Looks like a nicely engineered product to protect from minor drops, but the first thing I wondered about was how much pressure the engine/mounts can handle with the bike's weight dropping on it.

@NothingToProve

2 жыл бұрын

Just watch some old Boxer Cup races and see some of the crashes, very little damage is done to the engine, just replace the valve cover and they are back on the track. This goes back to 1980 when BMW launched the boxer motor in the R80 GS (& goes all the way back to 1923 with the R32), they knew then that it touches down first and so they engineered that factor into the motor...being German and all :) Edit: BTW, a friend of mine has an 1980 R80 that he takes off-road all the time and goes down often too and of course the head is constantly on the ground...so no worries.

@bc67

2 жыл бұрын

@@NothingToProve Being of German descent, I should have known! :)

@NothingToProve

2 жыл бұрын

@@bc67 My wife is of German design too, one of the reasons I love her so much. 😁😁

@larryvanputten4048

2 жыл бұрын

@@NothingToProve LOL how right you are!

I installed the Wunderlich guards for both the engine and the panniers and shortly after dropped the bike (unintentionally) in my driveway. No damage to the engine or the panniers but I did break the riders foot peg. A few scratches on the engine bars that are not visible from above. Worth the price of the bars.

I have front and rear crash bars on my 2019 rt and I’m glad they’re there. Late one afternoon September, 2021 of a 400 mile day, I pulled into a fuel station to rest and fill up the rt. When I stopped, I dropped it! Boom! I was really tired. After standing the bike, the crash bars had protected not only the engine but also the pannier. I enjoy NTP.

I’ve just bought a 2011 BMW R200RT and was considering engine protection. Your video is perfect timing 👍👍

Well done video. I have a 2012 R1200RT and “tested” similar engine guards in Newfoundland last month. Going up a steep crushed stone drive I let my wife off halfway up, upon restarting I stalled the bike an was unable to stop the fall. Major damage was avoided but I do have some scars on the left pannier to remind me of Newfoundland.

I fitted the OEM BMW cylinder head covers to my 1250RT. Subsequently had a minor real world drop... nothing bad, but certainly not a very gentle controlled lay down. Dented and scratched the cover that went down, plus some minor scuffs on the black part of the pannier. Took the covers off and replaced them with Wunderlich engine bars. They look good, as they sorta follow the contours of the cylinder head, and they are much more substantial. They also stand proud of the heads by an inch or so... I reckon in a minor drop the pannier wont touch down as a result. They're pricier than the cylinder head covers but well worth it imho... 😊👍

@porcobianco

Жыл бұрын

Hi Hero. I also had Wunderlich engine bars installed on my RT when I bought it. However, if you absolutely need to protect your panniers, you probably have to install pannier bars as well. How do I know this? Well, in June I took a trip to the Arctic Circle and stopped at a store to buy some snacks. They had not cleared the parking lot of heavy-duty gravel which they use to grit the surface during the winter. Ergo, once I stopped and put my foot down, my boot slipped and down she went. The bike did not lay down nicely like in this video. Rather, it totally crashed to its side and the left pannier was scratched. Nothing major, but still something that required filler and touch-up paint afterwards. Still, the engine bars did their job. It's all part of the game.

Always love your content, no matter what! I came to SW Motech late into the farkling of my two bikes, but I have always been impressed with the quality of the materials for the price point. As has been mentioned by a fellow poster, their range of tank bags are a good investment, also.

Mate, I would never drop my bike full willingly, so you did the possible test. However, when they fall, the momentum will push harder, almost lifting the wheels and more stuff will hit the ground, found that the hard way :)

Thanks for posting Scott, another very informative video.

