Does anyone know if crash bars are worth it from a safety point of view?

I have a set on order and realized that while they look great (IMHO), I've never read anything about their effectiveness (or lack there of).

Any light shed on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

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Kal...
Relationship Squid...

Crashbars are designed for the purpose of protecting the engine in the event you tip or drop the bike.

There have been reported cases of legs being broken on a crash bar in teh event of an accident.

Long story short, they are not designed to protect the rider, they are designed to protect the engine.

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Of course I'm generalizing from a single example here, but everyone does that. At least I do.

Thanks for the explanation. I think I'll switch to Suzuki's "Engine" Guard. It doesn't protrude much past the engine and wouldn't pose any threat to body parts in the event of a mishap.

Regards!

I have engine bars on my bike and there are highway pegs attached to it. I dropped my bike at a stand still and the bike had no damage to it because the highway peg took the fall. I haven't dropped it while moving and I'm not "planning" on it either

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1987 Honda <B>SUPER</B> Magna
Bikesexual - I like to ride it long and hard...

I appreciate your input sharpmagna. I have no worries about the bars' functionality when you just drop the bike. My concern is are they more of liability than a benefit to the rider in more serious mishaps.

No one plans on anything happening to them while they're moving; that's why they're called accidents.

Live for the ride; dress for the crash.

Stay safe!

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Ride like Hell, you'll get there!

I've heard of cases where the crash bar/engine guard protected and saved the leg of the rider. Think about it, a proper function bar keeps the bike off the leg, thereby lessening being crushed and/or burned. That extra weight on the legs while sliding will double the chances of road rash. The difference could be a minor road rash to requiring a skin graft.

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Friends help you move. Real friends help you move bodies.

And when that bar is on top of your leg sliding down the road it is such a small point of contact that it can take the leg clean off. If the bike ends up on top of me I would rather the weight be distributed a little more evenly.
Either way, engine cases are as replaceable as crash bars and look a whole lot better bolted to your bike.

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Crash bars are extremly effective, however the proper name is engine guards. (They are designed to protect bike not rider)

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SEE NO EVO
HEAR NO EVO
SPEAK NO EVO

and above all

RIDE NO EVO

Read my blog
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/BBS/view ... hp?t=22842

from the thread about the Hurt Report findings:

39. Crash bars are not an effective injury countermeasure; the reduction of injury to the ankle-foot is balanced by increase of injury to the thigh-upper leg, knee, and lower leg.

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/BBS/viewtopic.php?t=24144