Best Motorcycle Engine Guards (2026): Top Picks by Bike

The best motorcycle engine guard for most adventure and touring riders is a bike-specific SW-Motech crash bar, which forum owners often describe as the best compromise between mounting strength and coverage. Givi is the lower-cost alternative with strong cylinder coverage on many bikes, and Hepco and Becker suits riders who prioritize mount strength. The right choice depends on your exact bike, not a brand ranking.

Our top picks

Top pickWOLFLINEMOTO Motorcycle Crash Bar for CMX500 Rebel

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Also greatMZS Motorcycle Engine Guard Highway Crash Bar

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Also greatCrash Bar for Speed Twin 900 2023-2026

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Also greatWOWTK Highway Peg Crash Bar Engine Guard

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Quick comparison of engine guards

Best overall: SW-Motech

In a forum comparison of Moto Guzzi V85 guards, the reviewer called SW-Motech the best compromise, with mounts similar to Hepco and Becker and extra coverage. In an Africa Twin owner poll, SW-Motech received the most votes. Owners praise the fit and the way the bars surround the engine.

The trade-off is price, which sits above Givi for the same bike. One forum user also raised concern about the leverage on the top bolts in a fall, so check how the bar attaches to the frame and engine mounts for your specific bike.

Best budget: Givi

Givi’s TN series is often named as a value pick and is described as fitting fire roads and light dual-sport use. Some owners say it provides excellent cylinder coverage and that its lower bars survived multiple drops on gravel and rocks without moving. One user also noted a clamp to the frame that takes stress off the engine mounting bolts.

The downsides are inconsistent reports about material quality and mounting design. On some bikes the upper frame mount is thin. Reports also say some Givi bars can interfere with access to valve covers, so check the product page and your service needs.

Best for mounting strength: Hepco and Becker

Hepco and Becker is praised for strong mounts and a larger-diameter main crash loop. However, one reviewer found weaker cylinder coverage, and another said you may need separate upper and lower sets for full protection. That can make it costly, but it suits riders who value stout mounting points over total coverage.

Best for exact fit: OEM guards

Factory guards are designed with the bike and will line up with existing mounts. They also avoid warranty questions and often look the part. The price is typically higher and coverage may be less comprehensive than an aftermarket tubular guard.

How to choose an engine guard

Look at coverage

List the parts you want protected: cylinder heads, valve covers, water pump, alternator cover. Compare the guard’s coverage map with that list. A guard that protects the head but not the water pump may fall short on some engines.

Check mounting points

Guards should attach to the frame at several points. A bar that attaches only to engine bolts can transfer impact straight to the case. Multi-point mounting spreads the load.

Consider serviceability

Some designs block access to the oil filter or valve covers. If you do your own maintenance, verify that you can remove the guard without major work.

Think about weight and ground clearance

Steel bars add several pounds and can change the bike’s feel. Aluminum is lighter but may bend more easily. Check that they do not reduce cornering clearance on bikes that you lean hard.

A worked example: matching guard to bike

For a 2022 adventure bike used on pavement and gravel, a rider might choose SW-Motech bars plus a bash plate for the underside. For a budget commuter adventure bike, Givi bars may offer enough coverage. For a Moto Guzzi V85 TT owner who cares about mounting, the forum comparison suggests starting with SW-Motech, then comparing Givi and Hepco and Becker if coverage or cost matters.

Ownership realities

• After any drop, inspect the bars for bends and the mounts for cracks.
• Bolts loosen over time, so check torque on a schedule.
• Powder coat or paint can chip, and bare steel may rust if not touched up.
• Some guards add wind exposure or hinder luggage fit, so check accessories.

Decision matrix: which guard for which situation

Mistakes to avoid

Do not buy a guard without checking service access. Some bars block valve cover removal or oil filter access, which adds labour every time you service the bike. Do not mix guards from different brands on one bike unless the maker allows it, because mounting points may conflict. And do not ignore the bolts: a guard that has loosened will not protect anything in a drop. Inspect the guard after every fall, even if it looks fine, since a bend in the mount can be hard to see.

Buying checklist

Check the part number against your model year, then read the listing for coverage details: which cylinder heads, covers and pumps the bar surrounds. Look at how many frame mounting points are used, and whether luggage racks, lights or highway pegs can share them. Ask whether the guard fits with your current skid plate or radiator guard. If you service your own bike, confirm that the oil filter, valve covers and spark plugs can still be reached with the guard on, and keep the original bolts in case you need to refit stock parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do engine guards protect the rider?

No. They are designed to protect the bike’s engine and bodywork. Wearing proper riding gear is the way to protect yourself.

What is the difference between engine guards and crash bars?

The terms are often used interchangeably. Engine guards usually refer to tubular protection around the engine, while crash bars may cover more of the front of the bike as well.

Can engine guards cause more damage?

A poorly designed guard can transfer force into the frame or engine mounts. Choose a model-specific guard with multi-point mounting.

Do I need a skid plate too?

If you ride off-road, yes. A skid plate protects the underside of the engine from rocks and debris, which crash bars do not.

Will engine guards fit my luggage system?

Often yes, but check the product description. Some guards share mounts with luggage racks and others interfere.