Motorcycle crash bars and skidplate: Altrider v Outback Motortek v SW Motech

I review 3 crash protection systems to include engine crash bars, skid plates and valve cover protection using BMW R1200/1250 GS motorcycles as a backdrop. This process applies to KTM, Yamaha, Triumph, Harley Davidson or any other brand when it's an 890 or a Pan America.
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To travel Nepal or Africa with me or train in the USA or South Africa with me check out my website at www.BretTkacs.com

[@darrylmoffett8323]

That closing statement was the best. Thanks. Ride safe and have fun. 🇺🇸

[@tmbarral664]

Indeed 😁 we call it fun. Wide grin on my face .

[@schlagerclub]

Absolutely agreed

[@Outbackmotortek]

We appreciate your shoutout and your unbiased reviews! Keep up the great work 👊🏻

[@doc650adventures]

You guys make some amazing products! You absolutely deserve every shout out you receive!

[@Outbackmotortek]

@@doc650adventures we appreciate your kind words! ❤️

[@timphoto83ec]

@@Outbackmotortek The silver powdercoating is terrible though. Looks like matt grey.

[@Outbackmotortek]

@@timphoto83ec the description by the manufacturer says “matte metallic silver”. It does look more like grey though.

[@chung-fankuo3068]

The way Bret trying to show the skid plate!!! 🤣🤣🤣 I really like Outback’s stuff!! I run their crash bars system on my AT!!

[@lovelessissimo]

The casual dropping of the bike gets me every time.

[@CalciteSerendipity]

Drops bike to say "When you look at the bottom of it." That's confidence in the crash protection system.

[@Chad-wb7du]

THE WAY HE SLAMMED THE BIKE DOWN… I’m dying 😂

[@chriss8620]

"You did it on purpose because we call it fun". I love that comment. The hardest part is remembering it when you are upside down in the mud and rain :) Thanks Bret

[@ricardofabia]

The best crash protection is the motorcycle never leaving the garage, and me staying in the couch wrapped in bubble wrap. The ones that you showcased are pretty good too. 😉👍

[@MrElucid8]

Attitude definitely matters. I often ride with my wife on the back and we have hit the dirt a number of times, low speed crashes in slippery conditions. Her insane laughter coming thru the comms lets me know we are having fun. We might be wiping mud off our gear and rubbing sore spots but we are always having fun and learning. I've learnt a lot about bikes and riding from your videos. Thanks a lot Bret, keep making them and I'll keep watching.

Thanks for the great closing statement; ride safely and have fun.

[@Abdal-RahmanI]

Bot

[@BigRockMoto]

Very informative! We are lucky to have you and these incredibly useful videos. Love the Outback Motortek stuff.

[@amitkrupal1234]

Damn that ending statement give you new way of thinking

[@nowyouareoneofus9684]

The mindset "protect only what leaves you stranded" is very good.

[@user-ei6rr7fk7o]

I don't own an adventure bike but still love watching this channel . That speaks volumes about its content and how its delivered .

[@jochenrichter2337]

A bike that has never been fall down to the Ground has never been driven... ... Thanks for the great video!

[@watersofthesouth]

By far my most trusted channel on gear reviews and motorcycle tips. Many thanks for your hard work sir

[@fc15min]

Best point is "making wallet lighter and bike heavier..." makes a lot fo sence! Thanks for your knowledge and advices! Good man!

[@tjrenegade9807]

Been very happy with my Outback Bars and skid plate on my T700....I have already tested them out. Very sturdy!

[@ianvanaardt5322]

‘Attitude matters’ a timely reminder as lie leg up nursing an injured foot from laying over my bike yesterday 😁 I was having fun 👍🤣 and the ‘crash system’ worked a treat.

[@robkyle]

I've got Outback Motortek bars on my ATAS and have been very happy with them.

[@louisroy66]

I have the "Happy Trails" NERF system and plates on my GS and love it.

[@michaelmathmann7403]

Again a great job, Bret. Thanks for all the good advices in your videos. Greetings from Germany

[@givemeanaxe]

Omg Bret. THIS is the video I NEED this week. Thank you.

[@calprimo11]

Love the ending. Quality content as always!

[@stopstalkingyouspookybastard]

that ending was biblical mate. words to live by. awesome video as always greetings from austria

[@BlackThor15]

Simple, short and super useful! Brilliant, simply brilliant!! Thanks for sharing!! 👍👍

[@Tobeon2]

Your attitude matters the most during the difficult times !!...I love it..Thank you..

[@rayweeks1056]

Going with the Outback Motortek engine bars and skid plate for my F750GS… Well thought out and sturdy.

[@richardkeeley6927]

I installed the Outback belly pan as well as the low & mid-level crash bar options on my Africa Twin. Absolutely satisfied with my selection.

