I have a 2004 GSA and I have managed to destroy the factory plastic cylinder guards. Any suggestions on what would be a good replacement?
If you are looking for a clean look, you could post a "Want to Buy" in the flea market for some Stanton Head Guards. They are not made any longer but are tough as nails. They are made out of aluminium and are very light. If you go this route just make sure to use long enough bolts when mounting.
Touratech produces aluminum solution for that... http://www.touratech-usa.com/Store/227/PN-051-0508/Aluminum-Cylinder-Head-Guards-R1100GS-R1150GS-R1150-GS-ADV-and-RT set of two costs about 180 USD, OEM plastic BMWs cost 125USD/each...
I put some Wunderlich guards and they look nice, fit good. http://www.wunderlichamerica.com/motorcycle/R1150ROCK/8161536.html
The TT pieces have their place. They are meant to deform on impact to take the shock of the drop. The bad part is that they are toast after a drop. The Stantons get scraped up and all you do is repaint them.
I've always just replaced them with stock ones. Actually one of the more affordable replacement parts on the whole bike. Terry
just those you have shown : will not protect much against some sharp stones etc... that can perforate the valve cover :/ Touratech has bigger surface that can protect against dropping the bike on some sharp rock etc...
I've had both the Touratech and Stanton guards. The Touratechs broke quickly: thin aluminum + 500 lb of bike = disposable crap. Sorry, but I was very unimpressed. On the other hand, Stantons are bomb proof. I suppose if you were extremely unlucky you could have a rock that is very skinny (but not brittle) poke between the ribs of the Stanton guard and puncture your cylinder head ... but I'd be surprised if that has ever happened.
Would you guys quit posting pics and singing the praises of the Stanton guards! I've been looking for over a year and I can't find any. When they do pop up for sale they are gone in mili seconds. BTW, if you have some for sale let me know.
They are valve cover guards not cylinder head guards. The OEM seem to work as good as the TT. The Stantons are best. Steptoe in the UK WAS reproducing them at one time. Lots of used OEM available.
Stanton "Unobtainium" rocker cover guards are pretty tough stuff. I end up having to repaint them almost every year but so far they've always saved the day. The Flea Market is your friend drcool
Contact Steptoe he sells head guards that are the same as Stantons. I have had Stantons for years and love them. As stated when you drop the bike and scrape them up all you need to do is repaint them and they look good as new. Next to my Ricky bars and Terra Nova light bar, these are the best accessory I've purchased for my GS.
Thanks for the info I will look for the Stantons. Any suggestions on used OEMS? I tried Beemer Boneyard and they don't have any.
I also looked for some used OEM guards for a few weeks and never found any after posting a wtb, beemer bonyard etc. Ended up buying the TT ones. Went on easy, look good but with their design may be somewhat disposal if I need to actually use them. No more so than the stock plastic ones however. No other options beside the Wunderlich ones which are pretty spendy.