after market hand protectors

[Brian Millar]

#2648

First post to the forum even thou been on a few rides with the Canty group…Has any one out there had any experience fitting after-market hand protectors to a 1100GS?  I've got the cheapo - read no optional extras - model that didn't come fitted with BMW units.  Now that I've fitted heated grips (after a particularly cold ride with the group to Kaikoura) I'm looking at keeping the rain off as well.TaRoger

[Dave Ross]

#10396

Hi Roger and welcome to the forum. The hand protectors for my wife's F650 were $150 and they look very similar to the ones on my R1150GS. I suspect that the ones for your bike would be similarly priced. After market versions such as from Acerbis cost at least $100, so you might as well go for the BMW parts, unless of course the pricing is way of. Sometimes there is no logic to their pricing.

[Murray]

#10397

Roger, the first thing I did on the HP2 (and pretty much every other BMW I've owned was to get rid of the hand “protectors” and replace them with decent aftermarket kit. The originals are usually just plastic rain guards at best.For an 1100GS I'd be looking for a decent set, perhaps something like Barkbusters - the VPS range is very good. Take a peak at http://www.barkbusters.net/HandGuards.htm - drop them a line and you'll get a set n the post within a week or zip down to the local bike shop and source something similar liek Acerbis. All are relatively easy to fit, provide proper protection, especially out adventure riding, and is well worth the few extra bucks you might have to pay over dodgy stuff.PS The amount of gravel riding you guys are getting into down in Canterbury recently - I might have to move back  🙄

[Dave Ross]

#10398

Garry, the protectors fitted to the 1150 are pretty good. The Hp2 had a couple of wobbly shields fitted, similar to what used to be on my R80GS. They also work very well on keeping the rain off and make the heated grips much more effective. If you are going to go crashing into trees, the hand protectors will be the least of your worries.

[Murray]

#10399

Alex, I'll take a wrap around aluminium Barkbuster over a plastic, wobbly shield any day of the week (tree or no tree) thanks very much  😀

[Dave Ross]

#10400

I've read my reply again and it makes stuff all sense. What I was trying to say is that the protectors on the 1150 are way better than what you had on your Hp2. They are made from a pretty tough plastic and work well  in wind and rain. I've pulled the wobbly bit of plastic, that passed for protectors, off the r80 and replaced them with Acerbis ones, but without the Aluminium bar. As I understand it they are there to deflect small branches off your levers, that worked quite well during the CCA.  I don't really think they can do all that much more.

[Dave Morris]

#10401

bitch fight – bitch fight, bulletin boards do show context something is said very well 👿

[Dave Ross]

#10402

bitch fight - bitch fight, bulletin boards do show context something is said very well 👿

[Ron McFadzien]

#10403

Hello Roger, Welcome to the forum. Just to get this thread back on track. Are you looking for off road hand protection or wet/cold hand protectors. I have 2 – 1100 gs both fitted with aftermarket hand protectors with both aluminium / plastic construction. Wunderlich (fitted to one) have aftermarket sets desinged for the bike and bolt straight on I am sure Touratech also have these for sale. On the other bike I have fitted some Bark Busters this was by no means a straight fit. The biggest problem is getting around the front brake master cylinder. Getting back to my original question if you are after wet/ cold hand protection I have a very second hand set of original 1100 GS hand protectors that I would be willing to part with for a small fee if you are interestedRegards boGSer 

[Brian Millar]

#10404

Thanks for the comments from all.I looked at the barkbusters web site but they don't sell retail.  From the comments of boGSer it sounds as if their model is not a straight fit even thou advertised as such..Wunderlich have special carbon fibre units at $350/pair!  Of course one must shave every ounce of weight as it all helps.Perhaps boGSer can let me know how much a "small fee" is - we might do the deal.Roger

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