Newbie says hello and question about crash bars

[famousperson]

Are the SW-Motech crash bars easy to install for someone (me) who is not a wrench, but is also not completely incompetent with tools?
In other words, should I be able to do the install myself without going to the shop?

Also, do the instructions give torque values? And, is it a good idea to use Loc-tite?

[ka5ysy]

Are the SW-Motech crash bars easy to install for someone (me) who is not a wrench, but is also not completely incompetent with tools?
In other words, should I be able to do the install myself without going to the shop?

Also, do the instructions give torque values? And, is it a good idea to use Loc-tite?

Yes, they are easy to install. The big trick is to match the hardware up with the installation diagram numbers and mark them with a Sharpie pen. The hardware is side-specific and will not work properly on the opposite side. LocTite red is good for the installation. There were no specific torque figures on my instructions but I simply tightened them snugly then pulled just a little bit more. The LocTite is working fine, and nothing on the bike shakes loose with that stuff. Only way to go with vibrating machines

If you are really uncomfortable with tools, you probably would be happier with some help from someone who is mechanically inclined, and preferably someone familiar with motorcycles and BMW's in particular. Your shop should not charge much over an hour of labor for the install. I did it from scratch in about 40 minutes including cleanup, and figuring out that the hardware was side specific, and marking accordingly.

Here is the diagram from the instructions:

[ShinySideUp]

Beautiful photo of your bike Bill. Incredibly clear image. What camera did you use for the photo? Just beautiful.

Just ran across your post, Rocket.

Taken with Nikon D200 with Nikkor 18-200 mm lens and probably touched lightly with Unsharp Mask filter in Photoshop to counteract the digital softening. Amazing camera and lens. The camera's exposure control is smarter than I am!

[Mollygrubber]

They are not difficult at all (the small bolt at the top is a bit fiddly); if I can do it ANYONE can. Look great too.

Have fun with your new friend.

Peter

[Rocket]

Beautiful photo of your bike Bill. Incredibly clear image. What camera did you use for the photo? Just beautiful.

Just ran across your post, Rocket.

Taken with Nikon D200 with Nikkor 18-200 mm lens and probably touched lightly with Unsharp Mask filter in Photoshop to counteract the digital softening. Amazing camera and lens. The camera's exposure control is smarter than I am!

I have that problem...

[Tak]

The SW-Motech instructions I got listed the following torque values:

M6 screws 9.6 Nm
M10 screws 46 Nm
M12 screws 79 Nm

They also said to use a medium strength locktite.

I just installed them last week. Very easy to install. They look good in the photos and even better in person, IMHO.

[larsn]

I just had a pretty serious accident with the MoTech bars installed. They crushed to an extent, but saved the engine from some very expensive damage. (see my post: "Kill Switch.....")
They are toast, but I just ordered a new set to install on my restored machine.

[Mollygrubber]

Thanks for doing the crash test for us! I'm sure those of us with them all feel a bit safer due to your selfless contribution.

OK, who wants to test those sexy new roundel frame sliders?!?



Peter

[Draven]

Does anybody know what size Torx bit is required to remove the existing bolt on the R1200R to install the SW Motechs? I'm looking where part 5 and 7 go. Time to upgrade my toolbox. Thanks!

.....................
I got it, Torx is T55 to get off and the hex bits required are 8mm and 10mm. Not hard at all to install once you have the right tools.

[deilenberger]

Just a footnote on "protection bars"..

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread. ... post491638

If you can access this (dunno if you must be a member of the MOA to see it..) chap had Wunderlich bars on his bike, bumped a curb with them (doesn't sound like a major hit) - bent the bars, started taking them off and found a chunk broken out of engine case where the bars bolted up.. allowing oil to pour out. His choices for repair were (1) new engine (2) welding up the case. Luckily - #2 worked for him.

Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease..

EDIT: There is probably a reason the factory BMW GS bars seem rather flimsy and mount in some areas with rubber couplings instead of solid mounting.

[celticus]

D@mn!!!

Mark

[Caroanbill]

I get the benefit of the SW-Motech bars, just never liked the look (prefer the classic BMW hoop style I had on my R65LS and R80 .. also prefer OEM "down there" (on my K-RT and K-LT) ...

.. but lookee heah! New and kinda purty!
http://www.motorradgarage.com.au/catalo ... cts_id=934

[stogiepuffer]

Those Z Technik bars look nice. It says they bolt to the engine mounts so I take it they are not bolted to the engine proper? My main concern with crash bars on these bikes is that they all seem to bolt straight to the engine which kind of scares me off. But iff those bolt to the engine via the engine mounts then they will probably end up on mine.

[papasong]

Hey All,
Thanks to the feedback from the list, I just put the SW-Motech crash bars on my new R1200R.
I think they look bitchin'...
Thanks,
Jeff