Crash bars - Givi vs SW Motech

[Dirt_Dad]

I am in the process of setting up Tenere #2 and I decided to try different bars on this bike. The first Tenere got a set of SW Motech. Even though I had a set from the early batch, which was slightly off on the dimensions, I was still able to install them in a few minutes. The supplied fasteners are high quality and the bars feel nice and solid.

I just completed installing Givi bars on the second Tenere. Installing these bars is a much more involved process. I've installed multiple brands of bars on several bikes (DL650, DL1000, S50), none have been as involved as the Givi bars for the Tenere. I am NOT calling them hard to install, but they are more time consuming than any other bars I've experienced. Fortunately there is a good Givi thread here that does an excellent job of explaining where the unimpressive Givi documentation should be ignored and provides better instructions. The fasteners remind me of the screws provided with my Givi bars on the Stroms. Those fasteners showed significant corrosion after about 18 months. I'm not positive Givi is still using the same horrible corroding screws as before, but I'm not going to take a chance and will soon replace these with stainless. These bars do feel solid, people say the plastic on both sides of the bike can be removed without taking off the bars, which is an ideal feature.

Bottom line, the SW Motech are far easier to install, but the Givi should allow the radiator side plastic to be removed so both have their pluses. They both feel solid and I hope I never get to test either one of them for their intended purpose.

 

[jajpko]

I am in the process of setting up Tenere #2 and I decided to try different bars on this bike. The first Tenere got a set of SW Motech. Even though I had a set from the early batch, which was slightly off on the dimensions, I was still able to install them in a few minutes. The supplied fasteners are high quality and the bars feel nice and solid.

I just completed installing Givi bars on the second Tenere. Installing these bars is a much more involved process. I've installed multiple brands of bars on several bikes (DL650, DL1000, S50), none have been as involved as the Givi bars for the Tenere. I am NOT calling them hard to install, but they are more time consuming than any other bars I've experienced. Fortunately there is a good Givi thread here that does an excellent job of explaining where the unimpressive Givi documentation should be ignored and provides better instructions. The fasteners remind me of the screws provided with my Givi bars on the Stroms. Those fasteners showed significant corrosion after about 18 months. I'm not positive Givi is still using the same horrible corroding screws as before, but I'm not going to take a chance and will soon replace these with stainless. These bars do feel solid, people say the plastic on both sides of the bike can be removed without taking off the bars, which is an ideal feature.

Bottom line, the SW Motech are far easier to install, but the Givi should allow the radiator side plastic to be removed so both have their pluses. They both feel solid and I hope I never get to test either one of them for their intended purpose.

Even if you have to remove the bars, it is real easy. just two bolts and one nylock. When you install, it is best to do one side at a time and add the cross bar with either side. Hop that makes sense.. LOL

 

[tomatocity]

Is there a list of the bars / guards with the plus' and minus' of each set?

Not being to easily remove the right side panel is a extreme negative for me. I would not like to have to remove the panel to replace a fuse.

 

[Twitch]

...The fasteners remind me of the screws provided with my Givi bars on the Stroms. Those fasteners showed significant corrosion after about 18 months. I'm not positive Givi is still using the same horrible corroding screws as before, but I'm not going to take a chance and will soon replace these with stainless.

I’ve already had to clean up and treat some of the hardware. Where you’re going to see it first is oozing out those tubes where the guards are fastened on the sides. If not changing out for stainless, a little treatment on the hardware is probably a good idea before install.