Engine guards install

[VegasMichael]

Hello all! Potentially stupid question here:

I've acquired a set of 2-point engine guards w/ highway pegs. The installation seems very straightforward:

1. remove bolts
2. replace bolts with guards in place.

Is there anything additional to keep in mind, or that I should know beforehand? Do you recommend locktite or lock washers as a just-in-case measure? Is a torque wrench recommended, or do I just tighten away?

Thanks for your advice!

[jwhughes3]

Nothing else to consider. I never used lock washers or Locktite and never had them loosen.

John

[VegasMichael]

Nothing else to consider. I never used lock washers or Locktite and never had them loosen.

John

Thanks, John. Installed today without any problems (other than having to clean up the old bolts a little once they were off).

This is the first time I've worked on the XS11 without stripping or breaking anything, or causing other unintended problems, so I appreciate the guidance!

[motoman]

Thanks, John. Installed today without any problems (other than having to clean up the old bolts a little once they were off).

This is the first time I've worked on the XS11 without stripping or breaking anything, or causing other unintended problems, so I appreciate the guidance!

An easy and good learning process..............that WILL get more involved later as bike is ridden more.

[crazy steve]

Just so you know, that style of engine guard is pretty much worthless as a guard. If the bike is moving forward at anything much above walking speed, these will fold back when you go over and not only probably break the cover they're supposedly there to protect, but many times will also knock a few fins off the cylinder.

If you're using them to mount lights or highway pegs, they're OK for that.

[ViperRon]

Steve I hate to go against you as you have great wisdom on this but years ago my father had a terrible tumble on his full dresser and the guards nearly ground threw and did bend but saved the cases from all but some scratching and probably a leg. Now with the full dresser you have the fairing and also the luggage guard so I am sure that makes a big difference. However I will say that highway peg mount depending on the way mounted may make it dig in and weaken the bar if drilled.

Now on a special I'd go with the heavy duty triple to save my legs

[Bigfoot]

Just so you know, that style of engine guard is pretty much worthless as a guard. If the bike is moving forward at anything much above walking speed, these will fold back when you go over and not only probably break the cover they're supposedly there to protect, but many times will also knock a few fins off the cylinder.

If you're using them to mount lights or highway pegs, they're OK for that.

Actually, your statement is pretty much complete B.S.

[crazy steve]

Just reporting my personal experience, although there's several threads on here stating the same issue for other users. Remember, the OP is using the two-point mount guards. The three-point-mount guards work much better.

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27897

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24367

[Bigfoot]

I am sure that you could find many many others, me included, where these case guards worked exactly as they were designed to (at much more than walking speed) and saved the cases with no resulting damage to the engine cooling fins. Just seemed one of those blanket statements that you see so often here that just are not true.

And yes, the three point case guards are much better.

[VegasMichael]

Honestly, I just wanted a spot to mount some highway pegs.

The XS11 isn't the most comfortable bike for a tall guy (next up: raising the handlebars a little).

[skids]

Just reporting my personal experience, although there's several threads on here stating the same issue for other users. Remember, the OP is using the two-point mount guards. The three-point-mount guards work much better.

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27897

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24367

I had an experience where I high-sided at 45 mph and messed-up my alternator AND the opposite side cover. However, I did not punch a hole into the crankcase. You really can't expect complete protection from these and in fact, if you have pegs attached, it only makes it worse as in my wreck.

I personally like the three point guards the most because of the positioning of the highway pegs (biggest space is top to center bar on mine).

[motoman]

I am sure that you could find many many others, me included, where these case guards worked exactly as they were designed to (at much more than walking speed) and saved the cases with no resulting damage to the engine cooling fins. Just seemed one of those blanket statements that you see so often here that just are not true.

And yes, the three point case guards are much better.

First statement very true.........second one, not so much since third mounting point is same location as second one...........added leverage to twist that vertical frame rail on a hard drop while rolling, but looks better. Just an opinion of a trained metalurgist.