Scot Everything SW Motech makes is PERFECTION! Their tank bags are the best with their patented magnetic locking tank rings and the way all or their gear straps to the bike is the best in the world. Great video Sir!!! Ride SAFE and BE safe. 🙌👏👏👏👏👏👌🤙✌🖖👍👋🙂

I have the exact same RT, put Ilium bars front & rear on this spring. Experienced my 1st ever parking lot tip over. Those bars saved both my heads & panniers! The bars look a little goofy but work great for mounting highway pegs on the front & the rear holds water bottles & is an excellent place for Rokstrap attaching gear when camping.

Now that's a test - you have to believe it'll be trustworthy to lay your own bike on the ground. LOL. Nice. They look good too. I like SW-Motech stuff. I use one of their EVO tank bags.

I like how minimal they are. Buying them for my new RT

Looks like a great product, thanks for the demo. They will sale a lot of them

Very timely for me. I’d bought a R1250R that had both BMW guards for the engine, plus hefty Moto Guard bars. Given my reason for getting the R is that it’s lighter (239kg), i am planning to take off the bars which must weigh 5+kg. Those snug guards should be enough to protect, as you’ve demonstrated. You know your video reminded me of an Honda ST1300 that had half diamond shape protectors. I dropped the bike once when parking and the ST1300 (PAN) came to rest on the half diamond protector, brilliant of Honda (why did Honda stop making that ST1300). Cheers.

The old bmw boxer Cup was a great race series, when guys crashed the bike sometimes span around on the cylinder heads with minimal damage. Of course, if they were high-sided they were completely lunched!

Loving this Scott!! NTP Be safe!!

I have Illium engine and pannier bars on my 18' RT. I've had one controlled lay-down on the right side and one where the bike was running unattended (while I got my helmet in the garage) on the side-stand. The driveway was just cambered enough that the vibration from the engine running let it roll off the side-stand. No damage either time and a minor sandpaper job and spray paint fixed up the Illium bars to like new. Worth the money for me.

Well done, Scott 💪🏻✨ thx for showing, never thought, this little SW-motech-Zylinder-Protectors could manage this (well, while driving with speed should be another thing, hm ?) 👍🏻

@NothingToProve

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Yea, this is for "minor drops", at speed then you'd need crash bars and depending on the speed they might not be enough either :) I was just looking for something to help me if I for example dropped it in the driveway, which btw is the most common place bikes are dropped.

The answer to your question is - yes if you lay the bike down gently like you did and no in just about any other off / crash scenario....That's a wonderful looking bike you have by the way !

@NothingToProve

2 жыл бұрын

Well, then you need crash bars and not cylinder guards.

Crash bars on my GS1250 to cover the heads and well worth it. Here's a fun story...On a recent bike holiday from UK to Italy i got a rear puncture (Road 6) in Germany. No problem I said, I'm in Germany...home of BMW Motorrad and the popular GS how hard can this be... I repaired the puncture and off I went to find a BMW dealer near where I was staying. I went to three BMW dealers and none of them had a replacement tyre in stock, plus they said I would have to wait 4-6 days for a delivery of said tyre! I asked if they would do a favour for a BMW GS owner and take the rear Road 5 off their display model and fit it. The short answer was "NO". Eventually, I got a replacement in Italy. BUT really BMW, dealers with no tyres in stock? Customer service 1/5.

@NothingToProve

2 жыл бұрын

This is why I and my German wife vacation in Italy every summer!

Foot stand enlarger - also helps in a tip over , by reducing opportunities for mistakes and tipping in the first place. Engine bars are going to do a better job, plus you can put high way pegs on them !

I went with the Wunderlich valve covers in Blue to match my R1250RT. I've also ordered protection bars from Ilium Works. These are add-ons I hope to never need.

I use the original BMW cilinder guards, never tested. Made of steel and rubber on the engine side, looks like they can handle easily a drop. Seeing RT's tip overs, if some inertia is involved it's possible to scratch the mirror, and the pannier. When there is no pannier, you may scratch the Paralever pivot, or the exhaust. Crash bars are the best protection, but they look awful mounted in an RT IMO.

A true enthusiasts video. Love it.

