2022 Officially "On Order"!

[Grumpy Goat]

The left head already has some gashes in it I noticed today on more lengthy inspection of downloaded photos of the bike. 82 miles and that happened.

I am surprised that it is the left side that has evidence of a possible drop. On the RS, due to the long side stand, it is the right side that is more prone to damage from a drop.

The O719 and HP covers have replaceable slider panels if it's not obvious (it wasn't to me initially, until I saw the HP covers), but this is a good example of why that isn't sufficient protection.

BMW covers or any kind never made sense for me, largely due to how pretty they were and their replacement cost.

I used to have MaMo head covers on my bike, which I believe to be great [sacrificial] protection for a tip over. AAMOF, the video from the inventor where he drops a GS to prove the effectiveness of the covers in a drop is what sold me. However, after having got a bit of drop damage to the [left?] MaMo cover, I decided I wanted some more protection, and got my crash bars. I wanted something with more robust protection that, aside from a rock reaching in, would stop the valve cover from even touching the ground in a crash more dynamic than a tip over. I had hoped to also fit the MaMo covers (even with its scratches; some call that "patina") with the bars but clearance prevented that, and I never got around to coaxing a fit. Anyway, point is since I installed the bars I had (I think) a couple of lie downs (like this one) and the bars did their job beautifully and were easy to touch up. I suspect that it would be very effective in a low-side as well.

Stock replacement set, new, is $1200 for the head & engine cover, plus $8 for a filler cap. Cost of the storm billet set from the factory is a $1K upgrade. If you buy the parts individually later, they're $4,700. Plus a $100 oil filler cap. Sheesh.

That is what I mean. Stuff like that make me laugh (and not in a "funny" way). I see zero sense in it. To me motorcycles have 2 wheels which means there is a very good chance that at some point they will lay down. I don't care how good you are, the natural inclination of a motorcycle is to lie down on one side or the other. So to have to replace nice parts like that - and at prices like that - is kind of a joke. Only makes sense if the bike is a garage queen and you have it to look at and not to ride.

Sounds like crash bars are on your mind and for me I like the unobstrusive look of the SW Motech design.