03-08-2015, 11:15 AM
The instructions that come with the OEM engine guards do a good job of explaining each step. You'll reuse some of your existing frame bolts on the upper portion of the frame and then use the smaller supplied bolts for the lower connection. One side at a time and take your time (which won't be much) and you'll get it done. The hardest part is getting the stock bolts out. I don't remember the size (14mm?) but you'll need a decent set of box wrenches and you'll want to secure the nut on one side and then turn the bolt on the other side. It'll take a bit of force but nothing too crazy. The lower frame bolts (10mm?) are easy enough but will also require securing the nut on one side as you tighten the bolt on the other side.
The guards come with brackets for the lower attachment. There is a slot opening where the bracket affixes to the guard then the bolts secure the bottom of the bracket. It'll make sense when you see it. You'll be working near your pipes so do the install while the bike is cold. I think you'll be happily surprised with how easy this will be and you'll be ready to tackle your next project.
Given the designed purpose of the guards and the fact that they are affixed directly to your frame, I highly recommend using a torque wrench. If you don't have one, hit up your neighbor or pick one up from Amazon. It'll come in handy in the future. If you go with a torque wrench, get the foot-pound wrench. They also have inch-pound wrenches that wouldn't be a bad idea to have but won't be needed for this mod. Don't feel bad asking how to use one either (you'll probably figure it out fine on your own). Good luck and post up some pics when you're done!
Edit: Oh, one other tip - Leave the bolts a little loose until you're sure you have everything lined up properly. It helps to have the top affixed loosely while you position the bottom bracket. Then get the bottom bracket bolts affixed loosely. Finally, go back to the top and tighten the bolts to the specified measurement and end with tightening the bottom bolts to their specified measurement.
The guards come with brackets for the lower attachment. There is a slot opening where the bracket affixes to the guard then the bolts secure the bottom of the bracket. It'll make sense when you see it. You'll be working near your pipes so do the install while the bike is cold. I think you'll be happily surprised with how easy this will be and you'll be ready to tackle your next project.
Given the designed purpose of the guards and the fact that they are affixed directly to your frame, I highly recommend using a torque wrench. If you don't have one, hit up your neighbor or pick one up from Amazon. It'll come in handy in the future. If you go with a torque wrench, get the foot-pound wrench. They also have inch-pound wrenches that wouldn't be a bad idea to have but won't be needed for this mod. Don't feel bad asking how to use one either (you'll probably figure it out fine on your own). Good luck and post up some pics when you're done!
Edit: Oh, one other tip - Leave the bolts a little loose until you're sure you have everything lined up properly. It helps to have the top affixed loosely while you position the bottom bracket. Then get the bottom bracket bolts affixed loosely. Finally, go back to the top and tighten the bolts to the specified measurement and end with tightening the bottom bolts to their specified measurement.