Respect dude for risking your own bike, bravo. BTW those things sticking out from under the foot pegs are know as "acorns"; at least here in the UK. Keep up the good work on the videos.

@NothingToProve

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, didn't know that's what you U.K. guys call them. In the U.S. we call them "peg feelers" unless you are talking to a group of track day junkies and they call them "scrap metal" or "road kill". there are a few other names referring to a man's manly hood 🤣🤣

Beautiful bike. I don't blame you taking off the bags for the test. Would have been interesting to see you hold a bag up to the leaned over bike to see if it had clearance too. Keep the rubber side down. :)

Hi, I was used that from BMW. And I dropped my new 2021 model RT on a parking place, no kick stand open :)))). No big deal I thouth only small scratch... Unfortunately I was driving the 300km home and I saw that my leg and left shoe was whole in engine oil. Two bolts was squeezed and cylinder cover leaked. So do not count on it, install engine bars that will prevent You of going home on the top of truck. Those guards are for better look an heat protection, engine bars are to protect continuation of your ride. BR!

After dropping my relatively new 2019 RT damaging the right cylinder guard, I installed a set of motoX guards mainly to conceal the cosmetic damage. I took delivery on a 2022 RT in February, adding a pair of the MotoX guards on my newest RT. I don’t intend to drop it, 😬but just in case the cylinders will have some protection.

Amazing video

Great video!

The problem is that the Boxers roll over after they go down. Happened to my R1200R twice. Luckily my OEM guards worked but sti the spark plug cover got scuffed. Also get a guard for the axle. Expect the clutch lever to snap as designed. Would get some crash bars or MAM head guards.

Looks really nice without panniers

I suspect the panniers wouldn't have faired so well.

These are nice, but I think the guards from Machine Art Moto and Wunderlich are a better design. They replace the spark plug cover and use that top bolt as a 3rd mounting point. They also give more coverage and surface area to absorb an impact.

I'm glad that you are willing to sacrifice your fancy motorbike for us ;-)

Had the bars on my GSs and they saved the cylinder heads from a 40mph drop after hitting a car, I’ve ordered a set to fit my new Multistrada, just like the rest of their kit it’s quality, wouldn’t use anything else. An alternative to these are X-Heads, great kit too but made of ceramic not metal…

Have you considered MachineArt Moto X-heads? For the 1250 they cover much more of the head, and provide a cushion for well over halfway up if the bike "rotates" a bit further on the way down. The X-heads are different for the 1200 and the 1250. The same firm makes the Mudsling to protect the rear suspension unit.

Great bike, loved mine. Very comfy, great handling. Then I rode a 1290 S. The fun factor on that KTM…

I think the problem increases when travelling at speed because the rest of the bike may touchdown. That’s the one benefit of the GSA that if you drop it, a lot of it’s protected.

For those who may be interested in such head guards I would recommend the MachineArt covers. Even less obtrusive than the SW Motech ones and look OEM IMHO. Being a PORG I've dropped my 1250RS at a stand-still twice - once each side. The covers weren't even marked and nothing else touched down. Result 👍

@mikemerrill175

Жыл бұрын

Got a set on the way

I have the same guards from SW Motech for my R 1200 RS - thanks for testing them so I don't have to. 🤣

I have original BMW engine guard and they do excellent job....

Oh my, you are really brave👏🏻 … didn’t the footpeg bend a little from this weight? Great video!!!

@NothingToProve

2 жыл бұрын

Nope, no problem that I'm aware of. 👍👍

Hi Scott. David Layton may have already answered this in one of his comments: would the fitted panniers remain clear of the deck in the same scenario? Also, I'm guessing the exhaust silencer would not escape a scuff with a right side tip-over, though its hard to imagine the pannier might be OK but the silencer not? 🤔

problem is, if it fell, theres a certain amount of rotation from the force as it tries to roll over. Seem ok if you drop it with some control over it.

