Rumbux or Altrider Crash Bars?

[TenereHawk]

I think I have read every thread regarding crash bars on this site and several over on ADVrider. I am planning a trip to Happy Trail tomorrow to check out their bars, but unless they really knock my socks off, I think I am going to go with the Altrider or Rumbux. The only thing that concerns me about the Altriders is recent threads regarding the fit being a bit different on each side and not being symmetrical. I will admit, I am a bit OCD and that would really bug me. My hope is that they have remedied this QC issue.

I am picking up the new ES model in a couple weeks, so my primary concern with both systems is weather or not they will work with the ES, or do I need to find a system that will fit the ES specifically.

I am curious to know if any of you have experience with both systems and if so, which you prefer. Honestly, I like the look of the Altrider a bit more, but the Rumbux seems to be very well supported. Crash reports seem to be similar, so I am not really worried about durability with either. Your thoughts?

 

[Dogdaze]

Just to ease your mind about the ES and non-ES, there is no difference at the front end of either bike, the only difference is the rear sub-frame as it has to accommodate the electronic suspension mechanics so that will effect pannier rails.

 

[tomatocity]

I have had Altrider Body Guards on my previous 2012 and my current 2015 ES. The fit seems to be better for the 2015 than the 2012 but that could be me being picky (OCD).

I have seen the Happy Trail engine guards and they do not look like they protect the radiator as much as the Altrider.

 

[Grumpy]

My bike was bought used, it had the Yamaha c.bars fitted (ugly buggers) they did not survive a small prang. I have fitted Altriders, easy to install on your own (although they recommend assistance) The S10 when viewed from the front is asymmetrical. Both sides seem to have a 3 cm gap from the widest point of the side panels.

 

[Tyke]

::026::

Fitted my Altrider bars last week.....very pleased I am too ::008::

 

[KeithE]

I went with Rumbux on my 14 ES. I really like the fit. All attachment locations are very thought out. The upper cross bar is very nice and adds a lot of strength to the system.

 

[trimannn]

I received my ACD skid plate and Altrider crash bars this week so planning on putting em on this weekend so I'll report back. Bike only has 300 miles on it though so I need to put another 300 or so miles on it so I can change the oil first. Guess Ill have to go ride the thing. Life really sucks sometimes.

 

[trikepilot]

The only thing that concerns me about the Altriders is recent threads regarding the fit being a bit different on each side and not being symmetrical.

Crash reports seem to be similar, so I am not really worried about durability with either. Your thoughts?

If you are not riding serious offroad and only need what amounts to a gravel guard - then the choice is pretty easy. Pick the one you like aesthetically and is in your budget.

If you do, however, plan to take this nearly 700lb pig into any kind of offroad terrain - you really only have three choices : Rumbux, RideOnADV, and ACD. These are the only three crash bar systems whose lower guard and skid do not attach to the lower engine case. Bouncing the Altrider off a large rock is no better than doing it directly to your engine case.

I am a fan of the Rumbux. I beat the crap out of my Tenere offroad and after three years of abuse, my lower Rumbux frame took a huge hit and deflected about an inch on the right side. While it gave up its life in doing its job, it did protect the bike for the rest of the 4day ride. I am replacing that Rumbux lower with one that is specially made out of thicker gauge steel tubing. Contact Eric V here at the forum who imports the Rumbux for any questions you might have.

 

[TenereHawk]

If you are not riding serious offroad and only need what amounts to a gravel guard - then the choice is pretty easy. Pick the one you like aesthetically and is in your budget.

If you do, however, plan to take this nearly 700lb pig into any kind of offroad terrain - you really only have three choices : Rumbux, RideOnADV, and ACD. These are the only three crash bar systems whose lower guard and skid do not attach to the lower engine case. Bouncing the Altrider off a large rock is no better than doing it directly to your engine case.

I am a fan of the Rumbux. I beat the crap out of my Tenere offroad and after three years of abuse, my lower Rumbux frame took a huge hit and deflected about an inch on the right side. While it gave up its life in doing its job, it did protect the bike for the rest of the 4day ride. I am replacing that Rumbux lower with one that is specially made out of thicker gauge steel tubing. Contact Eric V here at the forum who imports the Rumbux for any questions you might have.

I have not seen the RideOnADV or ACD crash bars. I've seen both of their skid plates, but no protective bars. The RideOn site has the Altrider bars and the ACD has nothing but the skid plate. Am I missing something?

 

[~TABASCO~]

With our bomb proof crash/skid plate we suggest the Altrider crash bars.. They are the strongest production crash bars on the market. All stainless contraction, .120 wall (strong), and all the welds are TIG welded up in Washington by a Boeing aircraft suppliers.. That's who makes all the Altrider gear... The bars and welds are top notch.

 

[TenereHawk]

With our bomb proof crash/skid plate we suggest the Altrider crash bars.. They are the strongest production crash bars on the market. All stainless contraction, .120 wall (strong), and all the welds are TIG welded up in Washington by a Boeing aircraft suppliers.. That's who makes all the Altrider gear... The bars and welds are top notch.

Does your skid plate need to be removed to change the oil?

 

[~TABASCO~]

Does your skid plate need to be removed to change the oil?

Absolutely NOT... Change oil and filter in ten minutes.. most of that is to let it drain..

 

[barkingllizard]

I am planning a trip to Happy Trail tomorrow to check out their bars, but unless they really knock my socks off

I would be interested in your feedback on the Happy Trails Bars.....

 

[satdishes]

14 es I would buy my rumbux again.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

 

[archer]

I have the Altrider skid plate and crash bars. 9,300 miles on the bike now, and just got home from a 2,300 mile trip, including one 24 mile section of wicked rocky 4x4 "road", the Barlow Road over Mount Hood, OR. I heard all kinds of rocks pinging off the skid plate, with no substantial damage at all. Did not crash, so the bars still look new. One thing I really like about the Altrider skid plate is I can change the oil and filter with the skid plate on the bike. Simple! I do use oil absorbant mats to keep the inside of the plate clean when I unscrew the filter.

 

[greatbuffalo]

I have the Rumbux on my bike and after lots of research found them to be very well engineered and thought out. No attachment to the engine case is the big factor for me as I've had 2 previous problems with that weakness. They also seem to give the most coverage of protection. Very pleased with mine.

 

[SilverBullet]

I doubt if any skid plate allows for a clean oil change without removing it. I have tried it on other bikes and always a mess. Instead of designing a plate with holes and access to change your oil/filter without removing it but still making a royal mess...why not put that design effort to make a plate that easily removes instead? The Rumbux bottom skid plate drops down with 6 easily removed screws. No alignment issues to reinstall either. It literally comes off in one minute and re-installs in one minute. I wouldn't have it any other way. You'll spend more time than that cleaning up the oil spills on the plates that don't need to be removed. Plus I use skid plate foam to deaden sound and prevent mud from accumulating. Not removing the skid will have that foam filled with oil that you can't clean except for removing the entire plate.

_

 

[scott123007]

The man wants advise on CRASH BARS folks, not skid plates, jeez.

 

[jwhuls]

I am a big fan of the Hepco & Becker engine guard. They are very subtle and fit into the bike lines. I dont use the tank guard

Ridden them all around the country. Been down a few times and never had a complaint. they are all scratched up and the bike isn't at all.

and the bonus is .... if you place your boots just right, you can use them as recliners on the long hauls.

 

[shredmeister]

I did lots of reading before my crash bar purchase a couple of weeks ago. There are good reviews on several but, the Altriders really stood out. And...MADE IN THE USA!