Ducati Monster Forum

anyone used handguards for the winter?

thinking about picking up something like this, but im not sure what size bars i have, nor do i know how to mount the other end. I guess safety wire would work if i cant come up with anything.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BLACK-HAND-GUARDS-MOTORCYCLE-MOTOCROSS-DIRT-BIKE-ATV-MX-/180718874461?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item2a13af2f5d (http://www.ebay.com/itm/BLACK-HAND-GUARDS-MOTORCYCLE-MOTOCROSS-DIRT-BIKE-ATV-MX-/180718874461?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item2a13af2f5d)

I've got handguards on my DR. 

The ones you linked to will fit standard 7/8" bars (not the fatter 1 1/8" tapered style).  One end bolts into the end of your bars (wont work if you have bar-end weights) the other end is secured by a clamp which bolts around your bars. 

A word of caution: Many of this style of handguards dont allow sufficient room for your levers.  The common dirt biker mod is to cut the balls off the end of the levers. 

I didnt wanna cut off my balls  :o, so went for these >>  http://www.highwaydirtbikes.com/HDB_Shop/index.php?app=ccp0&ns=catshow&ref=handguards (http://www.highwaydirtbikes.com/HDB_Shop/index.php?app=ccp0&ns=catshow&ref=handguards) 

Also, whilst these things will give you some knuckle protection and protect your levers in a spill, I'm not sure how effective they are in keeping the cold off your hands.  Do you have heated grips?

If anybody still sells Buell parts, they made some that fit.  You need bar end screw-on weights, hollow pivot brake and clutch levers, and two longish bolts with spacers made of, say, rubber hose.   You can see what they look like on the pics at the bottom of the page:

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=42789.msg783610;topicseen#msg783610 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=42789.msg783610;topicseen#msg783610)

I had posted a pic of mine with powermadd guards. I actually rode all the time with them, until I laid her down and broke one. I am thinking of getting a set again though. I will try to derby the pic.
(http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu94/scduc/DSC00942.jpg)

I have a set of these on mine http://www.barkbusters.net/products/78.html (http://www.barkbusters.net/products/78.html) I put them on to go to the Oz GP this year and worked well

Always had heated grips on my bikes.
Looking at a 1100 evo as next bike and want to know what you think of the bark busters as an alternative to the electrical option?

Live in dreary cold Melbourne aust, and use my bike as everyday transport, touring, fun, rain, hail snow,shine.

Feedback?

Someone should buy my Hyper guards and try em out!! I'm kidding.  I don't even know if they would work.  This is what happens when I am bored at work.  ;D

If you have the clutch levers w/ the hollow pivot bolt, the stock handguards from a suzuki DL65 or Dl1000 V-Strom will fit. They mount using a bolt thru the lever pivot. 

Only thing I had to do on a 2003 M800 was to trim the plastic about 1/8 - 3/16in around the brake master.  Easy to trim, you only need a utility knife or razor blade. 

They look like this http://bit.ly/t8ERxo (http://bit.ly/t8ERxo)

I've never used heated grips but have used various types of handguards. They help a lot but are not a cure-all.  When it's real cold out my hands still get cold, don't know if that happens with heated grips.

Bob

Why not just get heated gloves?

heated grips suck, had them before.  the way to go is with heated gloves and buy the adapter to connect to the battery tender.

thats all fine and dandy, but below 10 degrees F heated gloves dont work anymore.

I haven't heard that one. 

have you tried?

the wind saps the heat from the glove and it feels like its not even on. without the heated gloves, your hands would be frozen like ice. with some handguards it should get it back to being toasty again.

I bought some Acerbis Uneko guards for my 696, but they won't fit with my coffin reservoirs  [thumbsdown]. I'd like to get my hands on the Hyper Motard setup something bad. I think they'd work well and look great.

If y'all find other options that are more available & cheaper post them up. This thread has serious potential!

coldest I've ridden was 5 degrees and through a snow storm in Montana......freaking July [bang]
My hands stayed warm with those gloves.

I put the Barkbusters S5 on my Monster. Worked with the stock bar and work with the Speedy Moto Clip Ons.
Install in bar end only, no interference with levers.
The guards were going to come off for summer but that hasn't happened. Work out well in the rain too.
Easily adds 10 degrees of comfort. Though I confess I'm riding the BMW RS1100RS in the cold temps now,
I'm finding I have to battle the cold just a little less. Along with a small fairing, it has, yes, handguards.

Not sure how they'd hold up if you find your Monster on the ground frequently.

doesnt see mto work for me. i have Gerbing Microwire G3s (or G something) when you hit 80mph on the freeway they cant keep up. i do have to add that i just sent them back in for warranty processing since they arent working anymore. so maybe they have been defective this whole time

I've got barkbuster storms on my m750. Works a treat for the cold, massive difference. I ride every day, rail hail or shine. Might take the off for summer. Also great for a light shower, still dry.