Crash bars - or not?

[Mister Fishfinger]

Just canvassing opinions really. My bike came with a set of Renntec crash bars, which I am sure would protect a lot of stuff if the bike went over, but I'm not a fan of the looks.

I was thinking of getting a smaller set, like the ones in the lower picture, or fitting crash bungs, or just taking my chances. I always worry with these things that they might save your cases but bend the frame as a kind of unintended side effect.

What do you guys think?

[Andre]

Of all the crash bars and similar products I think the Renntec offer the best protection without much chance of secondary damage. In case of a crash they might even protect your leg.

Having said that, I won't get any of that stuff on mine.

[Notty]

Rentec every time - search the forum and the general opinion is that they offer more protection - they are there for when you drop it not if !!

[Mister Fishfinger]

Of all the crash bars and similar products I think the Renntec offer the best protection without much chance of secondary damage. In case of a crash they might even protect your leg.

Having said that, I won't get any of that stuff on mine.

What's your objection to them? The looks?

[T 24]

My crash bar saved my engine, when I crashed with a big dog. Then I only had to make a small stainless steel bar to cover those scrapes.

[Andre]

I don't like the looks of crash bars, luggage holders, wind shields, or anything of that sort on the 14.

The Rentec themselves look good and are good. The other one doesn't look good, doubt their protection value, and suspect them to be causing secondary damage.

I have not had a motorcycle accident in 42 years (knocking on wood). I have been riding with loads of snow and ice on the roads. (my 14 deserves better and I won't ride if there is even a chance of rain). I am not only lucky on the bike but feel very secure and comfortable on them. Always was that way. My dad packed me on the tank and drove me around to get me to sleep, after 5 km he could turn around and transfer me to bed.

[Andre]

Ha ha hardly noticeable on your bike T 

[seth]

i have ones like in the lower picture on my red/black 14 now as it came with the big crash bars including the side bars but they touch my leg when changing gear.
but use R&G crash buttons on my blue/white 14 .

[gsxbarmy]

Looking at it logically, 14's are all over 10 years old now, so even the lightest spill will, in the majority of cases, cause them to be classified Cat C or even worse, Cat D unfortunately. As others have said, Renntec will protect your engine / engine cases the best, the other ones you are looking at (Givi style ones) work well, as do R&G crash bungs - although you may get some damage with those fitted.

To be honest if the accident is bad enough, its going to bend the frame or similar whatever bars are fitted. Bars or bungs will only realistically protect for low speed spills or if you fall over with the bike.

[taximan]

I fitted Rentec bars for protection and (mostly) the looks. I love them and they add a bit of chrome because lets face it, apart from the exhaust there aint much chrome on the 14.

[T 24]

At the fist bike(ER-5) of my wife, she needed those crash bars three times during first three years.
So, when she bought her "new" XJR 1300, the first thing to me was to install crash bars to Yamaha.
She has not yet needed them (knock knock)

[shanered6]

i have ones like in the lower picture on my red/black 14 now as it came with the big crash bars including the side bars but they touch my leg when changing gear.
but use R&G crash buttons on my blue/white 14 .

I have the second set as well as i dont like the bulk of the bigger ones plus you dont have to take them off when you want to take off a casing .

[seth]

i had mine powder coated in black .

[Red Biker]

I don't like them at all, they break the lines of the design, same with wind shields for me naked means naked.

Apart from air vents and belly pans which are ok 🤘

[Mister Fishfinger]

On balance then, I'll do the lazy (and cheap) thing - I will leave them on there for safety.