[Triumphcoupe]

It seems like I had a couple of short videos of the breakage but did not find a way to post a video or not sure there is an option to here?

 

[s2000442]

I have SW-Motech installed, Several off road drops. One hard. No issues at all other that scratches on the crash bars.

I went with SW Motech also. Looks well engineered to me. I have not heard of any complaints so far with this crash protection.

After reading the entire thread I guess there is one failure for the SW crash bars but no where near the failures of the Hepco and Becker bars. I did purchase the HB hand guards but will be replacing those with bark busters now, sigh...Any complaints with the hepco and becker skid plate?

Thanks

 

[xtypeinct]

So I just picked up a ’21 RP. It’s in nice shape but has the dreaded H-B crash bar set on it. With only 6k miles on the clock, I’m hoping no damage has already been done.

First off, I would like to know if upgrading the bolts in the tank/upper bars to a proper fitting, higher grade 8 bolt would be a good fix. I read that the bolts that come with the kit are like a grade 5 that isn’t the correct length of shaft and threads.

Second, are there problems similar in the lower engine guards?

While I don’t “plan” on dropping my new scoot, I do plan on going off road on the SM1000 and SM500 (I live in Gatlinburg so the Smokies are at my doorstep) and doing extensive travel. I have friends in New England and Alaska I plan on visiting. (Ain‘t retirement fun?)

I want this bike to go the distance and from all I’ve researched it should be more than up to the job, I’m just on a fixed income now and have to watch my pennies. If a simple bolt upgrade and proper torque and installation technique does the trick then I’ll do that. If not I’ll pull the upper bars and remount the aux lights.

Cheers,
RD

 

[JackCan]

I went with SW Motech also. Looks well engineered to me. I have not heard of any complaints so far with this crash protection.

After reading the entire thread I guess there is one failure for the SW crash bars but no where near the failures of the Hepco and Becker bars. I did purchase the HB hand guards but will be replacing those with bark busters now, sigh...Any complaints with the hepco and becker skid plate?

Thanks

I installed the SW crash bars (bought them before finish reading about all possible issues…).
So far drop the bike a few times only and all during an ADV training course, low speed 360 deg maneuvers on the grass while stalling when practicing the « 2 fingers tecnic » on clutch and front brake…no harm done to any bolts or frame. Hope stays like that!

As for the H&B skid plate, I bought it used and hit a rock off road. It did protect the engine fine but I noticed it bent the rear right « U shape » bracket and I had a hard time putting the skid plate back on after the oil change. I wanted to take the bracket off to strengthen it back to original shape but due to its bent status I am not able to insert (align) my Allen key correctly to unbolt it from the engine pan…
I tried to gently pry it back in place but am afraid to crack the aluminum engine pan casting…
In the end I was able to bolt the skid plate back in place (but that specific bolt alignment was still an issue).

Hope this help in any case…

 

[flyingburritobrother]

Congrats on the RP.

Get those Hepco upper bars OFF your bike immediately. Both of the bolts on my H/Bs broke off in the frame without ANY drop or impact to them.
Higher grade bolts are not going to save you the grief.

No bar is going to protect the bike from damage in all scenarios.

Another guy on ADVrider reached out to me about pulling the HB uppers off his bike (he also bought the bike used). Turns out the beak sub-frame was broken (one of the mounting points for H/B uppers)..no doubt due to previous owners dropping the bike.

Bars that mount to the upper cylinder/frame and under the beak are heartbreak just waiting to happen.

So I just picked up a ’21 RP. It’s in nice shape but has the dreaded H-B crash bar set on it. With only 6k miles on the clock, I’m hoping no damage has already been done.

First off, I would like to know if upgrading the bolts in the tank/upper bars to a proper fitting, higher grade 8 bolt would be a good fix. I read that the bolts that come with the kit are like a grade 5 that isn’t the correct length of shaft and threads.

Second, are there problems similar in the lower engine guards?

While I don’t “plan” on dropping my new scoot, I do plan on going off road on the SM1000 and SM500 (I live in Gatlinburg so the Smokies are at my doorstep) and doing extensive travel. I have friends in New England and Alaska I plan on visiting. (Ain‘t retirement fun?)

I want this bike to go the distance and from all I’ve researched it should be more than up to the job, I’m just on a fixed income now and have to watch my pennies. If a simple bolt upgrade and proper torque and installation technique does the trick then I’ll do that. If not I’ll pull the upper bars and remount the aux lights.

Cheers,
RD View attachment 802314
View attachment 802313

 

[xtypeinct]

Congrats on the RP.

