Hand guards

nadeauracing229
Edited Date/Time 7/13/2021 6:41pm
Why are they no longer cool? Currently I ride a ktm and have the power parts hand guards that bolt through the lever assembly like those from days past why don’t other companies or brands also do this still? Can’t remember a time crashing with the new age handguards with the mounting system like the renthal ones not breaking.
2
|
Rickyisms 7/12/2021 8:59pm
7/12/2021 8:59pm
I still rock the Acerbis Unikos, I did it as a kid because Travis Pastrana always ran them and it stuck with me.
12
Chance1216
Profile picture for user Chance1216
Posts
8379
Joined
4/1/2018
Location
Carson, CA US
Chance1216 7/12/2021 9:17pm
7/12/2021 9:17pm
I still use them. Rocks and, tree branches hurt.
7
FIREfish148
Profile picture for user FIREfish148
Posts
5479
Joined
1/20/2009
Location
Kirkland, WA US
FIREfish148 7/13/2021 1:25am
7/13/2021 1:25am
They are cool if you make them look cool.

The Shop

See All »
JBecker 72
Profile picture for user JBecker 72
Posts
1800
Joined
3/25/2014
Location
Eastern Panhandle, WV US
JBecker 72 7/13/2021 1:48am
7/13/2021 1:48am
I still run them.

