Who's using Engine Guards?

I bought a pair a long time ago,on the bay,and I just yesterday put them on.I need them for more than just engine guards...I need to install some pegs for long trips.I seriously can NOT do the longer rides.Sure,I can do the twisties no problem,and for the most part,I can ride all day,BUT...longer hauls kill My ass and hips.
I would only mount the pegs when I need them.
Anyway...I can see that they are going to touch down in the sharp corners,I can see where they are lower than My footpegs,and I HAVE touched down with those.The footpags aren't factory btw.
I remember last season,Tony complained about His,and on one ride,He touched down,and sure as hell,it was the engine guard.
So now I'm thinking about it,and I'm not too sure I want to.
Ya,sure...they'll protect the engine,BUT crash guards making You crash?:pinch:
Anyone have any horror-stories or warnings? :whistle:

Yes. I have a story about crash guards... During the impact of my crash, It was the crash guard that broke the engine case. The impact folded the tubing, but never moved the mounting tabs or location of them. They just folded up. They might be good for a low speed lowside, but definately not barbwire/road sign proof.

Just my experience..

Richard Z.

Once when I was younger and more nutty, if that's possible I was always riding the KZ650 like a roadracer with engine guards, dragging them in the curves ect. One day my Dad told me if I kept riding like that I was going to crash. Of course like 1 day later I took a turn, hit oil and slid along the road. First thing to do in a crash is jump up and get the heck out of there before the cops can "help" or spectators can make you feel like a damn iddiot. The engine guard lined up just perfect with one of the oil gallery 17mm hex head caps and broke off the cap. I rode like 2 blocks and saw my oil light on because I had no oil in the engine. So much for leaving the scene, so walk home.

I've been down a few times, and the Engine Guards saved my engine.
One time was at low speed on the main drag in the city. Just crossing from the left side of a lane to the right and I hit an oil slick in the middle. Went down with tons of people walking by, and picked her up right away. It must not have looked bad, because no one offered any assistance. I had to push her around the corner to check for damage. Everything seemed OK, started her up and off I went.

Another time, I started to get a wobble on a highway on ramp. I was moving at about 80 KPH when it started, and slowed down but that made it worse. It got so bad I went down. I remember sliding along the ground and seeing my bike sliding before me on the right side, then the wheels grabbed and she flipped over to the left side. As soon as I stopped, I ran over to the bike and picked her up and pushed her to the side of the highway. The engine guards did their job that day. My left hand was road rashed to the bone in a few spots. The car behind me stopped and offered me a ride to the Hospital, which I took.
In the Hospital, the nurse scrubbing the wounds clean of road gravel was the worse part. :pinch:
Called my Dad, and he came over. We went and picked up my bike right when I got out.
My tank still has a dent from that experience, and my guards have some scratches, but my engine was intact.

There have been a few other instances as well, so I'm a firm believer in the usfulness of Engine Guards.

oh sandy,where did we go wrong?:ohmy: :blink: :S :dry: :huh: :blush:

wireman wrote:

oh sandy,where did we go wrong?:ohmy: :blink: :S :dry: :huh: :blush:

It's all good...don't blame Yourself...it's all My own doing.:laugh:

Interesting stories...thanks Men!

It's just that position,that kills Me.And I even have a new Corbin seat,but it doesn't help much.Don't get Me wrong...the seat is nice,and comfy,but it's just My butt!I know that if I could just get My legs out for a stretch while riding,I wouldn't have to stop so often.

I might have to test them out...maybe tomorrow even,and see how I like them.One more peg to modify before I can mount it to the bar.
I never thought I'd have cruizin-pegs,but Ya know...it's not ALL about looks...IS IT?
:laugh:
Thanks again Guys.

I've got them on my kz1000ST but I'm taking them off because they are ugly!!! They might be practical, but yuck...too ugly. IMHO

Bob

Can You post a pic of them,Bob?
I'm curious...

I dropped my 650 3 times Sandy and without those engine guards I would be looking for a new engine or a new bike. The guard on the points side is a little bent, but what if the guard wasn't there. I hit and oil slick once and I was still on the bike when it went down, and the guards gave me a clearance that I could still have my legs between the bike and the road and I got to tell you, that bike did a 180 on the ground. When I picked it up it was facing oncoming traffic. Use them if you got them!

Right on Wolf...thanks for that,Bud...good to know.
I had a pair on My last 1000,but that was SO long ago,and here We are,20 years later...wow.
And also...just installed a new dynamo cover and a new points cover for that reason alone(damaged from tip-overs),SO...pretty sure they'll stay on.
I'll get the other peg on there tomorrow and post a pic of what they look like,and get Your Guy's opinion.
Thanks again.

Just an FYI. On my 650C1, the pegs drag before the guards. I've never had the guards drag. Of course, once the pegs drag, I slow down.

Bought my GPz750 w/case savers already installed. Both savers were bent and road-rashed but the actual cases were in great shape...I figure that alone allowed the PO to sell the bike to me:) Rephrased, if the bike would have hit the concrete w/out the savers, it would have been parted out, not sold whole (to me)