Get those Hepco upper bars OFF your bike immediately. Both of the bolts on my H/Bs broke off in the frame without ANY drop or impact to them.
Higher grade bolts are not going to save you the grief.

No bar is going to protect the bike from damage in all scenarios.

Another guy on ADVrider reached out to me about pulling the HB uppers off his bike (he also bought the bike used). Turns out the beak sub-frame was broken (one of the mounting points for H/B uppers)..no doubt due to previous owners dropping the bike.

Bars that mount to the upper cylinder/frame and under the beak are heartbreak just waiting to happen.

Hepco bars coming off asap!

So now… any idea where I can source the stock aux light mounts???? Because I am the second owner and bought from a dealer… No mount is easily available…FleaBay?

And the stock upper motor mount bolts… I guess the local stealership?

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers,
RD

 

[flyingburritobrother]

Hepco bars coming off asap!

So now… any idea where I can source the stock aux light mounts???? Because I am the second owner and bought from a dealer… No mount is easily available…FleaBay?

And the stock upper motor mount bolts… I guess the local stealership?

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers,
RD

Smart move!

There is a stamped steel bar mount that is original for the RP fogs. You might find one on eBay or someone selling one. No doubt you can get one from the dealer. I don't know of another way to mount the factory fogs.

You will most definitely want to re-install the stock original cylinder/frame bolts, if you don't have them, the dealer should be able to provide them. The manual says there are washers, but I honestly don't remember them. There is a spacer (4 in image) on the right side of the bike, hopefully that is still in place, if not, you will need to figure out which one is required (see below) Torque for the cylinder to frame bolts is 48nm per the manual. I've included shots from the manual, which has more to do with reinstalling the whole engine. I had to have my dealer remove the broken Hepco bolts from the frame so I'm not sure if there is a sequence when removing the bars and installing the original hardware. At the very least, I would only do one side at a time, that way the engine isn't "free" hanging without both bolts out.

Hope this all helps.

 

[Lone Wolf 2022]

Crash bars have been a bit of an interesting journey for me on the Tiger (mine is an 850) I ordered and received the Outback Motortek bars and skid plate for the T850. Delivery took about five or six weeks, but as noted, they are in high demand. That was not a serious issue for me.

I did the install myself, as I've done before on other bikes, and I've also done all the rack installs and centre stand installs. I'm not an especially skilled mechanic, but I do have the necessary tools including a click-type torque wrench. I work carefully and slowly.

I had some fitment issues with the right side upper bar; the right angle upper engine attachment tab was bent too far, and so it did not fit. I fixed that by gentle persuasion with a small 5 lb sledge. Yes, gentle. It is also possible that the bike itself is not perfectly symmetrical and that the 2mm/ 1/8" adjustment I needed to make is a function of the bike, rather than the bars, but the right angle tab on the bar was less than 90 deg inside. I'm open to all possibilities here.

I watched the OM videos for the crash bar and skid plate install several times, and made notes before I started. I, personally, was not impressed or satisfied with the video installation. Too many things mentioned in the early parts of the videos are information that you need later, such as torque numbers. Also, the foot pegs on the 850/ 900 GT need to be removed to get at the lower engine through bolt. The Rally foot peg mounts are different and that bolt is accessible. Also, the upper engine bolts, 14mm hex head, are very hard to actually reach. I did it, but it was not as easy or graceful as it is shown on the video. Overall, it took at least 4 hours, with pauses, and rewatching of the videos, and finding the necessary steps required for the non Rally models; that is the sort of thing that a piece of paper in the package should address. Also there are some very close fitment situations, where the front cross bar bolts are 3mm/ 1/4" from the plastics surrounding the radiator; a bit of movement there and the bar & bolts might damage the rad or plastic shroud. That is just speculation on my part, and it could be solid and reliable, based on the product design and testing.

After I had the bars installed, I went our for a trip of about 2000 kms, a week or so. Upon my return, I removed the upper crash bars so that the dealer would have an easier time accessing wiring to correct a problem with the heated grips they installed. I found the upper left crash bar bolt missing. Later, the shop discovered that the bolt was not missing, but had broken off inside the upper mounting hole. I was very careful with torque specs and no drops other than gentle let downs on sand to practice picking the bike up.

I like the Outback bar design, and the protection seems very good. I'm less impressed with the installation process and the instructions, and a bit concerned about the bolts and attachments, but I think that various bar makers use many of the same attachment points. The upper front engine mounts seem to be used by all.

