SW Motech crash bars installation.

Wheelin

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At this point, since I had to strain to install the left-hand side crash bars, I’m wondering if the stresses produced by the improper fit might eventually shear off the bolts that attach the crash bars to the bike, or perhaps strip out the holes for the motor mounts. Thoughts?
 

Wheelin

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Wheelin, here you go getting me all negative after a rare Denver Bronco win. Sorry, not your fault. I recently bought a pair and Twisted Throttle and SW Motech crash bars are both poor choices for me. Check the fit on the bike. Mine are tighter to the bike on the left side. Left was also harder to install. Quality is suspect and I don't care to start on my feelings toward Twisted Throttle.

Rant over.
Well, if I were a Denver Broncos fan, I’d be ranting as well! ;)

At this point, I’m debating whether or not to return the items and hope for a better fitting, or keep them and hope that the ill fitting left side bars don’t put unnecessary stress on the engine mounts on the front due to the bad fit. Or, I could return then and get a different brand. I’m waiting for some mechanical engineer with a stress analysis background to chime in, I guess.
 

Wheelin

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Maybe using a round file to modify the holes in the bars a little might help.
I don’t have a round file, but I do have a drill.

The more I think about it, though, the more I think to myself that if I’m going to pay that type of money, I should not have to make any modifications to make it fit. It should just plain fit. So I am veering more towards returning the item at this point.
 

Wheelin

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I don’t have a round file, but I do have a drill.

The more I think about it, though, the more I think to myself that if I’m going to pay that type of money, I should not have to make any modifications to make it fit. It should just plain fit. So I am veering more towards returning the item at this point.
Well, crap, I’m outside the window of time for a return, so a modification may be in order, after all @Cycledude.

BTW, when the manufacturer discusses having to remove the rubber crossbar in order to install the crash bars, are they referring to the two protectors that are underneath the lower cowlings?
 

SHUMBA

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Well, crap, I’m outside the window of time for a return, so a modification may be in order, after all @Cycledude.

BTW, when the manufacturer discusses having to remove the rubber crossbar in order to install the crash bars, are they referring to the two protectors that are underneath the lower cowlings?
Correct, I believe it says in the installation instructions that you have to remove the plastic bumpers that Yamaha stuck on the bike, a very feeble attempt to provide any protection. One would think that these bike manufacturers would put something solid for crash/drop protection on particular models of bikes like the Tenere.
JMHO
SHUMBA

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Cycledude

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Around here most any chainsaw dealer will have a nice selection of round files or probably most hardware stores as well.
i have the after market Yamaha crash bars and yes the stock Yamaha bumpers had to be removed before installation.

i have actually seen a Tenere tipped over in a parking lot and in that case the stock Yamaha bumpers did a nice job protecting what they are supposed to protect.
 
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SHUMBA

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Around here most any chainsaw dealer will have a nice selection of round files or probably most hardware stores as well.
i have the after market Yamaha crash bars and yes the stock Yamaha bumpers had to be removed before installation.

i have actually seen a Tenere tipped over in a parking lot and in that case the stock Yamaha bumpers did a nice job protecting what they are supposed to protect.
It all depends upon how and what a bike Falls onto.
I've been fortunate so far, all tip overs have been from a stopped or static, that is no gyro to keep me upright.
No bike damage, except my foot suffered a broken metatarsal in my last tip over.
She's a big bike and if you're not alert, its all over real fast...I've learned to jump clear and just let er go.
SHUMBA

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pkelly20

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I bought my SW crash bars used from a forum member who gave me the heads-up about the installation difficulties.

He recommended taking out both front motor mount bolts at same time when installing.

I was nervous about doing this, so I tried one side at a time and had a difficult time installing. One bolted up fine, the other was tough to line up.

Fast forward 12 months and I needed to install my new T-Tex skid plate which also mounts using the two front motor mount bolts. This required both bolts to be removed at the same time and also the crash bars. The skid plate mounts first and then the crash bars over top at the motor mount. I was thinking that getting both the skid plate and crash bars all lined up simultaneously was going to be very difficult, given the trouble I had with just the crash bars. Surprisingly, it all went together with no issues.

I’m not sure whether it was the fact that both motor mount bolts were removed at the same time, but that may make a difference.

BTW - I had my bike on the center stand while doing this work. I was concerned the motor would drop with both bolts out, but it didn’t move at all. The front motor mount bracket is quite thick and any movement of the motor would require it to also pivot towards the front wheel. The thick bracket would need to bend or flex to allow the motor to drop. Which it did not.

