While I certainly love to doodle on my own time building up any bike, our long adventure teeters on existing for 2013. The XC might have to spring into action a full 10 months earlier than planned after a unfortunate demise of my stator on Dorito. However, the build on the XC is not nearly far enough along, and in fact will take most of the next 12 months to finish. By "finish", it's the point of any project that I am financially ruined...or I perceive that there is nothing left to saddle onto the beast (whichever comes first!) |

One of the things that really plagued this particular bike build up was the lack of after market support, probably attributed to the poor overall sales numbers. About the only thing that saved the after market at all is the Bavarian blood.
One of the first orders of business was the crash bars, lord knows we will be kissing God's Green Earth soon enough! At the time, I think only Touratech and SW-Motech had produced any. I was lucky to get one of the last sets in the US from Twisted Throttle. Constructed of 26.9mm outer-diameter mild steel tubing. The part number is SBL.07.629.100.
Never had considered SW-Motech in the past, I was hesitant. The bars themselves are quite small and unassuming. But, they are quite nicely made and fit up well. They attach to the frame of the bike vs the motor mounts where possible. Additionally, the cross member provides some crush protection to the radiator, and also prevents later movement of the bars on crashing. The powder coat is still shiny 2 years later. They have survived the few minor get off, and I have been pleased with them especially considering the $200 initial investment.
One of the first orders of business was the crash bars, lord knows we will be kissing God's Green Earth soon enough! At the time, I think only Touratech and SW-Motech had produced any. I was lucky to get one of the last sets in the US from Twisted Throttle. Constructed of 26.9mm outer-diameter mild steel tubing. The part number is SBL.07.629.100.
Never had considered SW-Motech in the past, I was hesitant. The bars themselves are quite small and unassuming. But, they are quite nicely made and fit up well. They attach to the frame of the bike vs the motor mounts where possible. Additionally, the cross member provides some crush protection to the radiator, and also prevents later movement of the bars on crashing. The powder coat is still shiny 2 years later. They have survived the few minor get off, and I have been pleased with them especially considering the $200 initial investment.

One factor to consider when selecting the crash bars is your skid plate. There have been many a story of crash bars not fitting your skid plate. It seems the BMW P/N 71607706067 ($127). Snooks Build shown here with thee BMW bars.