I didn't notice any change in the vibrations with the bars, but I have grip puppies installed. The bike is vibey at certain speeds, so hard to tell if there was any change.

@flyingburritobrother , I watched your video on the H & B bar problems. Thanks very much for that clear and calm presentation.

Upper engine bolt failure:
Just ordered my OM combo set for Tiger 2022 Gt Pro. listening to all the broken bolts and such, sounds like a urethane bushing may elevate this problem. I'm no mechanic but anything to lessen the vibration or shifting. For me I'm sending them back getting a Barkbuster and lower engine bars. So sad really liked the OM look on the Tiger.

 

[Triumphcoupe]

This is my hand guard setup, the strongest by far and also do a great job at lessening any vibration through the bars.

 

[Lone Wolf 2022]

Crash bars have been a bit of an interesting journey for me on the Tiger (mine is an 850) I ordered and received the Outback Motortek bars and skid plate for the T850. Delivery took about five or six weeks, but as noted, they are in high demand. That was not a serious issue for me.

I did the install myself, as I've done before on other bikes, and I've also done all the rack installs and centre stand installs. I'm not an especially skilled mechanic, but I do have the necessary tools including a click-type torque wrench. I work carefully and slowly.

I had some fitment issues with the right side upper bar; the right angle upper engine attachment tab was bent too far, and so it did not fit. I fixed that by gentle persuasion with a small 5 lb sledge. Yes, gentle. It is also possible that the bike itself is not perfectly symmetrical and that the 2mm/ 1/8" adjustment I needed to make is a function of the bike, rather than the bars, but the right angle tab on the bar was less than 90 deg inside. I'm open to all possibilities here.

I watched the OM videos for the crash bar and skid plate install several times, and made notes before I started. I, personally, was not impressed or satisfied with the video installation. Too many things mentioned in the early parts of the videos are information that you need later, such as torque numbers. Also, the foot pegs on the 850/ 900 GT need to be removed to get at the lower engine through bolt. The Rally foot peg mounts are different and that bolt is accessible. Also, the upper engine bolts, 14mm hex head, are very hard to actually reach. I did it, but it was not as easy or graceful as it is shown on the video. Overall, it took at least 4 hours, with pauses, and rewatching of the videos, and finding the necessary steps required for the non Rally models; that is the sort of thing that a piece of paper in the package should address. Also there are some very close fitment situations, where the front cross bar bolts are 3mm/ 1/4" from the plastics surrounding the radiator; a bit of movement there and the bar & bolts might damage the rad or plastic shroud. That is just speculation on my part, and it could be solid and reliable, based on the product design and testing.

After I had the bars installed, I went our for a trip of about 2000 kms, a week or so. Upon my return, I removed the upper crash bars so that the dealer would have an easier time accessing wiring to correct a problem with the heated grips they installed. I found the upper left crash bar bolt missing. Later, the shop discovered that the bolt was not missing, but had broken off inside the upper mounting hole. I was very careful with torque specs and no drops other than gentle let downs on sand to practice picking the bike up.

I like the Outback bar design, and the protection seems very good. I'm less impressed with the installation process and the instructions, and a bit concerned about the bolts and attachments, but I think that various bar makers use many of the same attachment points. The upper front engine mounts seem to be used by all.

I didn't notice any change in the vibrations with the bars, but I have grip puppies installed. The bike is vibey at certain speeds, so hard to tell if there was any change.

@flyingburritobrother , I watched your video on the H & B bar problems. Thanks very much for that clear and calm presentation.

I spoke to Lorry at OM and asked him to make a lower set of crash bars that were just for the Tiger 900 Gt. He came back with their bars were for Rally and Gt models. How can that be if the Gt foot pegs are 2-2.5” more forward than Rally models causing a substantial lose in foot placement. These two bikes are of different platforms and should have there own proper fitting equipment.

 

[Benlb]

I spoke to Lorry at OM and asked him to make a lower set of crash bars that were just for the Tiger 900 Gt. He came back with their bars were for Rally and Gt models. How can that be if the Gt foot pegs are 2-2.5” more forward than Rally models causing a substantial lose in foot placement. These two bikes are of different platforms and should have there own proper ditto g equipment.

Wow didn't know that differences between the bikes, now I do understand why some people have clearence issues with their feet with some solutions...