Thanks for sharing, I would not do that to my bike. Additionally I installed Wunderlich engine crash bars and they will clear the cases when the bike is down on one side. Don't ask me how I know.

Scott great information, and talking kilograms not pounds

Nice! Well I've got faith in the brand, as i use SW-Motech add-on crashbars and misc other things. I do howeveer wonder who they'd fare if you dropped the bike right down. If they'd bend into the cylinder head, or not. I have some experience with GSA and on that bike even the OEM Bars bend in towards the cylinder head if bike is dropped. This can be mitigated by buying a Touratech add-on strut. But, as for the RT, if I ever should buy it again I'd probably go for an additional cylinder guard. Some might say that would ruin the looks of it. Don't have to think about it anymore, since after 3 beemers I went over to "the orange side" Anyhow. just my 2 cents. Cheers :)

Thankyou

I would consider crashbars as well, just in case. Would you do more videos with your own bike? Testing other bikes is fun, but I would like to see you ride yours more :)

@NothingToProve

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, it's in the works!

I had these things on my gs, the China fakes that are identical but way way cheaper. Just a heads up that the round rubber thingies will rub off the paint of the valve covers where they touch cuz of the vibrations. As long as you don't remove them ur good though, lol.

Those gards, are they better than those that BMW sells in their option catalog?

It would be nice if you can try leaning it on the right hand side to see what would happen with the silencer.

X Head 1250. That’s my pick. Easy to fit too.

If you install lower crash bars, your footpegs won't touch the ground !

Love the humor 😆

How about on the right-hand side?

I just wondered, have you tried laying your rt on its right hand side to see if the exhaust touches the ground ? apart from that, nice informative video. thanks.

@NothingToProve

2 жыл бұрын

Actually, I thought of that after I came home after shooting this video, it was already a long day and I was in no shape of going back out again. But still thinking about it 😁😁

Bought BMW branded ones on my 1st GS12, subsequently learnt that new Cylinder cover was actually cheaper. Nice bling though. Might be different on 1250. er

@gerhardk98

2 жыл бұрын

Even if the cylinder cover is cheaper this is still worth it to not have to worry about oil gushing out of the cover from a tip over in the middle of nowhere.

@lozzypop250

2 жыл бұрын

Also had standstill capsize on my 1250rt recently after stalled on a adverse camber, & no damage to rear pannier only points of contact was cylinder head(slight scarring) & footpeg.

Hi. What you didn't considered is that if the bike drops while moving it will rock over the cylinder head forward to back and might touch the cardan then in the worst worst case also rock sideways maybe touching the handlebars. I talk based on experience. Second I'd prefer engine covers that have bigger rubber between the part and the engine head, also based on experience because that gives better chances to have undamaged engine cylinder head imo.

When u put ur bike like that, does it damage the structure integrity or weakens the chassis?

I just watched pay it forward pick up his HD touring bikes I think he said the method is used by a specific police department that I cant remember. he used the handle bars left hand on right grip right hand on left grip and stood the bike up well you get the idea I might be wrong about a few things but if it sparks uour curiosity you might research it for yourself I know the video was about protection for your bike I try to watch all your videos whether even if its specific to a bike I dont own.

SW Motech makes excellent gear. I've had their engine crash bars on my ex RNineT (never tested), Legend bag setup on a Triumph Scrambler etc. These cylinder guards are the nicest looking on the market IMHO, worth protecting by your hard saddle bags ;) Are you thinking of crashguards for the bags?

@NothingToProve

2 жыл бұрын

Hmm...good idea...thinking...

So you only drop your bike on the left side; just saying! Your exhaust is on the right...might be prudent to see if the guards keep that off the ground in the event of a slide?

What happens with panniers on?!

With the boxer engine I always wonder what would the torsion forces do to the engine and frame at a fall from standstill or a slide off at 30miles / hour speed

@NothingToProve

2 жыл бұрын

Please see the pinned comment and my response😁

@suds782

2 жыл бұрын

@@NothingToProve amazing thank you

Brave man.......

