Motorcycle rides are fun but can also harm the rider and the motorcycle. As you gear up for a ride, you may ask if there is a way to protect the motorcycle. Engine guards are made to protect the motorcycle and its rider during falls and slides. Which engine guard should you get? We did the research and found the answers.
We have compiled the 11 affordable engine guards for your bikes to make a choice easier for you:
1. TCT Motorparts Engine Guard
2. HECASA Rear Highway Bar
3. MoKitDora Touring Engine Guard
4. TIGERSGATE Front Engine Guard
5. JERBOR Front Engine Guard
6. CELOMT Rear Crash Bars
7. BAIONE Engine Guard for Kawasaki
8. Midimttop Steel Engine Crash Bar
9. HK MOTO Chrome Front Crash Bars
10. BAIONE Front Highway Engine Guards
11. PSLER Engine Guard
These motorcycle brands fit specific motorcycle models. Keep reading to find out which one is right for your bike.
Why do you need an engine guard?
An engine guard or crash bar is a tubular bar that protects the engine and the rider. Mounting of the engine guards is around the engine, the rear or front of the motorcycle.
Protects the Engine
Motorcycles with an engine guard minimize the risk of damage to the engine components. Engine guards are designed to be strong and flexible to bear the impact of low-speed accidents. It also protects the motorcycle from hitting the ground when it tips over or falls.
Minimizes Repair Costs
The motorcycle's engine survives minor crashes with a durable engine guard. It is the one that gets into contact with the ground. So, the engine is secure, and repairs won't be as costly. The protection also helps lengthen the life of the motorcycle.
Rider's Safety and Comfort
The engine guard protects the rider's leg. It lessens the pressure on the rider's legs or prevents them from getting crushed under the motorcycle's weight during low-speed accidents. The rider's legs are also protected from engine burns.
Giving comfort to the rider is also a plus. The rider can stretch and rest their legs during long rides.
Which engine guard material to choose?
Manufacturers make engine guards in aluminum, stainless steel, or mild steel materials. Each material has different characteristics to ensure the long life of the bars.
Durability
If you are looking for a lightweight bar, aluminum is the material of choice. However, it is not as strong as stainless steel and mild steel.
Stainless steel is brittle, which helps the bars take the impact load. It can give up easily, though, and crack from engine vibrations.
Among the different materials then, mild steel can provide a stable engine case.
Rust-proof
Motorcycles exposed to different elements can cause engine bars to rust. It crosses water and muddy terrain. You may also be in a corrosive environment. These can lead the bars to start to rust.
Stainless steel and aluminum are rust-proof materials. Mild steel can rust, but it is treated to prevent corrosion and has a powder coating.
Affordability
Mild steel is a low-priced option among the materials for engine guards. It is easy to work with and flexible to protect the engine during accidents.
Aluminum and stainless steel are harder to work with, making them a more expensive option.
Flexibility
Crash bars should be able to bend a little to take off the load on the bike frame. It also makes the tubes of the engine guard flex before it gives.
Mild steel, made of iron and carbon, is the best material that offers flexibility to absorb impact during accidents.
11 Affordable Engine Guards
An engine guard does not guarantee the safety of the engine and rider during high-speed accidents. Find the engine guard that provides ample protection during low-speed accidents, allows the rider to continue with the ride, and is the best value for money.
Engine guards are manufactured for specific motorcycles. Check the engine guard's compatibility with your motorcycle model and the year before the purchase.
Below is the list of affordable engine guards:
1. TCT Motorparts Engine Guard
This crash bar is made of iron, so that you can depend on its durability. The pack includes a one ¼" tube size engine guard and screws.
TCT Motorparts' crash bar is compatible with '04-'22 Honda VT750 Shadow AERO, '10-'22 Honda VT750 Shadow Phantom, and '07-'14 Honda VT750 Shadow Spirit C2 shaft drive models. Check this on Amazon.