I think I will stay wit the OEM solutions as there are proven and the revision of the upper bars looks promising

 

[DamonYVR]

@Bawinn1
I think that you have correctly identified one of the issues with the OM crash bars that is ignored in the OM promotional and installation videos; that there are differences between the Tiger models, and that OM does not deal with those differences with their crash bar design. I personally found that the installation videos were not complete or comphrensive in respect of the various Tiger models. As well, I had fitment issues with my OM bar installation and had to go beyond the installation video for my own installation.

A secondary issue that your post reinforces is that Lorry does not deal with customer installation or fitment problems in a very helpful way. I'm not saying that he should do a custom bar design, but the 'one size fits all' statement doesn't seem to be reliable. That said, I do not know of differences in foot peg placement on different models. I'll accept this information for now and look into it, for interest if for no other reason. But if he says 'Rally and GT models' then that almost certainly must include the GT and the GT Pro, as well as the Rally and Rally Pro. And the (most excellent) 850 .

Just musing here, but if OM looked at the bolt breakage reports, and frame movement and frame damage reports (for the Triumph Tiger 900 series bikes), and then reworked their product to address these issues, they could become a stand-out accessory company; there is a void for a super responsive and responsible company on this specific issue, and with some time and effort and money, they could dominate that space. And in doing so, they would earn respect that would be otherwise almost impossible to buy or claim otherwise.

 

[Lone Wolf 2022]

@Bawinn1
I think that you have correctly identified one of the issues with the OM crash bars that is ignored in the OM promotional and installation videos; that there are differences between the Tiger models, and that OM does not deal with those differences with their crash bar design. I personally found that the installation videos were not complete or comphrensive in respect of the various Tiger models. As well, I had fitment issues with my OM bar installation and had to go beyond the installation video for my own installation.

A secondary issue that your post reinforces is that Lorry does not deal with customer installation or fitment problems in a very helpful way. I'm not saying that he should do a custom bar design, but the 'one size fits all' statement doesn't seem to be reliable. That said, I do not know of differences in foot peg placement on different models. I'll accept this information for now and look into it, for interest if for no other reason. But if he says 'Rally and GT models' then that almost certainly must include the GT and the GT Pro, as well as the Rally and Rally Pro. And the (most excellent) 850 .

Just musing here, but if OM looked at the bolt breakage reports, and frame movement and frame damage reports (for the Triumph Tiger 900 series bikes), and then reworked their product to address these issues, they could become a stand-out accessory company; there is a void for a super responsive and responsible company on this specific issue, and with some time and effort and money, they could dominate that space. And in doing so, they would earn respect that would be otherwise almost impossible to buy or claim otherwise.

@Bawinn1
I think that you have correctly identified one of the issues with the OM crash bars that is ignored in the OM promotional and installation videos; that there are differences between the Tiger models, and that OM does not deal with those differences with their crash bar design. I personally found that the installation videos were not complete or comphrensive in respect of the various Tiger models. As well, I had fitment issues with my OM bar installation and had to go beyond the installation video for my own installation.

A secondary issue that your post reinforces is that Lorry does not deal with customer installation or fitment problems in a very helpful way. I'm not saying that he should do a custom bar design, but the 'one size fits all' statement doesn't seem to be reliable. That said, I do not know of differences in foot peg placement on different models. I'll accept this information for now and look into it, for interest if for no other reason. But if he says 'Rally and GT models' then that almost certainly must include the GT and the GT Pro, as well as the Rally and Rally Pro. And the (most excellent) 850 .

Just musing here, but if OM looked at the bolt breakage reports, and frame movement and frame damage reports (for the Triumph Tiger 900 series bikes), and then reworked their product to address these issues, they could become a stand-out accessory company; there is a void for a super responsive and responsible company on this specific issue, and with some time and effort and money, they could dominate that space. And in doing so, they would earn respect that would be otherwise almost impossible to buy or claim otherwise.

First let me say that OM is on top of their game. I spoke or communicated with three people Lorry, Kassie, and Jason all who gave of their time to answer questions and address my concerns. Lorry went as far as to ask my opinion on the bolt problem. Kassie answered several emails and was always positive, and Jason gave me his cell number and-spent 30 minutes answering questions and addressing my concerns of fit and footing issues. I bought the OM Tiger combo had it still in the unopened box for two weeks before deciding to return it. I guess my final straw was I sat on a Tiger that was OM equipped and the foot issue was too tight for my likes or riding style.
I’m 63 and riding comfortably is important.

I will agree their video needs to be updated and made for-both Tiger platforms GT/Rally along with a separate GT lower bar set.

