Guards & Protection
About Guards & Protection
Guards protect the parts of a motorcycle that are expensive or hard to replace when the bike goes down or when rocks, branches and spray hit it. Adventure and dirt riders fit skid plates, radiator guards and hand guards before they ride, street riders add crash bars and sliders to reduce damage in a tip-over, and cruiser owners often fit engine guards that double as a styling piece. Others shop here after a fall to replace what was scraped away.
The sub-categories divide the bike by location. For the underside, frame and engine, there are Skid Plates, Sliders & Spools, Frame & Crash Protection and Engine Guards & Highway Bars. For the front end, there are Fork Guards & Covers, Radiator & Oil Cooler Guards and Handlebar Guards & Protection.
For the exhaust, tank and tires, there are Exhaust Guards, Tank Covers, Pads & Protection and Mud Flaps & Splash Guards. See also Additional Guards & Protection. Guards are fitted to specific mounting points, so pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page. They reduce damage in tip-overs and slides, but they do not make a bike crash-proof.
Brands in this group include Acerbis, Cycra, Devol, Cobra and Arlen Ness. If a guard did not fit last time, this fitment guide explains how to check. This group is part of Motorcycle.
FAQs on motorcycle guards and protection
Which guards should I add to my motorcycle first?
It depends on how you ride. On dirt and adventure bikes, a skid plate, radiator guards and hand guards cover the most exposed parts. On a street bike, engine guards or frame sliders are the usual first step. Choose the parts that protect what you are most likely to hit.
What is the difference between a skid plate and an engine guard?
A skid plate covers the underside of the engine and frame to protect it from rocks, logs and hits from the ground. An engine guard, or crash bar, is a tubular frame at the front and sides of the engine that protects it in a tip-over.
Will a guard fit my motorcycle?
Most guards are made for specific models and years because they bolt to existing mounting points. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page and check the fitment notes, particularly if you have other accessories fitted.
Do I need to drill my bike to fit guards?
Many guards are bolt-on and use existing frame or engine mounts. Some designs, such as certain frame sliders, may require changes to bodywork or fairings. The listing and the instructions say what is needed.
Should I replace guards after a crash?
Inspect them carefully. A guard that is bent, cracked or worn through should be replaced, and the frame or engine mounting points it was bolted to should be checked as well. A guard that has taken a hard hit may not protect as well a second time.
