Hi everyone, I just bought my first bike (Sportster XL1200C) and was thinking it might be a good investment to get an engine guard, what do you all think? If so, where would be a good place to buy some?

 

Myself, think an Engine Guard is a good idea ... It may notprotect everything 100 % but beats having nonthing at all... Ebay is one of many good sites can check ... are many great aftermarket choices but not sure who carries engine guards sometimes also known as crash bards..

 

Well first off, Welcome to the forum! Secondly an engine guard mught be a good investment but not as good as taking the MSF course.
There's many places you can find a quality engine guard for a reasonable amount of money. Try J&P cycles, or even ebay. Good luck!!

 

Welcome to the forum, and I'll second what Biker Trash put in above. The engine guard is a good idea, and the MSF course is also, if you haven't already taken it.

I've got the chrome engine guard from Harley (the slightly rounded one) for my 1200C, but it was pretty pricey (what isn't at the dealer?). Snap to install however, three bolts as I recall, about 10 minutes start to finish.

 

Think bubble wrap!

 

Obviously MSF course or similar is top of the list. But to your question, yes, an engine guard is money well spent. No one plans to drop the bike but it certainly happens to even the best of us.

They run about $200-230 for the HD guards. Sounds pricey until you start to price out repairs on tins, paint, and other components on the bike. Honestly, if you lay the bike over (usually at slower speed maneuvers for new riders) the engine guard will pay for itself immediately by saving you hundreds or even thousands in repairs.

So worst case, the engine guard protects your bike from potentially expensive damage. Oh yeah, it also provides some space for your leg should you go down with the bike. Best case, its one more piece of chrome on your bike.

 

As a young'un my first bike had crash bars...slid off on a corner and the bar folded and trapped my leg against the engine....hell! that engine was fooking hot![&:]

 

welcome to the forum josh

 

I put one on my wife's sportster! Got it thru Harley, and yeah a little high, but she is worth it.

 

Engine guard is a good idea if it's your first (and expensive) bike. Try Craigslist and Ebay first. After you are comfortable with the bike you can sell it there too.