Wrap Around Handguards

[woodlandsprite]

Originally Posted by Huck369

The installation of the ones I used did not require drilling out the bars, the inserts that came with the kit fit perfect in the RX-3's bars....

Can you share the make/model of your handguards with us for reference? thanks!

ps. looks like your levers needed to be trimmed to fit inside, is that right?

[Huck369]

Originally Posted by woodlandsprite

Can you share the make/model of your handguards with us for reference? thanks!

ps. looks like your levers needed to be trimmed to fit inside, is that right?

I bought mine back in January, and that sellers doesn't have them any more, but these appear to be the same guards.....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-8-DIRT-BIK...753efd&vxp=mtr

I did have to Neuter my Levers (de-balled them)... :0

[woodlandsprite]

Alrighty, I can confirm that Barkbusters brand handguards fit on the bike.
These are Barkbuster VPS for 7/8" straight bars



Clockwise from Top Left: 1) The handle bar end opening, 2) Approx size of the bar end opening is pretty darned close to 1/2 inch / 12.7mm tho ymmv, 3) The standard insert that comes with the barkbusters is too big at 13+mm 4) the alternative 12mm insert is perfect.

Note: I did not neuter my levers - as such, my bar backbones are not flush with the handle bar ends. Different placement may result in clearance issues.

Mounted, the barkbusters do not hit anything at full turn, but there are some clearance caveats:



On the top row, you can see the backbone is touching what I presume is a part of the master cylinder. On the bottom row, you can see that using anything in the 12V outlet is not advised while driving as it will impede movement of the handlebar :P

In my haste to escape the sweltering heat of my garage, I did not capture any "finished install" photos other than those close ups....will try to get the bike out this weekend for a photo op

[SpudRider]

Thanks for posting the update, Sprite. You did a good job.

I trimmed the ends of my handguard supports, which enables me to use both power outlets with the handlebars at full lock.

[Weldangrind]

Nice job!

[woodlandsprite]

Here's a photo of the bike with the handguards installed

[SpudRider]

The handguards, and the rest of your bike looks great. I see you chose the fastest color, orange.

[Weldangrind]

That looks really good. It's also nice to see your bike on the center stand.

[woodlandsprite]

I did select the fasted color, though I don't drive very fast on it just yet

I can't decide if I should go find some additional spacers for the bar end bolts - on the throttle side especially I had to have the bar end mount pulled out quite a bit to accommodate the lever movement. I suppose I could have tried to move the lever inward a bit, as I did on the clutch side, but I wasn't sure what all fasteners would need to be undone to do so.

Weld: the bike isn't on the center stand what I think you are making out to be the other leg of the stand is actually the obscene length of breather tube my bike has dangling down The center stand is there, just not deployed

[SpudRider]

You can certainly trim a few inches off the breather tube. I might do the same myself.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by woodlandsprite

Weld: the bike isn't on the center stand what I think you are making out to be the other leg of the stand is actually the obscene length of breather tube my bike has dangling down The center stand is there, just not deployed

You fooled me!

Sprite, I'm very glad you've joined us. I appreciate your contributions.

[woodlandsprite]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Sprite, I'm very glad you've joined us. I appreciate your contributions.

*blushes* aw thanks, Weld You are a good bunch - very helpful and supportive. I'm glad I found you all so I have a place to ask all my questions without feeling ridiculed.

Back to the topic on hand, I passed on my install notes to both CSC and Barkbusters. To ensure the backbones don't get shoved laterally in towards the bar end if dropped, Barkbuster has recommended purchasing spacers (basically making use of the master cylinder spacers that they make).

You can see here that in order to accomodate the long lever length of the RX3, I had to mount the backbones of the handguards quite far out from the actual bar ends:



I'll probably get the calipers out and try to figure out what size spacers would be best for my use.

lest you think I left tons of clearance for the levers, here is what the levers look like pulled in:

[Huck369]

That is why I neutered (De-Balled) my levers, so I could mount my hand guards close in to the grips....

[woodlandsprite]

Originally Posted by Huck369

That is why I neutered (De-Balled) my levers, so I could mount my hand guards close in to the grips....

I am starting to consider doing that...I'm guessign you just took a hacksaw after them? *ouch*

[SpudRider]

I didn't hesitate to castrate my levers. Your hands will not slip off the levers when they are surrounded by the handguards.

A hacksaw will work well, but I employ my trusty, HF (Harbor Freight) angle grinder to neuter all my motorcycle levers.