Finally, the BOLT issue. This issue is not just OM specific. This issue runs through all the companies producing products for the Tiger line. So the crash bars “CAUSING” the catastrophe frame failures is hard to believe. Not saying they do not keep it from happening, but if you ride hard or lay your ride down hard something is going to happen to your bike. Hopefully the bars do their job as expected and also keep you safe doing so.The Tiger frame is not made to have crash bars mounted to it so the next best or better place is the engine mounted areas. Some protection is always better than no protection so ride with care.
Just to reiterate OM products in my opinion are still the best crash bars on the market at this time and the crew there are both friendly and professional.

So before you call or start that negative email think about this: Triumph can’t even made bars that work for the own bikes. Triumph needs to pony up and look at this multiple frame breakage and address it first hand before people, customers, riders get hurt.

 

[flyingburritobrother]

So before you call or start that negative email think about this: Triumph can’t even made bars that work for the own bikes. Triumph needs to pony up and look at this multiple frame breakage and address it first hand before people, customers, riders get hurt.

You must work for OM..... 😆

Somehow this frame/bolt breakage is Triumphs fault when you've added rigidity where it wasn't designed to be? You've gotta be kidding me. This is the dumbest comment I have ever read regarding this issue. Sorry man....but adding the crash bars that mount to the upper cylinder mount point IS the problem.

It's beyond shameful ALL of these companies are still selling these products with a known issue.

Triumphs OEM bars do not mount to the upper cylinder mount.... (and I'm not defending them either given all the dents from their bars bending into the tank).

Anyone running any kind of upper crash bars mounted to the upper cylinder mount are sitting on a time bomb.

 

[Benlb]

Just to reiterate OM products in my opinion are still the best crash bars on the market at this time and the crew there are both friendly and professional.

So before you call or start that negative email think about this: Triumph can’t even made bars that work for the own bikes. Triumph needs to pony up and look at this multiple frame breakage and address it first hand before people, customers, riders get hurt.

What the heck? I did not here of any single stock tiger having frame issues, and I know a few that ride them hard, but I can find on all forums people complaining about broken bolts, and a few frame issues, when installing OM bars.

Also triumph did come out with a new bar design that solves the issue with them hitting the tank and also thinking about the engine mount, making them saver if the bolt breaks, the engine will still be mounted to the frame.

OM could offer a similar solution for the engine mount and it would solve the only issue this bars have.

 

[snowcatxx87]

Wow didn't know that differences between the bikes, now I do understand why some people have clearence issues with their feet with some solutions...

I think I will stay wit the OEM solutions as there are proven and the revision of the upper bars looks promising

New uppers? Where did you see this

 

[Lone Wolf 2022]

You must work for OM..... 😆

Somehow this frame/bolt breakage is Triumphs fault when you've added rigidity where it wasn't designed to be? You've gotta be kidding me. This is the dumbest comment I have ever read regarding this issue. Sorry man....but adding the crash bars that mount to the upper cylinder mount point IS the problem.

It's beyond shameful ALL of these companies are still selling these products with a known issue.

Triumphs OEM bars do not mount to the upper cylinder mount.... (and I'm not defending them either given all the dents from their bars bending into the tank).

Anyone running any kind of upper crash bars mounted to the upper cylinder mount are sitting on a time bomb.

Ok, so I do not work for OM and ride a 2022 Tiger 900 GT Pro.
Reading some of the post on crash bars there are several riders who currently use OM bars without any problems what so ever. Maybe they have not had to lay their bike down or drop it.
The problem is the combo of Triumph Tigers 900 frame and any manufacturers rigid mounted crash bars.

 

[Benlb]

New uppers? Where did you see this

Saw some posts and also a few YouTube videos, the last I saw was from Vanesa Ruck, the girl on a bike YouTube channel, that did the 1000 dunas rally and the bike survived all the drops without issues.

 

[snowcatxx87]

Saw some posts and also a few YouTube videos, the last I saw was from Vanesa Ruck, the girl on a bike YouTube channel, that did the 1000 dunas rally and the bike survived all the drops without issues.

Looks like they are already out:

original upper bars (model A9780051)

new model (A9780275)

 

[flyingburritobrother]

What the heck? I did not here of any single stock tiger having frame issues, and I know a few that ride them hard, but I can find on all forums people complaining about broken bolts, and a few frame issues, when installing OM bars.

I think we're wasting our breath/effort. Some people just can't be reached.

Like you said, I've beaten the hell out of my 900 RP off road without any frame issues.

Even without the problem of bolt failure....people are delusional if they think some aftermarket bars will protect the bike from damage.