SW MOTECH CRASH BAR INSTALLATION???

[SHUMBA]

Just bought a new 2018 S-Ten and have also bought some SW Motech crash bars. I like this brand because I had them on my Africa Twin and they "saved the day" four times over the course of two riding seasons and 30,000 KM. Two things I like to add to every bike is 1.) Crash bars 2.) extras LED lights for extra visibility.
Can anyone out there provide me with the level of difficulty to install the SW Motech crashbars? It appears to be only three bolts per side and no centre strap to link both sides together. Thanks...appreciate any assistance.......SHUMBA

 

[EricV]

Here is a .pdf of the instructions: LINK It's from the SWMotech usa web site.

Lefty Loosy, Righty Tighty. You're done. Two bolts on each side are the existing OEM plastic drop guard bolts. The front location is the motor mount bolts. BE CAREFUL with the motor mount bolts. Do one side completely, then the other. The motor mount bolts are threaded into the aluminum engine block. It's easy to cross thread them and you do not want to do that. You may need to support the engine from below for ease of re-installing the bolts.

 

[SHUMBA]

Thanks for that Eric V. I will have a look at the .pdf file. I take it that the engine may drop or shift position when you remove the front mount which as you describe as the motor mount. Thanks........SHUMBA

 

[SHUMBA]

Just had a look at the installation diagrams. The inference I draw is DO NOT REMOVE BOTH MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS AT THE SAME TIME. A little rubber bumper is shown in the install diagram. I hope this comes with the bars....The diagram shows a left and a right bar and two sizes of bolts and two sizes of washers, but no bumpers. SHUMBA

 

[EricV]

Just had a look at the installation diagrams. The inference I draw is DO NOT REMOVE BOTH MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS AT THE SAME TIME. A little rubber bumper is shown in the install diagram. I hope this comes with the bars....The diagram shows a left and a right bar and two sizes of bolts and two sizes of washers, but no bumpers. SHUMBA

Correct, don't remove them both at the same time.

The rubber bumper is OEM and being used on the left side bar. The left side bar, (and OEM plastic drop guard), has a lower radiator support bracket built into it. The rubber bumper/grommet goes there for the lower radiator tab to fit into. You align things when you install the left side bar. It's easy, the radiator will move in and out a bit w/o effort.

The up side of the SWMotech bars is that they are easy to install. The down side is only three mounting points doesn't make them super strong. They do a good job for most people on minor drops.

The install is easy if you can turn a wrench and use a little common sense. It will all be self evident once you hold things up to the bike.

 

[bimota]

Got them on mine the easiest thing bar far to fit 3 bolts ones side at a time i take mine off regular

 

[escapefjrtist]

Tenere looks great bimota ^^^^ nicely done!

~G

 

[Don in Lodi]

A nice option is to replace those front motor mount bolts with studs. If you should decide on one of the bigger skid plates like ACD you won't be over working the threads in the head every time you need to take things apart. And the threat of the motor shifting goes away.

 

[SHUMBA]

Okay, great. I think the Sw Motech crash bars will be adequate for my needs.
Just had a look at the Rumbux bars and agree they would provide additional or superior protection vs the Motechs.
I'll follow my nose as I think I can handle the Motech bars installation. I'll be sure to have the tools necessary and I have some blue loktite.
Many thanks for all of your assistance.
SHUMBA

A nice option is to replace those front motor mount bolts with studs. If you should decide on one of the bigger skid plates like ACD you won't be over working the threads in the head every time you need to take things apart. And the threat of the motor shifting goes away.

Thanks for that Don in Lodi,
I'm not planning to do any off-road riding as I'm too old.
The odd gravel roads but mostly highway and expressways. All I really need are crash bars (got them) a lower seat (working on it) and be putting on some very high intensity LED lights that I use as daytime running lights. A lot of motorists claim that they don't see motorcycles, (because they are not looking for them) but I had these LEDs on other bikes a feel they do help....SHUMBA
Thanks