I just purchased an '05 Vulcan 750 and a friend highly recommend getting crash bars. I found an engine guard from Wingerline (Highway Bars) but I'm getting confused.

What is the difference between engine guards and crash guards (or are they the same thing)? If I find one that advertises for my bike, are they hard for a novice to install? I'd hate to mess things up while the bike is still under warrenty!

Also...a side question...does anyone recommend those flashing headlight modules?

Thank you.

Engine guards and crash bars are really the same thing. However, not all of them from the different manufacturers are the same. You need to look a photos of installed ones to decide which you like best. I have the Kawasaki ones on my bike. I ordered them the day I picked up my bike new last year from the dealer and had him install them when I brought the bike in for the 500 mile service. It does involve removing the exhaust pipe on one side to install. It shouldn't affect your warranty to install any of the ones that are specifically designed for the VN750.

I've heard mixed reactions from different folks about the flashing headlight modules. Some have reported that they think it confuses some oncoming drivers, particularly at night, and have either removed the module or switched it in a way to only be used at certain times.

There is a pic of the wingerline here if you need to see the difference.

http://www.vn750.com/forum/showthread.php?t=201&highlight=wingerline

I have the Wingerlines on my bike. I installed them 2 months ago.

These do NOT require you to take off the exhaust pipes (unlike the Kaw bars).

You can see my pics with installation notes in the VN750 photo album:
http://photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/vn750/lst?.dir=/Dgcam55/Wingerline+Crash+bars&.src=gr&.order=&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/vn750/lst%3f%26.dir=/%26.src=gr%26.view=t

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to drop me an email.

Dom

I bought the Kawasaki engine guard for ~$72 at: http://store.azmusa.com/vn750vulcan.html

Pics of mine @ http://photos.yahoo.com/hgree55

I just purchased an '05 Vulcan 750 and a friend highly recommend getting crash bars. I found an engine guard from Wingerline (Highway Bars) but I'm getting confused.

What is the difference between engine guards and crash guards (or are they the same thing)? If I find one that advertises for my bike, are they hard for a novice to install? I'd hate to mess things up while the bike is still under warrenty!

Also...a side question...does anyone recommend those flashing headlight modules?

Thank you.

I have the Wingerlines on my bike. I installed them 2 months ago.

These do NOT require you to take off the exhaust pipes (unlike the Kaw bars).

You can see my pics with installation notes in the VN750 photo album:
http://photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/vn750/lst?.dir=/Dgcam55/Wingerline+Crash+bars&.src=gr&.order=&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/vn750/lst%3f%26.dir=/%26.src=gr%26.view=t

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to drop me an email.

Dom

Tried to look at pics. Said error. It may be because I am not on that group anymore though.

Tried to look at pics. Said error. It may be because I am not on that group anymore though.
That's what ya get for getting a Connie! How's it treatin ya anyway? Hope you're getting lots of riding in!

The Connie is doing great! I ride where ever I can and always to class. Its hard keeping it under 85 ;o)

I also received an error message when I tried to view the pics. I'm trying to get a feel of how large they are and how they look on the bike. The Kaw Bars are too small for my taste.

Michael


I have the Wingerlines on my bike. I installed them 2 months ago.

These do NOT require you to take off the exhaust pipes (unlike the Kaw bars).

You can see my pics with installation notes in the VN750 photo album:
http://photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/vn750/lst?.dir=/Dgcam55/Wingerline+Crash+bars&.src=gr&.order=&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/vn750/lst%3f%26.dir=/%26.src=gr%26.view=t

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to drop me an email.

Dom

I must point out that neither of these bars should be though of something that will make you safer when you "crash"...alot of reports point to the exact opposite. But for protecting the bike if it falls over while sitting still, the larger one MAY make the damage done less, and some say the smaller one will protect your shifter from getting messed up in a tip over.
They make good places to add pegs or lights..but even the manufacters will tell you they are not to be thought of as "safety equipment"...

KM