1
cappelmans
Profile picture for user cappelmans
Posts
447
Joined
11/14/2011
Location
Eindhoven NL
cappelmans 7/13/2021 3:18am
7/13/2021 3:18am Edited Date/Time 7/13/2021 3:43am
It’s just too much downforce
4
BobPA
Profile picture for user BobPA
Posts
8324
Joined
10/31/2013
Location
PA US
BobPA 7/13/2021 4:07am
7/13/2021 4:07am
I run them as well, one of the first items I install.
3
Speeddemon73
Profile picture for user Speeddemon73
Posts
259
Joined
5/7/2013
Location
Grand Rapids, MI US
Speeddemon73 7/13/2021 4:23am
7/13/2021 4:23am
Handguards are more a personal preference than they are a "cool" accessory on a bike. I don't think I have ever heard anyone say "Dude, look at his bike. Yeah, man did you see his handguards?! So Rad!" Most moto guys don't use them because they block your field of vision and make the front end feel bigger than it is. Don't believe me? Ride with handguards for a while and then take them off. It's stupid, but there is a difference. Most guys are only using them when it's necessary at tracks like Unadilla, Southwick, or any other rocky/sandy/muddy track. Other than that there's really no reason to use them for MX. Some guys will argue rocks can fly up and break your knuckles or fingers. However, like Ryan Hughes says if you go out expecting bad things to happen, guess what bad things are going to happen. This is another one-in-a-million chance scenario. Run what you like and what you think is cool. But I highly doubt handguards are going to be regarded as a "cool" accessory to run on your bike compared to a shiny aftermarket exhaust, personalized decals, or custom wheels.
2
11
cloud41
Profile picture for user cloud41
Posts
277
Joined
8/28/2020
Location
Chicago, IL US
cloud41 7/13/2021 4:35am
7/13/2021 4:35am
Lots of pros running them outdoors this year.
wrc777
Profile picture for user wrc777
Posts
3151
Joined
5/21/2020
Location
Greenwood, IN US
Fantasy
129th
wrc777 7/13/2021 4:54am
7/13/2021 4:54am
Integrated hand guards are the best. The others are too floppy but if you are running a Japanese bike you don't have much choice.
Johnny Ringo
Profile picture for user Johnny Ringo
Posts
8033
Joined
1/11/2016
Location
Tombstone, AZ US
Johnny Ringo 7/13/2021 4:57am
7/13/2021 4:57am
Pastrana made them cool
4
nadeauracing229 7/13/2021 5:47am
7/13/2021 5:47am
wrc777 wrote:
Integrated hand guards are the best. The others are too floppy but if you are running a Japanese bike you don't have much choice.
This was more the reason for my post the integrated design from the ktm ones I have is so superior to the renthal etc etc design. I have always thought they were cool since pastrana.
Chris_Buehler 7/13/2021 5:51am
7/13/2021 5:51am
Johnny Ringo wrote:
Pastrana made them cool
Hell yeah. Vohland looks like he's picking up the mantle running them all the time
2
jonesaustin
Profile picture for user jonesaustin
Posts
2649
Joined
7/6/2009
Location
Austin, TX US
jonesaustin 7/13/2021 6:09am
7/13/2021 6:09am
they don’t fit within the historical look and feel of the sport, only enduro / hairscrambles, so no they’re not cool to many MX (and certainly SX) fans, but with the modern bikes it also makes total sense why someone would use them in closed course competition.
2
2
Mr. Info
Profile picture for user Mr. Info
Posts
1671
Joined
5/3/2010
Location
Perris, CA US
Mr. Info 7/13/2021 6:13am
7/13/2021 6:13am
Take a rock to the finger. Hit a tire or post in a turn and then tell me what you wish you ran all the time on you bike. I have run some type of hand guard for 30 years and not for looks.
8
soggy
Profile picture for user soggy
Posts
8511
Joined
12/3/2018
Location
UT US
soggy 7/13/2021 6:19am
7/13/2021 6:19am
Speeddemon73 wrote:
Handguards are more a personal preference than they are a "cool" accessory on a bike. I don't think I have ever heard anyone say "Dude, look...
Handguards are more a personal preference than they are a "cool" accessory on a bike. I don't think I have ever heard anyone say "Dude, look at his bike. Yeah, man did you see his handguards?! So Rad!" Most moto guys don't use them because they block your field of vision and make the front end feel bigger than it is. Don't believe me? Ride with handguards for a while and then take them off. It's stupid, but there is a difference. Most guys are only using them when it's necessary at tracks like Unadilla, Southwick, or any other rocky/sandy/muddy track. Other than that there's really no reason to use them for MX. Some guys will argue rocks can fly up and break your knuckles or fingers. However, like Ryan Hughes says if you go out expecting bad things to happen, guess what bad things are going to happen. This is another one-in-a-million chance scenario. Run what you like and what you think is cool. But I highly doubt handguards are going to be regarded as a "cool" accessory to run on your bike compared to a shiny aftermarket exhaust, personalized decals, or custom wheels.
I don’t buy any of that, that’s just all in your head. I have been using guards for years and never once have they hurt my vision. If your they are in your vision you’re doinga whole lot wrong.
7
donniehale64
Profile picture for user donniehale64
Posts
7
Joined
8/7/2020
Location
Western Grove, AR US
donniehale64 7/13/2021 6:40am
7/13/2021 6:40am
I think they can look pretty good and put them on all my bikes. I will say I think it’s all in my head tho just makes me feel like I won’t smash my hands as bad. I run acerbis ones with the plastic mounts and don’t seem to break in small tip overs. Any more than that I feel like you are breaking more than just the guards anyways
1
Speeddemon73
Profile picture for user Speeddemon73
Posts
259
Joined
5/7/2013
Location
Grand Rapids, MI US
Speeddemon73 7/13/2021 6:44am
7/13/2021 6:44am
Speeddemon73 wrote:
Handguards are more a personal preference than they are a "cool" accessory on a bike. I don't think I have ever heard anyone say "Dude, look...
Handguards are more a personal preference than they are a "cool" accessory on a bike. I don't think I have ever heard anyone say "Dude, look at his bike. Yeah, man did you see his handguards?! So Rad!" Most moto guys don't use them because they block your field of vision and make the front end feel bigger than it is. Don't believe me? Ride with handguards for a while and then take them off. It's stupid, but there is a difference. Most guys are only using them when it's necessary at tracks like Unadilla, Southwick, or any other rocky/sandy/muddy track. Other than that there's really no reason to use them for MX. Some guys will argue rocks can fly up and break your knuckles or fingers. However, like Ryan Hughes says if you go out expecting bad things to happen, guess what bad things are going to happen. This is another one-in-a-million chance scenario. Run what you like and what you think is cool. But I highly doubt handguards are going to be regarded as a "cool" accessory to run on your bike compared to a shiny aftermarket exhaust, personalized decals, or custom wheels.
soggy wrote:
I don’t buy any of that, that’s just all in your head. I have been using guards for years and never once have they hurt my...
I don’t buy any of that, that’s just all in your head. I have been using guards for years and never once have they hurt my vision. If your they are in your vision you’re doinga whole lot wrong.
Carmichael and many other pro riders have reported the same thing. Look, if you think I'm full of it, take your handguards off and ride a moto without them. Chances are you are going to notice a difference mostly in corners. I'm not arguing against the use of handguards, but there is a difference between riding with them vs. without them. I used handguards for years on my bikes. When I took them off I noticed the front end didn't feel as wide and my corner speed increased because I felt I could see more of the track without two big pieces of plastic on either end of my bars. To each his own. But like I said, give it a go. Can't hurt. Unless you're scared to ride without them. Then I would say it's all in your head Smile .
1
8

Pit Row

See All »
BobPA
Profile picture for user BobPA
Posts
8324
Joined
10/31/2013
Location
PA US
BobPA 7/13/2021 7:06am
7/13/2021 7:06am
Speeddemon73 wrote:
Carmichael and many other pro riders have reported the same thing. Look, if you think I'm full of it, take your handguards off and ride a...
Carmichael and many other pro riders have reported the same thing. Look, if you think I'm full of it, take your handguards off and ride a moto without them. Chances are you are going to notice a difference mostly in corners. I'm not arguing against the use of handguards, but there is a difference between riding with them vs. without them. I used handguards for years on my bikes. When I took them off I noticed the front end didn't feel as wide and my corner speed increased because I felt I could see more of the track without two big pieces of plastic on either end of my bars. To each his own. But like I said, give it a go. Can't hurt. Unless you're scared to ride without them. Then I would say it's all in your head Smile .
You're out there in left field on the vision thing.....maybe stop looking down at your front fender? I've ridden countless times without them, never have I noticed my vision being obstructed.

