Crash bars, also called engine guards or crash cages, are one of the most searched motorcycle protection parts in the US. They're simple in principle: a set of tubes that sits around the engine and takes the hit when the bike goes over. But not all crash bars are built or mounted the same way. This guide explains how motorcycle crash bars work and how to choose the right engine guard for your bike.
What Do Crash Bars Do?
Crash bars are designed above all for the low-speed tip-over. Think of a bike falling in a parking lot, sliding off a kickstand in soft ground or going over when you put a foot down on a slope. In those falls, crash bars:
- hold the bike off the engine side covers and cases;
- protect the radiator sides, the tank area and bodywork, depending on the design;
- can leave room to free a trapped leg;
- give you something solid to grab when lifting the bike.
They are not designed to make a high-speed crash safe, and in a fast slide on pavement a steel bar can catch rather than slide. That's why sport riders usually prefer frame sliders. Our crash bars vs frame sliders guide covers the differences.
Types of Crash Bars
Lower engine bars
They wrap around the lower part of the engine and protect the cases and side covers.
Upper bars
Mostly found on adventure bikes. They extend up around the tank and fairing to protect plastics and radiator shrouds. Some kits combine upper and lower bars.
Cruiser engine guards
On cruisers, engine guards usually sit in front of the engine and frame downtubes and also help protect the rider's legs in a tip-over.
How to Choose Crash Bars
Material
Steel tubing is a common choice: it's strong and it can bend to absorb an impact. Aluminum tubing is lighter. Both work when the design is right.
Mounting points
Look at how many frame points the bar uses and whether it uses the factory mounting points. Bars that spread the load over several points are less likely to damage a single frame tab in a hard hit.
Coverage
Decide whether you need lower-only protection or upper and lower bars. More coverage means more weight.
Fitment and clearance
Crash bars are model-specific. Check the model years, and after installation make sure the bars don't touch your boots on the pegs, the exhaust or any hoses.
Hardware
Good kits include all the brackets, bolts and spacers needed. Rubber grommets help limit vibration.
Crash Bars in Our Catalog
Adventure bikes
- CFMOTO 450MT / Ibex 450 crash bars: steel, available as a full set or as upper or lower bars.
- Honda XL750 Transalp crash bars: aluminum alloy tubing.
- Honda CB500X crash bars (2013 to 2018): several mounting brackets spread impact force across the frame.
Naked and sport bikes
- KTM 990 Duke crash bars: a left and right pair supplied with stainless bolts, washers and rubber grommets.
- KTM RC390 crash bars: bolt to the existing frame mounting points, with no drilling.
Cruisers and scooters
- Honda Rebel 300/500 crash bars: tubular steel, with brackets, spacers and bolts included.
- Honda Rebel 1100 crash bars: mounting tabs match the factory frame points.
- Honda X-ADV 750 crash bars: steel tubing that wraps around the lower engine cases, installed with the factory mounting points.
Read our Honda Rebel crash bars guide for help choosing between the Rebel kits.
Installation Tips
- Install one side at a time and fit all bolts loosely before tightening anything.
- Use a torque wrench and the torque values from the instructions or your service manual.
- Re-check every bolt after the first 100 to 200 miles.
- After a fall, inspect the bars and the mounting points. A bent bar has done its job and should be replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do motorcycle crash bars actually work?
Yes, for the falls they're designed for: tip-overs and low-speed drops. They're not designed to make high-speed crashes safe.
Do crash bars damage the frame in a crash?
A well-designed bar spreads the load over several mounting points and bends before the frame does. In a very hard impact, mounting points can still be stressed, so inspect them after any crash.
Can I fit crash bars myself?
Most kits are bolt-on and can be installed with basic tools and a torque wrench. If you're unsure, a shop can fit them quickly.
Browse all our motorcycle crash bars.