tiger 800xc crash bars

[some call me...tim]

Agreed, while the HT bars aren't as svelte as some of the other options, I don't think they're bad looking. And considering the amount of protection they provide for the price, I don't think they're a bad choice at all. If we're critiquing the way crash bars look, I think the Hepco upper bars are the least appealing--they make the bike look like it's wearing a retainer. But in any case, if you're looking for sex appeal in your motorcycle, then you're barking up the wrong tree with a dual sport/ADV bike. Sure, WE like them, but our views aren't exactly objective here.

[Xcountry-Rider]

The Happy Trails racks would be impressive if one of you made them in your garage. I would say bravo excellent work!! But for commercial guards they have a hobby shop type look to them. They are 250 bucks the same price as the Holan guards but don't wrap around the bike like the Holan bars. The Holans represent better quality and more professional workmanship. When they are the same price why not go for the better choice?

Holan


Happy Trails

[some call me...tim]

I agree the Holans look nice and for the same price I would opt for them over the HTs too. Only thing is that the Holans are only available for pre-order from the link you posted, and it looks like their previous US distributor gave up on them. http://holanusa.com/ While the end product may be good, what little I've seen about their business practices don't inspire confidence.

FWIW, I'm leaning towards the SW Motech crash bars myself.

[Xcountry-Rider]

Originally Posted by some call me...tim

I agree the Holans look nice and for the same price I would opt for them over the HTs too. Only thing is that the Holans are only available for pre-order from the link you posted, and it looks like their previous US distributor gave up on them. http://holanusa.com/ While the end product may be good, what little I've seen about their business practices don't inspire confidence.

FWIW, I'm leaning towards the SW Motech crash bars myself.

The new distributor has a thread on advrider. You do have a valid concern. Once you order you'll probably have to wait longer for the product.

[strider.deano]

Originally Posted by Dr. Doofenshmirtz

The Happy Trails racks would be impressive if one of you made them in your garage. I would say bravo excellent work!! But for commercial guards they have a hobby shop type look to them. They are 250 bucks the same price as the Holan guards but don't wrap around the bike like the Holan bars. The Holans represent better quality and more professional workmanship. When they are the same price why not go for the better choice?

Holan


Happy Trails

It's function over form for me! The Holan guards provide little tank protection.....too each thier own

[bluesman]

Originally Posted by cyclingtom

Just like the police; crashbars are there to "Protect and Serve".




If pretty mattered there wouldn't be any tankbags, top boxes or V-Stroms....

Agree. But one way of another Triumph bars way better for purely engine protection than anything else including HT or Holans. And for me it is motor that matters most, because plastic panel on tank side cost 35 euro and have no effect on function if crushed.
So I am OK to live with questionable tank side panels protection but solid motor protection and quite good radiator protection (check Touratech tank bars). Still, if not for already made choice on my bike (Triumph + touratech) I'd go for HT or Holans.

[Xcountry-Rider]

Originally Posted by bluesman

Agree. But one way of another Triumph bars way better for purely engine protection than anything else including HT or Holans. And for me it is motor that matters most, because plastic panel on tank side cost 35 euro and have no effect on function if crushed.
So I am OK to live with questionable tank side panels protection but solid motor protection and quite good radiator protection (check Touratech tank bars). Still, if not for already made choice on my bike (Triumph + touratech) I'd go for HT or Holans.

I agree i'm going to add the Touratech upper bar later on. But if you don't already have the Triumph bar and just want one the Holan bar makes the most since (if willing to wait for it). Also you can always replace the plastics if you want with carbon fiber if your worried about it.

[bbtech]

I would vote Happy Trails. I had them and they were nice and doubled as extended foot pegs on those long stretches. Yippe Ki Ye Mofos!

[KiLO]

I've got the SW-MOTECH bars, but I have to admit, I really like those Holans.