[hometoast]

No worries, I haven't laid it down.

Saw Steve's video here. And I'm scheduled to take the MSF Advanced Rider Course so I was considering getting saddle bag guards. If I'm gonna drop it, that'd probably be the time.

Then I was looking at the bike with the bags off and wondered: If it lays over with the bags off, it might muck up the exhaust but not too badly.

What do you all think -- bags off, *if* it drops, I wouldn't be in terrible shape?

 

[hometoast]

You're more than likely to drop your bike at less than 3mph in the v-e-r-y slow and tight turning maneuvers you'll be exercising. This vid illustrates what touches the ground on a slow tip over. I'd take the bags off anyway just in case. It'd take a whole lot more speed and other factors for other parts to touch the ground. About the only time you'll build up speed is when you're practicing threshold braking between 25~45mph in a straight line...almost impossible to drop it in a straight line unless you get really goofed up if/when a slide occurs...and you lose it. Hope this helps.

I have bag guards on mine. It doesn't detract too much from the aesthetics...especially black powder coated on a vivid black bike

http://youtu.be/xr5kYSt8ZmI

Aye, it was only the slow speed stuff I was concerned with. I'm not *terribly* worried, but you know.... just in case.

And aesthetics? I have a madstad on it; I ain't worried about that.

Guess I'll order a set of the standard bars... the comfort 'fit' ones are close to $500 all said and done.

 

[hometoast]

They are correct at slow speed the engine guard is going to take the brunt. I had my guards on my bags powder coated. Very reasonable. So cheap in fact I'll take them back for recoat in the fall. I'd get a set. Ask your local dealer if they have any takeoff's. You can get them at a much lower cost then ordering them. Call around thats what I did. I got my guards for $50.

Then do what I didn't do cut up some hose and zip tie it on there. just a little extra protection. I don't think you will fall. I have a pinched nerve and some shoulder problems, not making excuses just think this was a player in me going down. I was exhausted at the end of the day.

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I don't think I'll fall either... but you know... faring paint or a new bag is retardedly pricey.

Thanks for the takeoffs tip. I check around. :thumbup: