Why are SW Motech crash bars asymetrical?

[michael1954]

Just installed a set of sw motech crash bars on my 2013 standard and noticed that they are somewhat asymetrical. The right side extends further than the left. It clears the engine case by around 1.5 inches or so while the left side is close to the case and is sticks out less from the frame and frankly doesnt seem like it will offer a lot of protection if the bike is dropped. Havent gotten out a tape measure to check but its fairly obvious. I called Twisted Throttle this morning and he said that's the way they come and other brands do also. He could not explain why, however. Anyone out there who might know why they are designed like this? My brother thought it might have something to do with the kickstand, but personally I think that side should at least match the other, seeing as how the bike can get dropped from a bad kickstand deployment.

Hi, I have SW Motech bars on my 2013 CB and crash bars from China on my 2017 CB. The ones from China are also asymetrical. I noticed that as soon as I put them on and just figured in was the engine design that predicts the shape of the crash bars since they are attached to the engine, not the frame as much. I tell all who want to put some on, and I recommend them, my 2013 fell over in the yard on the left side and only the bars hit the dirt; buy Motech's first. The Chinese ones are not bad, but lack a few niceties like caps over the bolts. I bought chrome caps for the 2017 so I do not get scratched by them. Motech's also fit the lower frame better, and provide a nice, straight bar to attach lights to.