handlebar guards
Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2001 6:37 pm
In a message dated 7/27/01 3:08:44 PM Central Daylight Time,
DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com writes:
>>
I run the Acerbis Rally Dual Sports. Have had no vibration problems. These
units are a high density plastic, I don't know if that makes a difference or
not. They are very strong. They have survived a couple tree encounters and
one cement encounter that happened after my tires told me they did not like
algae. 
The only down side, which is my fault, is the turn signal lamps
included melt very easily. I tried to hook mine up to the spare light wire
inside the fairing and after a couple weeks, the bulb was firmly attached to
the bulb housing. Now, I just have a few holes there. That is OK though, cuz
I think I'll fit some road going lights to that location.
One thing to remember when affixing the solid type of bar guards is the fact
that the first connection point is in close to the top of the steering head.
So, as the metal vibrates one wave is sent down the handlebar, while another
wave is sent down the solid bar guard. (This happens very quickly, you can't
measure it without the proper equipment. The vibrations then meet head on at
the worst possible place, the end of the handlebars. You can try isolating
the inboard mounting point with some foam, but I doubt that will be enough to
give you much relief. I would recommend aluminum bars. You might also want to
see if you can drill relief holes in the bar guards without damaging the
function of the guards. You can put stuff inside your handlebars, if you
like. My personal opinion is that the stock bars aren't worth the time and
effort.
Jim Sherlock
Austin, Texas