How well do crash bars work?

[pdxrita]

Two weeks ago today, I totaled my Italia on the way home from work. The damage was almost all up around the headset area. Last weekend, I purchased a practically brand new Buddy 125 (2012, 500 miles) with a salvage title for $1,100. Now why the insurance company totaled it is a mystery to me. It's just got some scratched panels and a cracked headlamp ring. I'm of the opinion that Progressive will total a scooter for just about any damage. I'm planning to replace most, if not all, of those damaged panels and the headlight ring, making it pretty much brand new. Check the picture on my fuelly page (link in signature) to see just how little damage there is.

Anyhow, the point of this post is to ask for some feedback about crash bars. Since my scooter has a salvage title, I won't get very much for it if I crash. So I'm wondering how much protection crash bars really provide. Specifically, I'm wondering if they help at all with protecting the headset area, since that seems to take the brunt in most accidents. I would not put on passenger pegs if I got the bars because I've read that they're bad for short riders and I can imagine how they would be. So, anyone with crashbars have experience with putting them to use? If so, how did the headset area fare? How about the rest of your scooter?

[Lokky]

The crashbars on my Stella protected the scoot from plenty of damage when it was dropped at medium-low speeds or bumped in parking lots. That being said one set failed in my crash last sunday and actually dug into the engine a bit breaking the flywheel fan... I am sure my engine would be completely destroyed had that crashbar not absorbed the impact.


As far as the footpegs on the buddy I have witnessed Luna's footpegs protect the body very well because of the way they stick out, taking the brunt of the damage before the scoot touches the ground.

[Skootz Kabootz]

I have both the crash bars and the footpegs on my St. Tropez. They have protected the scooter more than once. First time was when a cab knocked the scooter over when parked (the topcase also took some of the blow). Second time I low sided on an oil slick and went for a 20 yard slide. The scooter slid on the foot pegs and the crash bars. Crash bars got skuffed up but thats it. Foot pegs were twisted up. There was of course also damage to the headset area but the crash bars and foot pegs kept it from being infinitely worse.

I have to add this, the passenger footpegs really contribute a lot towards protecting the scooter. They always hit the ground first and thus take the bulk of the blow. For that reason I will always keep them on my scooter. I do not think it would have fared as well without them.

[Skootz Kabootz]

I have both the crash bars and the footpegs on my St. Tropez. They have protected the scooter more than once. First time was when a cab knocked the scooter over when parked (the topcase also took some of the blow). Second time I low sided on an oil slick and went for a 20 yard slide. The scooter slid on the foot pegs and the crash bars. Crash bars got skuffed up, foot pegs were twisted up and there was of course also damage to the headset area. But the crash bars and foot pegs kept it from being infinitely worse.

I have to add this, the passenger footpegs really contribute a lot towards protecting the scooter. They always hit the ground first and thus take the bulk of the blow. For that reason I will always keep them on my scooter. I do not think it would have fared as well without them.

[PeteH]

Ditto on the passenger footpegs - they (along with my helmet on the hook) took the brunt of this week's fall-down.

Don't fret about having the passenger pegs installed - I'm a reasonably short rider, but my size-11's fit on the floorboards in front of the pegs just fine. Without the footpegs, the cowl bars _might_ work as well, but I'm not about to risk it.

[pdxrita]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. My concern with the footpegs is that, since I'm so short, when I put my feet down, my legs are right up against the side of the scooter. I'm afraid that I'll catch the back of my leg on them if I take off one day without lifting my foot soon enough. I'm not at all concerned about losing space on the floorboard. With my size 5.5 shoes, I have enough space to do a little dance in there; sometimes I do just that when I'm having a good time . I'll think about the passengers pegs some more, paying attention when I ride to how I think they would or wouldn't get in the way. It does sounds like the crashbars would be a good, fairly inexpensive, way to possibly avoid doing enough damage for an insurance claim. Plus, I like that they would give me a good spot to hook my bungie net when I need to carry more stuff.

[skully93]

I tried the footpegs and they just smashed my calves alot, but I have to 'back up' a lot in order to pull out of my parking spot.

During my small accident, the crash bars did a GREAT job of protecting the side. There's a minor scuff on the one side of the bar, but a little polish and you hardly notice it.

I also think they happen to look cool on most colors.

