Hand guards look like a simple accessory, but they do more than most riders expect. They save levers in a fall, keep branches and roost off your knuckles and cut cold wind on long rides. This guide explains the different types of motorcycle hand guards, what each one is good for and how to choose the right pair for adventure riding.
Do Motorcycle Hand Guards Work?
Yes, but "hand guards" covers very different products, and they don't all do the same job. The right question isn't "do they work?" but "what do I need them to do?"
- Protect levers in a fall: requires a solid backbone mounted at two points.
- Protect hands from branches and roost: any shield helps.
- Block wind and cold: a wider shield works best.
The Three Main Types of Hand Guards
1. Wind deflectors (open shields)
Plastic shields that mount at a single point on the bar or mirror mount. They block wind and light debris and add a little protection from brush. They don't protect levers much in a fall, because there's no rigid structure holding them.
Best for: road and touring riders who want warmer hands.
2. Wraparound guards with a backbone
A metal backbone, usually aluminum, mounts on the handlebar on the inside and at the bar end on the outside. A plastic shield covers the backbone. In a fall, the backbone takes the impact and keeps the lever from snapping.
Best for: adventure and off-road riders. This is the type to choose if lever protection matters.
3. Hybrid guards
Plastic shields with internal reinforcement or partial metal inserts. They offer more protection than open shields and are lighter than full wraparound guards, at the cost of some strength.
Best for: mixed riding where you want some lever protection without the weight of full guards.
How to Choose Hand Guards for Adventure Riding
Mounting points
Two-point mounting (inside and bar end) is much stronger than single-point mounting. For off-road riding, it's the most important feature.
Handlebar compatibility
Check your bar diameter (7/8 in or 1-1/8 in tapered) and whether your bar ends are hollow. Model-specific guards remove the guesswork.
Lever clearance
The guard must not touch your levers at full pull, especially the front brake. Check at full lock both ways too, so the guard doesn't hit the tank or fairing.
Shield size
A larger shield means more wind protection but more weight and more leverage on the mount in a fall. Choose based on the climate you ride in.
Heated grips and switches
If you run heated grips or bar-mounted switches, make sure the guard's inner mount doesn't conflict with them.
Hand Guards for Popular Adventure Bikes
- Yamaha Ténéré 700: hand guards (2019 to 2024).
- Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin: handguards (2020 to 2024).
- CFMOTO 800MT / Ibex 800: handguards with wind protection.
- BMW R1200GS / R1250GS: handguard wind deflectors.
- BMW S1000XR: handguard protector (2013 to 2023).
Riding a bike that already has hand guards from the factory, like the CFMOTO Ibex 450? Check whether the stock guards have a metal backbone. If not, and you ride off-road, an upgrade may be worth it.
How to Install Motorcycle Hand Guards
- Remove the bar end weights (keep them; some guards reuse them).
- Loosely fit the inner clamp on the handlebar, inside the lever perch.
- Fit the outer mount into the bar end.
- Position the guard so it clears the levers at full pull and the bodywork at full lock.
- Tighten all bolts to the specified torque.
- Test: pull both levers fully, turn the bars lock to lock and check cable routing.
Common Mistakes
- Buying wind deflectors expecting crash protection.
- Mounting the guard too close to the lever, which can trap the lever when the guard flexes in a fall.
- Over-tightening the bar end bolt into a thin-walled handlebar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do motorcycle hand guards work in the cold?
Yes. Even simple shields cut wind chill on your hands noticeably. Combined with heated grips, they make winter riding much more comfortable.
Are hand guards worth it on a street bike?
For commuting in cold weather or rain, yes. For lever protection on a street bike, frame sliders and bar-end sliders are more common.
Will hand guards fit with my bar-end mirrors?
Usually not on the same side, since both use the bar end. Some guards have a mirror adapter; check before buying.
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