Barkbuster hand-guards install

I just installed Barkbuster brand hand-guards on the WRR, and am very impressed with the easy fit and quality of the kit. It went smoothly, except I did a poor job cutting the rubber grip ends. I was quite surprised how heavy the rubber grips are, and how much effort was req'd to cut through them. I guess I'll have to replace the grips one of these day so it looks better. I would like some with more cushion anyway, maybe in Yamaha blue.

The "Storm" plastic shields are pretty huge. I wanted Barkbuster VPS, but the Storm were in stock. In cool weather and rain, no doubt the larger coverage will be appreciated.


After I was finished, I had left-overs, which is always a little troubling. I wonder what these 2 milled aluminum discs with counter-bored holes are for? The instructions do no show nor mention these parts. Does anyone know?



AA battery for scale only.

Looks good.

I think those spacers go inside the bars on the bolt and the piece that looks like a little tube that expands when you tighten the bolt. The nut comes into the tube on one end to expand that tube and those spacers go on the other end. I think, it's been awhile since I've installed any.

Coop wrote:

I think those spacers go inside the bars on the bolt and the piece that looks like a little tube that expands when you tighten the bolt. The nut comes into the tube on one end to expand that tube and those spacers go on the other end. I think, it's been awhile since I've installed any.

Sounds reasonable, though I checked the directions again and that part isn't shown. Oh well, seems fine, so I guess I add them to my nuts and bolts and bits collection!

I doubt it's a big deal you left them off. Hang on to them and when you change your grips slap them in .

My guess is that Barkbusters sends fittings to work in steel and aluminum bars. The steel bars typically have a larger id.....

jon_l wrote:

The "Storm" plastic shields are pretty huge. I wanted Barkbuster VPS, but the Storm were in stock. In cool weather and rain, no doubt the larger coverage will be appreciated.

Just an idea for you..... I've got barkbusters/storms on my v-strom. I took the 2 screw mounting holes that mount the guards from the outside and drilled/tapped them and replaced the screws w/ thumbscrews. Something like this http://www.mcmaster.com/#thumb-screw-fasteners/=ipa28a . I'd have to check the exact size, but either 5mm or 6mm.

I run w/o the plastics when it's warmer, but keep them in the tankbag along w/ the thumbscrews. Only takes a minute or two to put the plastics back on if it's raining.

Good idea, thanks!