[pdxrita]

I tried the footpegs and they just smashed my calves alot, but I have to 'back up' a lot in order to pull out of my parking spot.

This is exactly what I'm concerned about. If you don't mind my asking, how tall are you? I'm only 4'10".

During my small accident, the crash bars did a GREAT job of protecting the side. There's a minor scuff on the one side of the bar, but a little polish and you hardly notice it.

So you crashed without the passenger pegs and the bars still worked well?

I also think they happen to look cool on most colors.

I agree about the appearance. My new scoot is red. I already have a black rack (took it off of my Italia before I took it to the shop - took my topcase and low-pro seat too), so I'd be putting black bars on, which I think will look great with the red since it's a red and black color scheme all over.

[Skootz Kabootz]

FWIW the footpegs have never been an issue for me. When the scooter starts to move forward my feet just naturally also move forward towards the front of the floorboard and so only move away from the footpegs. Non-issue. That said, I am 6'1" so it could be quite different for you.

I think footpegs are something you need to try for yourself to see how you feel. You'll never quite figure it all out intellectualizing. Personally, since they provide such valuable additional crash protection and are included with the cowl protectors anyway, I would throw em on the scooter (it's just two bolts) give em a go, and see for yourself. If you hate them, take them off. It takes all of 5 minutes. No harm no fowl.

And I totally agree, the black accessories on the red scooter looks great!

[pdxrita]

FWIW the footpegs have never been an issue for me. When the scooter starts to move forward my feet just naturally also move forward towards the front of the floorboard and so only move away from the footpegs. Non-issue. That said, I am 6'1" so it could be quite different for you.

I think footpegs are something you need to try for yourself to see how you feel. You'll never quite figure it all out intellectualizing. Personally, since they provide such valuable additional crash protection and are included with the cowl protectors anyway, I would throw em on the scooter (it's just two bolts) give em a go, and see for yourself. If you hate them, take them off. It takes all of 5 minutes. No harm no fowl.

But I enjoy overintellectualizing all of the decisions I make!

I found a site the sells just the crash bars for about $100, so I really would like to decide ahead of time. I'm trying to stay pretty much within the amount of insurance money I got, so I'm pinching pennies as much as possible (as evidenced by my purchase of a salvage title scooter ). So if I don't need to passenger pegs, I'd rather save that money.

[Skootz Kabootz]

... I'm pinching pennies as much as possible ...

I can relate, and with no intellectualizing necessary whatsoever There was a MB member selling accessories here at a reduced price recently. I think he had some black cowl protectors. Not sure if they are gone but it might be worth a look.

[siobhan]

Specifically, I'm wondering if they help at all with protecting the headset area, since that seems to take the brunt in most accidents.

The cowl protectors won't do anything to protect the headset except give you a little more space between the ground and the body of the scooter. I could see how the footpegs could help if the scooter is on its side as it's not lying down as far; that said, the footpegs suck. I don't know how folks are riding around with them without having permanent bruises on their lower legs.

[pdxrita]

Great feedback. So two votes for no footpegs, 3 for. I'm leaning in the no pegs direction since I really think I'd bruise up my calves.

I do understand that the cowel protectors do just that, protect the cowels, and don't come anywhere near the headset. But I think that they might be the difference between scratches and totaled, just by virtue of keeping the bike elevated by a few inches. So for that alone, I think they'll be worth the cost.

So how about a front rack? Does anyone with a front rack feel that it might have helped save the headset in a drop?

[siobhan]

I've got the front rack and cowl protectors (mainly because they look cool). Front rack won't do anything for ya, protection-wise. Cowl protectors saved my plastics when some b*tch in a large Jeep knocked my parked scoot over onto its side. Naturally it was my fault, or so she stated, until I slammed my fist onto her windshield to freak her out and then she started to cry. Nothing like a girl in pink making another girl cry. Cowl protectors = totally worth it.

[PeteH]

No, the front rack won't help you at all. It's way too narrow.

OK, I'm not 4'10", but I'm reasonably stumpy (29-30" inseam), and the footpegs do not bother me in the least. Because they're mounted down low, they're going to protect the plastic pieces that run below the floorboards, while the cowl bars will protect the upper zones up towards the seat and tail.

If you find someplace that sells the cowl bars alone and you really think you're going to hate the footpegs, so be it, but me, I won't ride without 'em.

