Frame sliders/engine guards

[Bazbro_imp]

In the 1960s, all 'bikes here in the UK came with solid, rigid footrests (my 250 Ysmaha's were the rigid type) and I remember a bit of discussion in the publications about "folding footrests" for the American market. I think the discussion ranged on, in an accident, did footrests protect/shield feet/legs from the road or did they trap/injure feet/legs in an accident? The American market obviously decided that feet were injured by rigid footrests, and so folding footrests became the norm. Meanwhile, I'd had a few minor tumbles on my Yamaha, where the footrests, although getting slightly bent, also acted as a sort of mini-crashbar/slider, stopping my leg/foot being crushed by the sliding 'bike.

My first 'folding footrest' 'bike was my K2 CB750 in 1972. The first thing I fitted was crashbars.

Fast forward to 2020 and my latest acquisition is the 250 Yamaha YDS3, identical to the one I bought in 1965 here in the UK (with rigid footrests), EXCEPT... this one has FOLDING footrests (it's an American market one). So... onto eBay and I've sourced two NOS rigid footrests, which are on their way to me now, even as we speak!

[GoldOxide_imp]

I once went down and foot got jammed between the left foot peg and exhaust pipe as the bike dragged me downhill. At the time it was not fun.

[Interceptor Pilot_imp]

I had an "oh s**t" moment a few years ago with an ST1300. The driveway I stopped on was sloped more than my brain had calculated and when I put my foot down I started going down before I had a chance to get the stand deployed. Managed to execute a jump off and was able to gently lower the big beastie to the ground, but was stunned by the amount of surface damage to the plastic that occurred. All cosmetic, but it took hours and hours of rubbing compound to get it back to looking presentable.
So for the CB I went with the OEM guards. But after reading this thread I'm having doubts and may reconsider switching to either the SWM, or Over Guards.
Noticed nobody mentioned T-Rex products. Are there issues with that company? I like the Puck thingy they offer that goes on the crank case and also the Exhaust Guard. Also, any thoughts on the axle pucks they offer?

[Mixagon_imp]

Oh dear I wish I'd seen this earlier. Just got some H&P bars on the way but now it looks like I've bought the wrong ones.

[mrded_imp]

I have SW-MOTECH engine guards and they don’t allow to lean the bike far. Something to consider while choosing between guards and sliders.

[mrded_imp]

[Tev62]

Any potential to jack the preload up, front and back together mrded to give you a little more clearance?

[j3gq_imp]

The bike I bought recently came with an SW-Motech engine guard. I have no doubt it's properly installed, and seen from the front, everything is fine and in the right place. So what puzzles me is what you see on the following two photos taken from the back of the bike. First the right side, everything just looking fine. But then the left side: is this really gonna help in case of a fall or slide ?

[GoldOxide_imp]

RE the left side: Probably won't save the shaft cover from road rash, but it may likely save it from being crushed on a slide.

[PowerDubs_imp]

I went down on the left side of my bike w/ motech guards- not a scratch on the engine.


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