Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories NewSpeedmaster Engine Guards Opinions

Does anyone have a set of engine guards that Brent has for sale? I think they may be a good idea for my SM. I read the two reviews of the Ma's Cycle engine guards, but they don't offer them anymore, as there were too many complaints of poor foot clearance, and concerns with clearance when cornering. And, they don't have any pictures of those guards, so I have no reference to compare with Brent's.
On the pictures on Brent's site, his guards certainly look sturdy enough, and they appear to only stick out to the side as far as the footpegs ends, so I wouldn't think there would be a cornering issue. Any opinions would be appreciated.
thanks

I dont understand that. Took my friends Sabre for a spin and the first bend I sent sparks form the engine guard. Why would anyoine design that. Don't normally use them myself but I think Brents look good.

Since when did that little ole company in Texas start with the cras, err engine guards?

Nice. And just in time for Christmas too.

I have them (that's my bike on the website), and I think they're great. I've not had any problems with cornering clearance. They are not quite as sturdy as the Triumph bars, but I believe they're much better looking, and they probably would be as protective.

Hi Thomas, Gorgeous bike you have in that photo. When you say that your engine guards are not as sturdy as the Triumph bars, are you refering to Triumph's Dresser Bars? Because, to my eye, those dresser bars are only for looks. Haven't seen them in person, but they don't appear to provide much engine, or leg, protection. If there are other types of engine guards that Triumph makes, let us know, cuz the accessory selection site only shows the dresser bars. I really like your bars, as I'm just back to riding after a 30 year hiatus, and until I'm fully back in the saddle in the spring, and fully confident in my riding, I want full protection for the bike, and me. Then perhaps I'll remove them, but they provide great insurance. I'd prefer a black powdercoat finish, but I can always paint them satin black, so they look like part of the bike's frame. Where do your engine guards bolt on? Did you have any trouble at all, or was it an easy add-on?
Thanks

Both sets of bars seem to be about the same guage material. The Triumph bars bolt onto two frame points, and they go from about the middle of the engine (top of the block; bottom of the cylinder heads) to just beneath the fuel tank. Once they're bolted on they do not move. The aftermarket bars go from the bottom of the frame to beneath the fuel tank. The bottom mounting points are solid, but the top mounts to one bolt -- the one holding the horn. If you grab the bars you can wiggle them about an inch. They don't feel solidly mounted, but they work. I dropped my bike at a gas station last year, and nothing was damaged -- not even a scratch on the bars. The way it landed on the bars also made it easy to upright the bike. I much prefer the aftermarket bars. They are not as solidly mounted as the Triumph guards, but they look better, they provide a place to rest your feet, and they work!

I have the bars from BellaCourse, they look like the ones
that Brent has now. I think they look great, but the mount
could only be described as flimsy. There are 3 attachment
points. Two long bolts that go thru the footpeg mounting
bar, one on each side, and a bolt thru the horn mount tab.

I did let her down on the left side at a stand-still once.
The bars protected the tank imo, and the only damage was a
scratch on the hwy peg mounting clamp, and the long bolt on
the left hand side bent.

At anything more than dead slow, I'd have to think the bars
would just bend back.

Uncle Charlie

Like Uncle Charlie said - Brents bars look like Bella Corse bars, which I have also. The upper mount is flimsy but can be easily improved for about $6.00 worth of parts - 2 u-bolts and 4 acorn nuts....Maybe Brent could drill a few holes in the bracket before shipping and greatly improve this product??

Heres some photo before the mod:





And after the mod:





With the highway pegs:





The bars are MUCH stronger with the u-bolts and it's an easy mod. The highway pegs are the best part - I use them in conjunction with the front pegs and foot position is way better....if you ride and wish your pegs were 3" farther forward - this is a great fix......

Jeff, the photos are awesome, thanks much!! I have been debating about these bars for awhile and had some questions about the mounts and such, plus I really, really need to get my legs stretched out at times and was wondering how highway pegs would position up on these bars.... now I know and now I can order 'em!

Hey Steve - do those switchblades look familar??

why yes, yes they do. In fact I have a set EXACTLY like them! hehehe
(got them put on today, look and feel great, me quite pleased)

Steve

That's a fantastic idea, and I hope you don't mind if I steal it! Do you remember what size u-bolt you used?

Quote:

---

Do you remember what size u-bolt you used?

---

They were labeled as #146 (I googled this and it looks like 1-3/8") I was too impatient to wait for stainless so I went with plated from the local hardware guys....Then I cut the bolts shorter so I can use the acorn nuts......

Loco,
You mod looks perfect. However, my bike has the rear brake
reservoir relocated(recall). It looks like this is going to
interfere. I'm gonna work on this over the winter. For now,
I'll keep riding with my wobbley bars while the weather holds.

Uncle Charlie

I have the Triumph bars. Which held up great when I got hit in the rear and knocked over. Able to pull leg out with now problem. Do like the looks of Brents bars. Very nice.

I don't have these cras..... (oops) engine guards, but I'm gona (that's redneck for gonna, or fixin' to or going to).