[pdxrita]

Thanks. I figured the front rack providing protection was a long shot, but worth asking about. I don't really want one anyhow, but I'd get it if it provided protection.

What I'm seeing in regards to the footpegs is that those of you who have them swear by them because they have taken the brunt of the damage when you've dropped. But the two of you with just cowel bars seem to feel those have worked as well. I'm thinking that the footpegs provide a bit more protection, but perhaps not as much as you might think, just based upon the damage you have. It makes sense that the footpegs would take the brunt of a fall, since they protrude the most. But without the footpegs, the bars do the same job. So, I think I'll do no footpegs. I'm just too danged short to worry about getting my legs tangled up in something when I'm trying to maneuver.

[michelle_7728]

I'm 5'5" and have foot pegs. Honestly, daily I go back and forth on it.

On the one hand, I could easily catch my blue jeans on the rubbery ends of the foot pegs...on the the other hand, I am just very conscious of it when I ride and swing my legs out a bit when putting them back on the floorboard, so that doesn't happen.

On the one hand it gives more things to tie down to when I have something sitting on the floor board, but on the other hand it DOES take a couple of inches of space out of the floorboard area...not necesarily for where your feet would be, but a few inches higher, like if you put a lunch pack down there.

I remember reading a post a while back where someone stated that one of the things they did not like about their foot pegs was that they could not take off the rubber battery matt without taking the foot pegs off. Maybe mine was not a typical install (I DID read & follow the instructions for once...), but there is "just" enough room for me to pull the rubber matt out, and put it back in place without having to force it under there...so I'm not sure what they were talking about.

Sorry to muddy the water by even bringing that up, but I've always remembered that post....

[pdxrita]

I'm 5'5" and have foot pegs. Honestly, daily I go back and forth on it.

On the one hand, I could easily catch my blue jeans on the rubbery ends of the foot pegs...on the the other hand, I am just very conscious of it when I ride and swing my legs out a bit when putting them back on the floorboard, so that doesn't happen.

On the one hand it gives more things to tie down to when I have something sitting on the floor board, but on the other hand it DOES take a couple of inches of space out of the floorboard area...not necesarily for where your feet would be, but a few inches higher, like if you put a lunch pack down there.

I remember reading a post a while back where someone stated that one of the things they did not like about their foot pegs was that they could not take off the rubber battery matt without taking the foot pegs off. Maybe mine was not a typical install (I DID read & follow the instructions for once...), but there is "just" enough room for me to pull the rubber matt out, and put it back in place without having to force it under there...so I'm not sure what they were talking about.

Sorry to muddy the water by even bringing that up, but I've always remembered that post....

Thanks Michelle. All feedback is welcome. You probably don't hear this very often, but you would tower over me at 5'5" . That extra 7" makes a big difference. I'm still not completely decided and haven't ordered the bars yet. I put on the first couple of replacement parts today (left grip, headlight ring) and ordered the rest that I'm replacing (just a couple more), then my scooter will be almost as good as new. At that point, I really should make this decision because I'd hate to dump it before getting the bars (stops to knock on wood). You've been most helpful with all of this. Thanks again!

[PeteH]

If you lift upwards on the pegs just a little, the floormat can be eased out from underneath.

[LunaP]

I tried the footpegs and they just smashed my calves alot, but I have to 'back up' a lot in order to pull out of my parking spot.

This is exactly what I'm concerned about. If you don't mind my asking, how tall are you? I'm only 4'10".

I'm 5'3", with big legs. The pegs poked my calves some, and I bruise easy so I always had bruises... I was honestly going to take them off but then I had to drop it when somebody stopped short for a left turn without signaling... and the damage they prevented my Buddy from taking was extraordinary for a single piece of hardware whose primary use isn't even that. I decided I'd put up with the pokes to have that protection, it was worth it- fully recommend them.

EDIT to also say that despite the fact that it's technically possible, like Michelle said, I was always super aware of the pegs when putting my leg down, so I never had a problem with my pants catching. Which is surprising bc I don't bother to hem any of my pants and they are usually dragging the floor at my heel

[JHScoot]

I'm of the opinion that Progressive will total a scooter for just about any damage.

I must remember this when in want or need of a "new" scooter.

