Ok, I've had this Sportster for over a year now, and I've been trying to decide if I like the engine guard on it or not. Well, I've decided to remove it. Just looks like it belongs on a larger bike. My question is, do I reuse the bolts that hold it on, or use shorter ones instead, or, do I not need any at all?
--- Obviously I haven't looked yet, I decided this on my way in to work this morning --

 

Well, considering they attach to your engine mount, they are kina necessary.

Pulled mine off two years ago, nwver looked back. Original bolts are fine, no need to change them.

 

I have one on my bike-it was on it when I got it, it's the nice HD one. One day I took it off thinking the bike would look better and I have to tell you I missed the look after 10, mins so I put it back on. Yes you have to use bolts-at least on the 04 and and up bikes and the top mount bolt are the top engine mount bolts. Not sure if the bolts that are used for the bar will be too long without th bar or, not as i did not install the bolts, just looked at the bike in the garage without the bar. You could always use washer with the bolts that you have to make up the space lost by removing the bar.

 

Ok, thank you. I knew it would be something like that, but like I said, I didn't look at it. Kinda a spur of the moment thing. When you say "original bolts" are you referring to the ones that held yours on? You took out your bolts, removed the bar, and put the very same bolts back in?

 

Im lookin to buy a take off engine guard for a 06 883 low send me a pm

 

I'm going to hang on to it, just in case I change my mind later on. Thank tho.
However, this may help you.

http://www.lejeuneyardsales.com/item...962&src=SEARCH

 

Tks for the info

 

You're welcome! Figured I'd try to help you somehow, at least.

 

Yeah, not sure if you had a chance to look at it yet, but I just removed the bolts, dropped the engine guard, put the bolts back in....rode off!

I kept my guard, as well. It is hanging in my garage in case I decide to put it back on. But chances are it will just be wall art for a long time.

 

Had my Bike knocked over a month after I got it while I was at work. Those bars kept the fall from doing any damage at all. Bikes get knocked over when you use them every day as a primary source of transport and park on the street, just something that happens on occasion. I ride every day unless weather is really bad. My truck is for carrying my bike if it needs repair which isn't often. Might look better but its like wearing a helmet, just a little extra protection. Have not laid a bike down in 20 years so I'm not certain if the bars serve as protection for you legs against the bike but I'd think they would.