Rear crash/tipover bars?

[mundefined]

Hello all.

Though there are a multitude of crash bars/cages for the R1200R/RS that surround the engine, there are no rear crash bars (that I can find) to protect the tail. The R1200RT has them available but nothing for the R/RS.

However, when I watched a recent ItchyBoots YouTube video where she rides with the Danish motorcycle police, I see that they use a R1200R with crash bars attached to the pannier mounts/rear pegs (see link below: watch/pause specifically at 3:06 to get a good view)
https://youtu.be/YQuGNSQoCDQ?t=186

My Google/eBay skills have failed me in that I am unable to find any manufacturer that offers these bars. Does anyone know who makes them and, if so, how one goes about getting a pair?

Thanks.

[Grumpy Goat]

... (see link below: watch/pause specifically at 3:06 to get a good view)
https://youtu.be/YQuGNSQoCDQ?t=186

That link took me to her Enduro riding experience video ...

The rear crash bars were probably custom made for the Police. I have never come across rear crash bars for the R1200RS/R.

[Lee]

The lower mount attaches to were the peg normally attached to the peg holder.
Looks like it would be easy to snap that casting.

[mundefined]

... (see link below: watch/pause specifically at 3:06 to get a good view)
https://youtu.be/YQuGNSQoCDQ?t=186

That link took me to her Enduro riding experience video ...

The rear crash bars were probably custom made for the Police. I have never come across rear crash bars for the R1200RS/R.

Yes, the title mentions motocross, but at 3:06 she's riding a 2015+ BMW R1200R with 2 sets of crash bars.

[Grumpy Goat]

Yes, the title mentions motocross, but at 3:06 she's riding a 2015+ BMW R1200R with 2 sets of crash bars.

Actually, its a whole different video and it was a caching issue on my computer. Before I cleared the cache, clicking on your link resulted in this - note the Episode # and timestamp:

   

Once I cleared the cache and clicked on the same link, I got this. Again note the Episode # and timestamp:

   

Using the sliders I managed to get the video "reset" so that 3:06 showed this:

   

With an enhanced close up showing more detail:

   

Finally, here is a view at 2:37 showing more detail of the lower connection on the left side:

   

From what I can see, I agree 100% with Lee - these crash bars mounted like that would snap off the passenger footpegs, which is actually the lesser of two evils. The impact would cause a force and a moment on the frame tubing to which the footpegs are attached, likely leading to permanent deflection and weakening of the frame in that location. You're better off without the crash bars and using the panniers as drop protection.

[mundefined]

Actually, its a whole different video and it was a caching issue on my computer. Before I cleared the cache, clicking on your link resulted in this - note the Episode # and timestamp:
...
From what I can see, I agree 100% with Lee - these crash bars mounted like that would snap off the passenger footpegs, which is actually the lesser of two evils. The impact would cause a force and a moment on the frame tubing to which the footpegs are attached, likely leading to permanent deflection and weakening of the frame in that location. You're better off without the crash bars and using the panniers as drop protection.

First, I appreciate the correction.

Second, thanks for the analysis. Based on the final image you posted, it does appear to me that the moment force along the foot peg support would be substantial.

I'll think about what you said about the panniers. Maybe some really thick/tough material could be temporarily attached to the panniers to take the abrasion of the parking lot asphalt. Anything come to mind?

[Ray]

'].

I'll think about what you said about the panniers. Maybe some really thick/tough material could be temporarily attached to the panniers to take the abrasion of the parking lot asphalt. Anything come to mind?

How expensive are custom crash bars compared to pannier lids?

[Grumpy Goat]

I'll think about what you said about the panniers. Maybe some really thick/tough material could be temporarily attached to the panniers to take the abrasion of the parking lot asphalt. Anything come to mind?

My comments are based on crash experience, both with my fully loaded RS (2016) and my S1000R (2020). The RS crash saw the bike go down at essentially zero speed and the right cylinder head and right pannier kept the bike off the ground and pinning me. At that speed, it was a very effective injury preventer.

Naturally the pannier was replaced as was the right cylinder outwards and other stuff. If those crash bars were on they would have likely bent the frame. A bent frame means the bike is a write off.

Any material you add to the panniers would have to be like the MachineArt Moto (MaMo) engine guards, which have a thick harder durometer rubber capped with a tough plastic layer. The plastic layer would allow some slide so that the protection is not "scraped off". The rubber is for impact protection. Would probably look ugly as hell.

If you're concerned with parking lot grade crashes / bike drops then maybe some sort of temporary protection on the pannier lids would be effective.

[Lee]

Maybe some really thick/tough material could be temporarily attached to the panniers to take the abrasion of the parking lot asphalt. Anything come to mind?

I wish BMW still sold the rubber pads you could add to the older panniers.
The bike could fall over with no damage to bags with these protectors.

   

[Lee]

How expensive are custom crash bars compared to pannier lids?

A lid costs $360.
Since we're talking about parking lot tip overs a scratched lid can probably be professionally painted for under $200.

[Grumpy Goat]

A lid costs $360.
Since we're talking about parking lot tip overs a scratched lid can probably be professionally painted for under $200.

Agree. The lids are pretty tough and a competent body shop can do a nice job fixing scrapes. The rubber pannier pads are a great idea and I agree that it is a shame that it is not offered for our panniers.