I'd say it is a regional thing as well. See them everywhere on the east coast, coincidentally we have a lot of hills and rocks. Rocks break fingers, and broken fingers suck.
4
Stuntman949
Profile picture for user Stuntman949
Posts
2857
Joined
11/10/2015
Location
San Clemente, CA US
Stuntman949 7/13/2021 7:09am
7/13/2021 7:09am
Looks good and its the first defense against cactus
1
JBecker 72
Profile picture for user JBecker 72
Posts
1800
Joined
3/25/2014
Location
Eastern Panhandle, WV US
JBecker 72 7/13/2021 7:16am
7/13/2021 7:16am
How short do you need to be where some low profile hand guards are affecting your vision through a corner?
2
FGR01
Profile picture for user FGR01
Posts
6033
Joined
10/1/2006
Location
AZ US
Fantasy
1170th
FGR01 7/13/2021 7:16am
7/13/2021 7:16am
If you're racing against 450's on a rocky track they are a real good idea !

For off-road, wrap around bark buster style are better and will actually save the controls in a crash.
1
Titan1
Profile picture for user Titan1
Posts
9409
Joined
2/3/2010
Location
Lehi, UT US
Titan1 7/13/2021 7:27am
7/13/2021 7:27am
I haven’t owned a bike since 2005 that didn’t have them on it.

Vision thing isn’t an issue (unless someone is 4 feet tall and/or doesn’t look far enough ahead), I think bikes look better with them on (personal preference).
5
wrc777
Profile picture for user wrc777
Posts
3151
Joined
5/21/2020
Location
Greenwood, IN US
Fantasy
129th
wrc777 7/13/2021 7:30am
7/13/2021 7:30am
FGR01 wrote:
If you're racing against 450's on a rocky track they are a real good idea ! For off-road, wrap around bark buster style are better and...
If you're racing against 450's on a rocky track they are a real good idea !

For off-road, wrap around bark buster style are better and will actually save the controls in a crash.
The wrap around guards increase the chance of breaking your arm, and they stiffen the bars too. You definitely need better controls if you have open guards though because the stock ones won’t survive many tip overs on hard ground.
1
1
Rickyisms 7/13/2021 7:38am
7/13/2021 7:38am
jonesaustin wrote:
they don’t fit within the historical look and feel of the sport, only enduro / hairscrambles, so no they’re not cool to many MX (and certainly...
they don’t fit within the historical look and feel of the sport, only enduro / hairscrambles, so no they’re not cool to many MX (and certainly SX) fans, but with the modern bikes it also makes total sense why someone would use them in closed course competition.

6
Muscle-Milk-KTM 7/13/2021 7:41am
7/13/2021 7:41am
I’ve taken a stone to the pinky and believe me the pain is immense. Hand guards all the time now.
Johnny Depp
Profile picture for user Johnny Depp
Posts
6435
Joined
10/16/2014
Location
Buda, TX US
Johnny Depp 7/13/2021 8:43am
7/13/2021 8:43am
jonesaustin wrote:
they don’t fit within the historical look and feel of the sport, only enduro / hairscrambles, so no they’re not cool to many MX (and certainly...
they don’t fit within the historical look and feel of the sport, only enduro / hairscrambles, so no they’re not cool to many MX (and certainly SX) fans, but with the modern bikes it also makes total sense why someone would use them in closed course competition.
Rickyisms wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2021/07/13/501522/s1200_tp199.jpg[/img]

Travis had it dialed with the drilled holes, you need the cool air on your handsShocked
Hammer 663s
Profile picture for user Hammer 663s
Posts
3078
Joined
6/2/2016
Location
Forest Grove, OR US
Hammer 663s 7/13/2021 9:13am
7/13/2021 9:13am Edited Date/Time 7/13/2021 9:13am
You go up Big Moe or Horsepower Hill mid-pack after a shitty start and you become a believer in handguards really quickly. I could give 2 shits about cool. I want fingers that work. All our bikes (even the street bikes!) have hand guards on them.

Hammer 663s
3
Johnny Ringo
Profile picture for user Johnny Ringo
Posts
8033
Joined
1/11/2016
Location
Tombstone, AZ US
Johnny Ringo 7/13/2021 9:19am
7/13/2021 9:19am Edited Date/Time 7/13/2021 9:20am
I can hear this photo
5
Mr. Afterbar
Profile picture for user Mr. Afterbar
Posts
2410
Joined
5/13/2019
Location
Green Bay, WI US
Mr. Afterbar 7/13/2021 9:19am
7/13/2021 9:19am
I bought some this year. First time since 2003. I got the Renthal this time and the mount snapped in short order. Anyone know if they sell mounts separate?

Post a reply to: Hand guards