2. HECASA Rear Highway Bar
The engine guard of HECASA is compatible with 2014-2022 Indian Motorcycles models - Chieftain, Chief Dark Horse, Roadmaster Classic, and Springfield.
The engine guard of HECASA is compatible with 2014-2022 Indian Motorcycles models - Chieftain, Chief Dark Horse, Roadmaster Classic, and Springfield. To view it on Amazon, click here.
3. MoKitDora Touring Engine Guard
MoKitDora's 1.25-inch tubing crash bar is for Harley Road King Street Electra Glide manufactured between 1997-2008. It comes in two finishes - chrome and black, so it can easily match your motorcycle look.
MokitDora's crash bar provides a solid structure that won't easily break because of its carbon steel material. Harley motorcycle owners will find this easy to install as it can fit any model compatible with or without modification. Click here to see it on Amazon.
4. TIGERSGATE Front Engine Guard
The powder-coated engine guard made by Tigersgate is for the 2009-2022 Harley Touring and Trike models. This engine guard fits with an additional Street Glide Trike model bracket.
It has one ¼-inch tubing of steel, making it durable, waterproof, and rust-proof. Check this on Amazon.
5. JERBOR Front Engine Guard
The Jerbor engine guard comes in a gloss black alloy steel material. Its welded structure is vital in protecting Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021-2022 motorcycles from falls and slides.
Riders will find this product easy to do the front installation with the instructions that come with the pack. It also does not require any modifications, such as welding, drilling, and cutting. Click here to see it on Amazon.
6. CELOMT Rear Crash Bars
Motorcycles get added protection with Celmot's engine guard. Its chrome powder-coated bars are mounted easily to the motorcycle's body with the fasteners included in the pack.
Indian Chef Vintage, Chieftain models between 2014-2016, 2016-2021 Dark Horse Springfield, and 2015-2021 Roadmaster are the compatible models for this brand of engine guard. Check this on Amazon.
7. BAIONE Engine Guard for Kawasaki
Bolts and fasteners are mounting accessories for the guards. These make it easy to mount the bar to the frame directly.
The product also needs no modification for the 2015 - 2021 Kawasaki Vulcan S650, VN650, and EN650 models. Click here to see it on Amazon.
8. Midimttop Steel Engine Crash Bar
This engine crash bar is compatible with Kawasaki Ninja 400 motorcycles. You get a pair of carbon steel engine guards, 1 set of mounting hardware, and a bonus bumper deco block at this price.
In addition, motorcycle maintenance is possible without needing to remove the 1" black powder-coated tubes.
Midimttop crash bars are easily installed with no need for any modification. It won't easily detach as well from the frame because of its 3-mount system. To view it on Amazon, click here.
9. HK MOTO Chrome Front Crash Bars
An HK MOTO engine guard is made of powder-coated metal. Either color is installed with bolts in the front of the motorcycle. This is compatible with Harley Davidson Sportster from 2004 to later models. Click here to see it on Amazon.
10. BAIONE Front Highway Engine Guards
This Baione engine guard fits 2006 - 2022 Suzuki Boulevard M109R. A durable product made from iron with a chrome finish.
Mount the bars at the motorcycle's rear.. Check this on Amazon.
11. PSLER Engine Guard
A PSLER engine guard has a 1-inch tubing made of steel and triple dipped to get a sleek chrome finish. It fits Yamaha XVS650 Custom and Classic-All Years, V-Star Dragstar 400 650 Classic 1998-2016, and V-Star Dragstar 400 650 Custom 1997-2016 models.
It does not come with mounting accessories, but it has mounting holes for easy installation. To view it on Amazon, click here.
In conclusion
The choice for an engine guard has to be compatible with your motorcycle. We hope that the list helps you find the best engine guard to keep your motorcycle in good shape. For other motorcycle information, we have these articles as well:
Do Motorcycles Have Axles? [And How Many?]