine guards because in my opinion they really detract from the look of the bike. My R18 has never been down, hopefully never will be, but one never knows…today might be the day! But if I lived in fear I wouldn’t ride at all. So I keep thinking about the design of the cylinder head covers already in place and I keep thinking that the way they are constructed and mounted that they would surely absorb a significant impact - from a tip over not a 60mph slide or getting t-boned etc. - and would likely be the only engine component needing replacement in a tip over. Engine guards would likely be scraped up enough too to need replaced so you know where I’m going with this.

Any learned opinions on this forum??
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I can appreciate your opinion and the look you like. I actually think the trapezoid shape enhances the bike with a continuation of the vintage design. It will also provide an opportunity to mount lights that are more befitting with the BMW vintage heritage, as opposed to the Harley looking OEM twins on either side of the headlight. Examples of the heritage I mentioned are noted on my R69S and R75/59172D749-1A6C-4BBD-85FC-81503CF0434B.jpegFE955563-14CC-48DA-9C2F-4A4CEFCA8A8B.jpeg
 
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For me I quite like the look of the Wunderlich chrome steel guards, and the very robust mounting system. The Classic is already chrome heavy so to me a little more looks good. And the other day while stopping abruptly to avoid a taxi trying to kill me, my foot slid on some sand on the road surface and I dropped the sucker. A couple a scratches on the chrome that are hardly noticeable, and the bike was easy to pick upright again. I'm sold.
IMG_0206-1.jpg
 
clivescott said:
For me I quite like the look of the Wunderlich chrome steel guards, and the very robust mounting system. The Classic is already chrome heavy so to me a little more looks good. And the other day while stopping abruptly to avoid a taxi trying to kill me, my foot slid on some sand on the road surface and I dropped the sucker. A couple a scratches on the chrome that are hardly noticeable, and the bike was easy to pick upright again. I'm sold.
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I dab some gunmetal-blue (Amazon.com : BW Casey Aluminum Black Touch-Up 3 Oz : Hunting Cleaning And Maintenance Products : Sports & Outdoors) onto any scratch marks on chromed parts like crash bars and exhausts to arrest the onset of rust. Not too much, mind, as it will blemish the chrome
 
I installed a similar one from Hornig today. Ordered it the last Sunday and it was delivered today- exactly 7 days later in Sydney, Australia having been shipped from Germany.
It’s well made- uniform 38mm diameter. Being black, it seamlessly integrates with the look of the motorcycle. It’s glossy but the color’s not exactly the same shade as that of the bike.
 

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Gerard said:
Found thus today:

www.motea.com

Engine Guard Mustache compatible with BMW R 18 / Classic 20-24 Crash Bar 38mm Craftride MV5 black

Craftride engine crash bar in Mustache form as optimal protection for rider and motorbike in case of falls Highway bars prevent or reduce reliable damages to the engine and can prevent costly repairs Protection also for higher parts such as fairing, tank or attachments, as the motor protection...
www.motea.com www.motea.com
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These are the first crash bars I've seen that I actually liked!! Thank you!
 
Gaylord Poe said:
I continue to delay buying engine guards because in my opinion they really detract from the look of the bike. My R18 has never been down, hopefully never will be, but one never knows…today might be the day! But if I lived in fear I wouldn’t ride at all. So I keep thinking about the design of the cylinder head covers already in place and I keep thinking that the way they are constructed and mounted that they would surely absorb a significant impact - from a tip over not a 60mph slide or getting t-boned etc. - and would likely be the only engine component needing replacement in a tip over. Engine guards would likely be scraped up enough too to need replaced so you know where I’m going with this.

Any learned opinions on this forum??
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Yes. I have slid a BMW motorcycle down a freeway 100 feet and dropped a GS a gazillion times. Now, Im not saying dont buy engine guards, they do work, but

Its not going to hurt the motor; I actually worry a little bit that a bent frame is a bigger threat with an engine guard than a scratched piece of chrome.

I bring up the freeway slide because that BMW hag the magnesium covers and they actually almost wore through :) no damage to the drive train at all. If I wasnt on a backboard I could have riffen the bike to the hospital :)
 
Gaylord Poe said:
I continue to delay buying engine guards because in my opinion they really detract from the look of the bike. My R18 has never been down, hopefully never will be, but one never knows…today might be the day! But if I lived in fear I wouldn’t ride at all. So I keep thinking about the design of the cylinder head covers already in place and I keep thinking that the way they are constructed and mounted that they would surely absorb a significant impact - from a tip over not a 60mph slide or getting t-boned etc. - and would likely be the only engine component needing replacement in a tip over. Engine guards would likely be scraped up enough too to need replaced so you know where I’m going with this.

Any learned opinions on this forum??
Click to expand...
The cylinder head covers ARE specifically designed to asrb a low speed tip over.
A 60 mph tipper, low side, high side or Bone would also destroy any engine guard bars, plus the stock colder head guards.
stock engine guards are $468 list price, Wunderlich bars are $599.
A low side with Wunderlich results in $468 + $599, without is $468.
Even without the crash bars the engine itself represents protection for the rider, but, you be the judge.
Although if you plan on riding in the Baja or Dakar they might be worth the price.
 
What r2k said. Turns out I got the lever and handlebar weights with clock from..
Sportouring Ltd out of England but I think several places carry them.
 
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