Homebrew crashbars?

[frodef]

Would it be a good idea to make my own crashbars for the K75C? I seem to remember reading that the original crashbars are mounted with some rubber piece that breaks under heavy load? Is this by design for good reason, or could I make something that attaches firmly to the engine?

[Rick G]

I would not have them attach directly to the engine but there are bits available to do the job.
They are similar to the mounts for the battery tray on the Ks but larger and a bit stronger.
I am currently restoring a K1100LT and I will be making my own bars. I have just bought some of these mounts from a place that sells tractorparts and ride on mowers and chainsaws.
The ones I have were made by an Oz company called Bareco http://www.bareco.com.au/files/general/g21e.htm if you want to contact them.

[Scott_]

I wouldn't attach anything solid to the engine either. You risk of breaking that part of the engine. I'd rather have the rubber mount break away(which I have had happen) than to break the bottom of the oil pan where it mounts.
It's obvious that these bars offer no real protection in an actual at speed crash. I personally think that they are only intended to help protect the fairing/engine in a drop only situation.
YMMV

[frankenduck]

I guess there's a tradeoff.  If you solidly mount them then I'd bet there's a good chance they'd bust up the oil sump if subjected to enough force.  At the same time they might provide some amount of protection for your legs in the event of a lowside which the rubber mounted ones probably wouldn't.  Interesting quandary...

[frodef]

So on bikes with solid crashbars, I suppose they are attached to the frame rather than the engine?

[wmax351]

No Crashbars! They are more likely to punch a hole through your engine, or cause a highside.

[Scott_]

So on bikes with solid crashbars, I suppose they are attached to the frame rather than the engine?

Not that many bikes have the engine UNDER the frame the the K's. I can't speak for the boxers as I haven't seen that many up close.
If you look at your V-twins the frame goes completely under and around them so you have something solid to mount the bars to.

[Rick G]

I have ever only considered them to be there to protect the fairing in the event of a fall over and it makes them a bit easier to pick up. How do I know?  my wife rides the K75 with the bars and I often need to pick it up.