'Hey, Progressive? Um, yeah....I just dumped the 'ol scoot (maybe on purpose maybe not). It's got some cracked pieces and what not.'

"Don't worry, sir. We'll cut you a check for that old scooter and you'll be riding new again in no time!"

'Oh hey thanks for the insurance'

[smarkum]

How much work is involved in putting on and taking off the foot pegs if the cowl bars stay in place? I'm thinking of getting them for when I have my little ones riding with me, but I HATE them poking into my calves when I put my feet down. It would be great if it was super easy to take them off when I don't have passengers.

[pdxrita]

I'm of the opinion that Progressive will total a scooter for just about any damage.

I must remember this when in want or need of a "new" scooter.

'Hey, Progressive? Um, yeah....I just dumped the 'ol scoot (maybe on purpose maybe not). It's got some cracked pieces and what not.'

"Don't worry, sir. We'll cut you a check for that old scooter and you'll be riding new again in no time!"

'Oh hey thanks for the insurance'

Quite honestly, when I picked up my new, totaled by Progressive, 125, that same thought occurred to me. It has such minor damage, and so little mileage (500 miles), that I wondered if the previous owner decided they didn't like it, dropped it in their driveway a couple of times, and filed a claim to cash it out. As for my Italia that was totaled by Progressive, it too could have been repaired for less than they gave me, I think. So yes, someone could easily game them that way.

[Lokky]

I'm of the opinion that Progressive will total a scooter for just about any damage.

I must remember this when in want or need of a "new" scooter.

'Hey, Progressive? Um, yeah....I just dumped the 'ol scoot (maybe on purpose maybe not). It's got some cracked pieces and what not.'

"Don't worry, sir. We'll cut you a check for that old scooter and you'll be riding new again in no time!"

'Oh hey thanks for the insurance'

The flipside to this is that progressive, together with the other big insurances, quotes you much more for less coverage.

For the stella I was looking at 600$ with 500 deductibles with progressive. I called a broker specialized in recreational vehicles and they got me coverage with Foremost for 200$ a year with 250 collision and 100 non-collision deductibles

[pdxrita]

The flipside to this is that progressive, together with the other big insurances, quotes you much more for less coverage.

For the stella I was looking at 600$ with 500 deductibles with progressive. I called a broker specialized in recreational vehicles and they got me coverage with Foremost for 200$ a year with 250 collision and 100 non-collision deductibles

That really varies from person to person. We actually got a good rate from Progressive (though it went up some after my recent spill ). What I am curious about is whether my observation that Progressive totals bikes at the drop of a hat is a) True and b) Different from other insurance companies. Let us know what your insurance does with your scooter, Lokky. I'd love to know if they fix it or total it and, how you feel about the payout one way or another. I think this is good information for all of us as we choose our coverage.

For the record, I'll say that I am overall pleased with the way Progressive handled my claim. The payout was very fair - they valued my scooter at exactly what I figured it should be, paid for all of my gear and even paid for my deadlight adaptor when I provided a receipt. I guess my only possible gripe is that I think the scooter could have been repaired rather than totaled. But I got a good replacment scoot, so I'm not complaining too much about that.

Now what were we talking about? Crash bars... oh yeah! (actually, that's insurance of sort, isn't it?)

[Lokky]

That really varies from person to person. We actually got a good rate from Progressive (though it went up some after my recent spill . What I am curious about is whether my observation that Progressive totals bikes at the drop of a hat is a) True and b) Different from other insurance companies. Let us know what your insurance does with your scooter, Lokky. I'd love to know if they fix it or total it and, how you feel about the payout one way or another. I think this is good information for all of us as we choose our coverage.

Oh for sure. I guess maybe my lack of social security number made the big companies weary of me?

The Stella is done and totaled but it would have been with anybody. Front fender gone, bent fork, frame bent in 3 different spots, engine damage... They didn't even want to see the bike before calling it totaled, now we'll see how good they are with paying out the right value. (one great thing about this policy is that I have 3600 worth of coverage on additional equipment at no additional cost so that side shouldn't be an issue)

[michelle_7728]

How much work is involved in putting on and taking off the foot pegs if the cowl bars stay in place? I'm thinking of getting them for when I have my little ones riding with me, but I HATE them poking into my calves when I put my feet down. It would be great if it was super easy to take them off when I don't have passengers.

I just posted this for folks who are interested.