A motorcycle crash bar, also known as a highway bar or crash guard, is a safety feature that a motorcyclist can install for added vehicle and personal protection. It is designed to create a buffer between critical motorcycle components, such as the engine and fuel tank, and the ground in the event of a motorcycle accident.
What Are Motorcycle Crash Bars?
A motorcycle crash bar is typically made of a tough, durable material such as steel or aluminum. Most crash bars are mounted to the frame of the motorcycle in key places, designed to distribute the energy of an impact more evenly across the bike rather than it being centered on one critical component, such as the engine or frame.
Crash bars are installed using bolts on both sides of the lower frame of a motorcycle. In essence, the crash bar is a sacrificial component that is designed to bear the brunt of the impact force, ideally reducing the amount of damage caused to the vehicle and rider.
Advantages of Having a Motorcycle Crash Bar
Even the most experienced rider cannot always prevent motorcycle accidents. Sharing the road with drivers means being at risk due to their unpredictable, negligent and often reckless driving behaviors. For this reason, motorcycle crash bars are highly recommended by safety experts.
A motorcycle crash bar can offer important benefits and protections, such as:
- Absorbing the impact forces caused by an accident that would otherwise be passed onto the motorcycle and its rider.
- Saving the engine, exhaust, fuel tank, radiator and other critical components from direct impact with the ground.
- Stopping the full weight of the motorcycle from pinning the rider’s legs to the ground, preventing injuries and making it easier for paramedics to lift the bike.
- Reducing the likelihood of fatal injuries to the rider in a crash by creating a physical barrier.
- Providing a place for the rider to brace themselves during an accident, minimizing the risk of lower extremity injuries.
- Potentially preventing the motorcycle from getting totaled (being classified a “total loss” by an insurance company.
- In the event of a motorcycle accident, the presence of a motorcycle crash bar could prevent serious injuries such as skin abrasions, road rash, traumatic tattooing, lacerations, burn injuries, broken bones and catastrophic injuries.
Do I Need a Motorcycle Crash Bar?
Installing a crash guard is optional. Different types of motorcycle crash bars are designed for different bikes. If you are considering installing one, be sure to check compatibility.
Potential drawbacks to consider are the added weight a crash bar will contribute to the motorcycle. After having the bar installed, you may need to practice riding to get used to the change in feel and how it affects the bike’s handling. In addition, a crash bar’s effectiveness is low in severe accidents, such as high-speed collisions.
If you still get hurt or sustain property damage in a motorcycle accident despite the presence of a crash bar, contact an attorney at Koch & Brim LLP to discuss your legal claim. We can help you pursue fair financial compensation.