Hi Scott, will the guards prevent damage to the panniers? I suppose there’re bound to be scratches

@NothingToProve

2 жыл бұрын

Yea, I think so, that's why I took them off. Maybe I'll try it with rubber matts down on the ground then try it. But it was hard enough for me to intentionally lay down a bike that costs over 25k. 🙄🙄

@andrewooi2551

2 жыл бұрын

@@NothingToProve 😂😂😂. I can understand that

This may be a rhetorical question, but why doesn’t BMW showcase a similar “official” test on KZread?

What bike pants you wearing ? Would you recommend them.thanks

@NothingToProve

2 жыл бұрын

Trilobite Parado, ah, yea kind of do recommend them but there are plenty of other jeans that are just as good and cheaper.

Dude, clean your ride!!!!!!!!!

@NothingToProve

2 жыл бұрын

As my BMW sales guy says "why, it's a BMW, it's made to ride, not to clean, if you want to clean get a Harley". 🤣

👍 Heavy bike to lift.

@NothingToProve

Жыл бұрын

Yea, I ended up putting it down 3 times out there at the shooting location. Third time was after everything, I thought, CRAP! I never got a shot of it down for the thumb nail. 🤦‍♂️ The third time was the 8 second intro clip. After picking it up a 3rd time, I thought ok that's enough for me today, my workout is done! take care, Scott

Hi why dont bmw fit guards from factory theyve been doing boxer engines forever ....👍👍

Do you have a part number Scott ?

@NothingToProve

2 жыл бұрын

1:21 you'll see the part number right above the price 😁👍

now drop it like you mean it😎

@MaxFromSydney1

2 жыл бұрын

Scott: “That damn Apple Car Play! I’m sick of it!”

i think the way they bolt to the cylinders is a very bad idea, it's much safer if the bike drops on the cylinder cover instead

I have the better looking original BMW sylinder head guards and the way they are build is impressive. Firm rubber between the solid SS guard and sylinder head. Should save you from penetrating the sylinder head if dropped. No way I will fit tubed crashbars.

@dgomes265

2 жыл бұрын

Agree and have tested them twice. The big issue is that the bike actually rolls over when it falls. And damages the tops of the heads or the spark plug cover.

This hurts me physically and emotionally lmao

@NothingToProve

2 жыл бұрын

Yea, me too...especially while I was doing it!

maybe put a tarp on the ground first?

@MaxFromSydney1

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, or a big offcut piece of carpet. Something. Otherwise you might find out the hard way if those cylinder head protectors don’t do the whole job in a stationary drop.

but you do realize when you actual drop the bike, it will be completely different story...

The bars from bmw look stronger in my opinion.

@NothingToProve

2 жыл бұрын

I was not aware that BMW made them for this bike? Please show me the link, so I can check them out? I know Wunderlich makes them but BMW? Cause if they do maybe I'll get them next. Thanks, Scott

@rodneybarcus2233

2 жыл бұрын

@@NothingToProve your right they might not be bmw branded because I went to the website and I couldn’t find them. Sorry about that.

@larryvanputten4048

2 жыл бұрын

@@NothingToProve They make the big tubular chromium bars, but those are another story.

Typical BMW. They should have put protection like that on the bike as standard. Just like the old days when their airheads had crashbars right from the factory.

@larryvanputten4048

2 жыл бұрын

I dont agree. There is so much available in aftersale brands so it's nice to have an choice. Besides that you can get lots of BMW -OEM acessories when you buy a bike.

SW makes some nice products, but this was kind o fun. That much money for a pure cosmetic thing. This world, my ohhh my.... Ride and please do not care so much for those scratches.

Sorry but the cylinders on the side are a really stupid engineered product BMW motorcycles are stupid

@larryvanputten4048

2 жыл бұрын

Who is the stupid one here??? Silly, childish comment... Best designed and best sold motorcycle engine ever. Try one!