It’s possible SW installation instructions are written a bit too cautiously by doing one side at a time.

Both skid plate and crash bars have been on the bike all season with no issues.

Paul.


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SHUMBA

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I bought my SW crash bars used from a forum member who gave me the heads-up about the installation difficulties.

He recommended taking out both front motor mount bolts at same time when installing.

I was nervous about doing this, so I tried one side at a time and had a difficult time installing. One bolted up fine, the other was tough to line up.

Fast forward 12 months and I needed to install my new T-Tex skid plate which also mounts using the two front motor mount bolts. This required both bolts to be removed at the same time and also the crash bars. The skid plate mounts first and then the crash bars over top at the motor mount. I was thinking that getting both the skid plate and crash bars all lined up simultaneously was going to be very difficult, given the trouble I had with just the crash bars. Surprisingly, it all went together with no issues.

I’m not sure whether it was the fact that both motor mount bolts were removed at the same time, but that may make a difference.

BTW - I had my bike on the center stand while doing this work. I was concerned the motor would drop with both bolts out, but it didn’t move at all. The front motor mount bracket is quite thick and any movement of the motor would require it to also pivot towards the front wheel. The thick bracket would need to bend or flex to allow the motor to drop. Which it did not.

It’s possible SW installation instructions are written a bit too cautiously by doing one side at a time.

Both skid plate and crash bars have been on the bike all season with no issues.

Paul.


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Thanks for sharing your detailed information about the SW Motech crash bar installation.
As I recall, the instructions did say to only remove one engine bolt at a time. I assumed the reason was to ensure the engine didn't "drop". Perhaps Motech was merely covering themselves in case of the engine becoming misaligned, not necessarily on the Tenere, but other bikes as well. Motech manufactures crash bars for several bikes, Africa Twin and I'm sure a handful of others.
SHUMBA

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Wheelin

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Thanks, Paul (@pkelly20), for your detailed explanation.

I, too, initially followed the instructions for removing the engine mounts one at a time. When this didn’t work, I proceeded to remove both engine bolts —-unfortunately, with no success. I ultimately returned the item and I am seriously considering Outback Motortek bars now. They only weigh 10 pounds, have approximately the same price point, and appear to be very strong, from what I’ve seen of the crash tests.

As previous commentators posited in this thread, it’s possible that my particular unit might have been a “one off” from the factory. Had I been forced to keep it, I would have bored out the holes to make for a better fit.
 

pkelly20

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Those two bolts at the front engine mount are difficult to install even if everything is lined up because you are reaching in from the side, blind. So you have to get them started in the threads by feel. Even a bit misalignment of the accessory brackets makes that reinstall 10x worse.


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pkelly20

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I guess what I’m trying to get across is - these accessories have probably been developed without the benefit of 3D cad files from Yamaha. Ie. they’ve done the best that they can to deliver some accessories that will bolt up, most of the time.

Paul


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Wheelin

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@pkelly20 , yes, I’ve crossed threaded bolts in the past and am usually pretty good about catching myself, but you’re right, there’s always the possibility of end user error. I can only note that I made several attempts, and it seemed to me that the hole for the front mount on the left side wasn’t drilled high enough. I tried everyone’s suggestions in this thread, so unless I’m a complete dunderhead, the left crash bar just ain’t right.
Hope you enjoy a relaxing weekend.
 

SHUMBA

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Those two bolts at the front engine mount are difficult to install even if everything is lined up because you are reaching in from the side, blind. So you have to get them started in the threads by feel. Even a bit misalignment of the accessory brackets makes that reinstall 10x worse.


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Agree, and as I recall, patients is paramount, so take your time.
Remember, the days of long ago, maybe your first date or girl friend, just take your time and be patient, and it will...... eventually.....
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Cycledude

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@pkelly20 , yes, I’ve crossed threaded bolts in the past and am usually pretty good about catching myself, but you’re right, there’s always the possibility of end user error. I can only note that I made several attempts, and it seemed to me that the hole for the front mount on the left side wasn’t drilled high enough. I tried everyone’s suggestions in this thread, so unless I’m a complete dunderhead, the left crash bar just ain’t right.
Hope you enjoy a relaxing weekend.
maybe a SW Mototech bar owner could be More helpful if you post some pictures.
 

bimota

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hi,

as i,ve said mine went on new very easy, and after thick powder coat in the holes still going on and off easy a few pictures of mounting
top picture, is fromt engine mounting, middle picture is left side as you sit on bike, bottom piture is right side as you sit on bike.
001.jpg002.jpg003.jpg
 
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Wheelin

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