cylinder head guards

[Dr. Strangelove]

I see that there are at least two different styles of cylinder head guards--one(rectangular) seen on the Sierra BMW site that is described as BMW "OEM" and the other (sort of triangular) that can be seen on the A&S site.
The ones I see most often are the triangular shaped ones, but the others look like they might?? offer superior protection. Both are priced at ~~ $97-98.

Is one better than the other?

TIA

John

[rivi7777]

Single spark vs dual spark is my guess...

[DSKYZD]

If both protectors you see are BMW protectors, what you're probably seeing is the difference between protectors for single spark engines (square) and protectors for the 2004+ twin-spark engines (slanted).

I can confirm that the slanted protecors do not fit single spark engines...I tried. Can't confirm it but I suspect the reverse to be true...square not fitting twin-spark.

I was at Carolina BMW one day and Jason let me hold one up to my bike. One or more of the holes just didn't line up, and they didn't fit the more rounded outline of the single spark valve cover.

DSKYZD


Edit: Awww Rich, you beat me!

[Dr. Strangelove]

don't think that's it as the Sierra ones are ava for both one and two spark. Same picture. And the difference in shape is on the lateral most part of the protector.

[Dr. Strangelove]

well, maybe that's it, but I'm sure I've seen pictures of single sparks that had the slant rather than the squared off design.

[Dr. Strangelove]

OK, I think I stand corrected. There are some pictures of bikes on EBAY that would suggest that the 1 vs 2 spark answer is the reason for the shape.

Thanks

John

[big papa]

Get real protection...
http://www.stantonheadguards.com/

[riceburner]

Get real protection...
http://www.stantonheadguards.com/

What the man said... Stantons rock.

[zooomart]

I had not heard of the OEM Nylon head guards breaking as the Stanton link suggests. Maybe running down trails and through underbrush on a GS. But on a R1150R isn't the "protection" mostly a skidplate function for the odd drop or low speed front tire wash out on gravel, etc? Anyone break an OEM guard just dropping the bike or due to a slow speed spill?

[Dr. Strangelove]

Yes, that's why I asked the question. I was out at the lakefront here in NO last Sat and it was very windy. I was stopped, perpendicular to the wind and a gust tipped me and the bike over. The bike went down in slow motion (at 0mph) to the left, rolling on the left cylinder. The lower arm of the guard was split longitudinally, though still holding together.

John

[DJ Downunder]

Note the broken bits of plastic on the ground......and that's just a gentle fall over.

DJ

[marko]

.for cosmetic use only.
Absolutely no protection against anything and will break if you even look at them the wrong way!

[beemer-biker]

Yes, that's why I asked the question. I was out at the lakefront here in NO last Sat and it was very windy. I was stopped, perpendicular to the wind and a gust tipped me and the bike over. The bike went down in slow motion (at 0mph) to the left, rolling on the left cylinder. The lower arm of the guard was split longitudinally, though still holding together.

John

Dr. Strangelove, how is the lakefront at this time? I am a born and bread N'Awleanian, moved up the WA area about 2 years ago. By this time, I mean since Katrina, not the time of the year.
What area do you live in? Was it hard hit?

[mnnden]

Get real protection...
http://www.stantonheadguards.com/

What the man said... Stantons rock.

I am thinking of getting the Stantons, can anyone tell me how hard a job it is to install them, Thanks, Den

[BMWkidd]

Note the broken bits of plastic on the ground......and that's just a gentle fall over.

DJ

Different angle.

[NK ED]

No need for guards. They cost you more than cylinder heads. You will save money just replacing cylinder heads if and when they get scratched beyond your tolerance.

[owldaddy]

I disagree with just buying new valve covers when they get scratched as a reason to not buy valve cover guards. If your 100 miles from home, and drop the bike, and put a hole in a valve cover, your stuck, even if the bike is still in rideable condition. You can't ride the bike with oil running out of the valve cover, and for the price of the tow, you could have bought those valve cover guards. Buying the guards as a way to keep scrathes off the valve covers isn't the reason to buy them, keeping on the road, and riding after a spill could be, unless you don't mind waiting a few hours for a tow to arrive. I would rather ride home.
Don

[drevil]

the stock ones do protect you, but only once. mine cracked o n a low/no speed drop. luckily you can buy just one, so it only cost 45$ to replce it, but i might have to buy stantons nex ttime. very nice looking.

[riceburner]

I had not heard of the OEM Nylon head guards breaking as the Stanton link suggests. Maybe running down trails and through underbrush on a GS. But on a R1150R isn't the "protection" mostly a skidplate function for the odd drop or low speed front tire wash out on gravel, etc? Anyone break an OEM guard just dropping the bike or due to a slow speed spill?

I've seen other riders experience road accidents where the OE guards haven;'t protected the valve covers. Not experienced the problem myself because I've had Stantons.

the OE guards don't protect the upper half of the valve cover at all - the Stantons do, and well.

[riceburner]

Get real protection...
http://www.stantonheadguards.com/

What the man said... Stantons rock.

I am thinking of getting the Stantons, can anyone tell me how hard a job it is to install them, Thanks, Den

relativey easy if you're mechanically inclined.

Not sure if they do a correct twin-spark version yet though - but the single spark version fits, you just have to trim the secondary spark plug's weather cover a bit, its obvious when you look. I have a couple of pics on my website - http://www.riceburner.co.uk