Frame & Crash Protection
About Frame & Crash Protection
Frame and crash protection covers the parts of a bike that scrape the ground in a fall or wear against your boots. On a dirt bike, that means the frame spars and the areas where your legs grip. On a street, adventure or sport bike, it means the crash bars, protection bars and axle protectors that keep the frame, engine and swingarm off the ground. Riders shop here after a drop, before a track day or to stop a bike's frame from being worn through by boots.
Pick the type for the job. Frame guards and frame grip tape are for dirt bikes, protect the spars from boot wear and give better grip for your knees; the listings here are cut for models such as the Yamaha YZ, KTM, Gas Gas, Husqvarna and Sherco. Crash bars and lower protection bars are for street and adventure bikes and are model-specific, with listings for the BMW R 1300 GS, Ducati Multistrada V4 and Harley-Davidson touring and Softail models. A rear axle protector, such as the Aprilia one listed, covers the axle end. Adhesive guards need a clean, dry, degreased surface, so follow the maker's instructions for the cure time.
Brands in this category include UFO, Puig Hi-Tech Parts, Acerbis, SW-Motech and Santoro Fabworx. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page. See also Engine Guards & Highway Bars, Skid Plates, Sliders & Spools and Handlebar Guards & Protection, all part of Guards & Protection.
FAQs on frame guards and crash protection
Do frame guards protect against a crash?
Frame guards protect the frame from scratches, boot wear and light knocks. They are not structural parts, so they will not prevent damage in a hard crash. For crash protection, look at crash bars and sliders for your model.
How do I apply frame guards or grip tape?
Clean and degrease the frame, let it dry fully, check the fit, and press the guard down firmly. Follow the maker's instructions for how long the adhesive needs to cure before you ride or wash the bike.
What does a rear axle protector do?
It covers the end of the rear axle, which can be the part that hits the ground in a slide or tip-over. It helps reduce damage to the axle, the swingarm and the wheel. Match it to your model.
Will crash bars fit with my luggage and accessories?
They can, but it depends on the bar and the accessories. Some bars are made to work with specific luggage or lights. Check the listing's fitment notes and compare them with what is on your bike.
Should I replace frame protection after a fall?
Inspect it. A crash bar that is bent or cracked should be replaced, and the frame mounts it attached to should be checked as well. Replace worn guards or tape that has peeled.
