Taking the risk unprotected

[Huzo]

I’m starting to fall back in love with my V85 and have had a couple of “nights away” recently…  I reckon the crash protection bars look a bit utilitarian and so I’ve taken them off.






The bike looks “lighter” which I do like, but like most times when you’re lacking protection, I’m gunna’ regret it if I make an error of judgement…

[DoubleGuzzi]

As yer maw might say; you'll be sorry. 

[Perazzimx14]

As long as you have good insurance that will cover any damage should the bike fall over you are protected. Crash bars are not panacea when it comes down to it. For tip overs they are great but then there is a chance you are damaging a $500 set of crash bars trying to protect a $250 valve cover.

[Huzo]

As long as you have good insurance that will cover any damage should the bike fall over you are protected. Crash bars are not panacea when it comes down to it. For tip overs they are great but then there is a chance you are damaging a $500 set of crash bars trying to protect a $250 valve cover.

Both my bikes are uninsured.
If I crashed and destroyed my Norge overseas, the insurance money would do nothing to get MY Norge back and I would just go to the airport and fly home.
I would not want to continue on some strange bike.

[MikeP996]

" I reckon the crash protection bars look a bit utilitarian and so I’ve taken them off."

Good on Ya!       "Utilitarian" is a nicer word for the look than I would use.   

[Frenchfrog]

I've always fitted them and that's the way my bikes stay. Function over form every time

[n3303j]

I keep the bars in place. I thought they were there to keep the bike from crushing your leg in a low side. Couple of low sides I've done had the bike sliding away from me without pinning my leg under its bulk. They also make it easier to pick up the bike when dropped in the parking lot as the bike sits higher because of the bars.

[TN Mark]

Are there any less 'utilitarian' crash bar options for the V85?

Some crash bars are rather useless while some others are amazing. I have no idea how functional the H-B ones are on my Eldorado. I most certainly don't want to find out either.

The original round front crash bars on my Victory CCT are rather useless if the bike falls over. Because it will go completely on its side thereby scratching the lowers as well as the outside edge of the fairing by the hand grips. The Victory accessory 'Forged' bars are amazing in that the bike won't go over 45 degrees if it falls over.  The only 'damage' with the forged bars are little scratches on the bottom of them as well as on the bottom of the saddlebag rails. Neither can be seen unless you look up from the ground. The Victory forged bars were not only a brilliant design they're also quite unique and amazingly sturdy. Yes, I relocated my oem CCT lowers to the attic and instead installed the Victory forged bars. I also installed the forged bars on my Victory Hard-Ball.

The CCT got picked up by a dear friend last week. I reinstalled the oem lowers and that forged bar set is now in my attic. I told him about the differences.
   

[Perazzimx14]

Both my bikes are uninsured.
If I crashed and destroyed my Norge overseas, the insurance money would do nothing to get MY Norge back and I would just go to the airport and fly home.
I would not want to continue on some strange bike.

I'm not a world traveler but I would think that automotive/motorcycle insurance would be mandatory if taking your bike/vehicle out of country. I know just going to Canada I have to have proof of insurance. YMMV

[Frenchfrog]

I suspect Huzo is talking third party cover rather than fully comprehensive.

[Vagrant]

Knowing you I suspect you will make a pair from polished stainless or aluminum.

[Huzo]

I suspect Huzo is talking third party cover rather than fully comprehensive.

Yes Chris, it’s mandatory.

[Huzo]

Knowing you I suspect you will make a pair from polished stainless or aluminum.

Funny that…
Mine are the factory option that I had Nickel plated to further reduce the black look.

[inditx]

Looking good irregardless or is it regardless…
inditx

[DoubleGuzzi]

Better than nowt, though in my case to ease picking it up should I tip it over. 
Zoom in to see proper..