[@enduromotorradtouren]

I really like your closing statement. And, of course, sharing your experience with crash protection. Thanks, much appreciated. Günter from Nürnberg, Germany

[@cristianvillalon2722]

As always, what a great video, informative and well put together. I love the attitude message too.

[@mikec1254]

Thanks I know Bret will always give a fair and honest review

[@outlying]

Casually tipping over your bike was kinda mind blowing

[@Doctoberfest]

I love my OBMT crash bar on my 17 Africa Twin. I had issues with installing and used their online chat and the owner himself, Lorry, was online and chatting with me. Immediately told me the bolt was pushed through to the other side. Stand up owner and company.

[@cousteaufan]

Thank you Bret. You're doing a great job

[@cgross5613]

Great content, Bret. Thanks for the info.

[@iRA_mkb]

Thank you very much for your time Bret.

[@eddyennis9160]

Another advantage on the BMW is it won’t fall over as far as some other bikes, usually. Soft panniers, etc. so the need for mid or upper bars is not needed. On my AT, I went with the full set from Outback Motortek.

[@uponthepegs]

As ever, sound unbiased advice. Many thanks, Brett.

[@russellborn515]

First nice day in ages and a new Tkacs video. Time to dust off the Vstrom and ride!

[@timehonored]

Attitude matters: saving me ducats for a ride in the Olympias with this guy! Thanks for all the vids Bret!

[@AnkurSharma007]

Love your work. How easily you let your bike fall just to show how good is the guard. Appreciated.

[@olenilsen4660]

Awesome tips, especially that last one! When the riding goes tough, the tough goes riding ;)

[@TheMharman150]

Thanks for another no nonsense video keep up the great work.

[@jeffknobby2700]

I am listening to your podcast and it’s great!!!

[@youssefqassem]

Thanks for sharing this useful information and your experience 👍🏼

[@johnasbury9915]

Great video Bret.

[@alvarosolis7837]

Attitude Matters! Right on Bret!

[@jose.escuderow]

Great closing! Regards from Bolivia 🇧🇴

[@jh9855]

"I do like to bounce of off things". Hahahaha. What I truly care about with crash bars is how well they protect me from getting hurt when the bike is on the ground with me underneath it.I can replace a bike; I cannot replace me or my legs, brain, etc. Good comprehensive video and thanks for the information!

[@azmanzakaria3366]

Love the ending Quotes. Keep it up Brett.......

[@Racer57]

3:40 I love how you just drop it

[@ReneNYG1]

Thank you for your work,it so helpful and you are doing us a great service.I really appreciate it.

[@stephenscott6570]

I’m find as a new F850GSA owner that just about anything you add makes your wallet a great deal lower. As example, I bought a MC trailer and then went looking for some tie down ratchet straps. Good thing I looked at Home Depot too, because the ratchet straps (for all practical purposes the same) that were selling on the online MC stores were 2-4 times the price of the very strong Husky brand I bought at Home Depot.

[@DuncanJimmy]

Speaking of attitude, my ambition is to one day be able to just push my bike over on its side without a care in the world the same way Bret just did. "Why yes, I did just push over my $20K 600lb adventure bike onto its side and am not suffering heart palpitations, why do you ask?"

[@BretTkacs]

🤣

[@mikemerrill175]

Loved the skid plate demo. Just pitch it on its side.

[@aps-pictures9335]

3:41 😮😮😮 haha I wasn’t ready for that!

[@BretTkacs]

🤣

[@creative4art]

The other thing I do like about this bike.... ( casually drops the bike )... and explains it. Lol you are awesome.

[@GeezerWheels]

Love your vids, Bret! Very good points about protection and ergos. I'm 6'3" and have to be careful about shin clearance. I even visited the T-Rex factory in Dallas to pre-check fit and shin clearance before buying (family there also). I'm having great luck with T-Rex crash bars on both my Versys X300 (I ride some pretty rough Jeep trails and TAT on that bike) and also my 2017 Vstrom 650XT. The Versys has gone down several times with zero damage to bike or bars - the T-Rex line has large, ugly but very functional polymer pucks that really help. Have not dropped the Vstrom yet - much more of a fire road/pavement bike. The Versys X300 also wears a T-Rex SKID PLATE - so far only average bumps but no damage. Might be a good vid if you can review the T-Rex protection products in a future video. Thanks again! -Ray (StromGeezer in the Vstrom forum) in SW Colorado.

[@SimonBrisbane]

The boxer engine has peculiarities which are unique from all other adventure bikes. As such, this is the perfect video for big GS riders but much less so for all others. Perhaps it would be worthwhile to change the video title to reflect that. You’ll probably get a lot more hits.

[@paulguilfoil8930]

Well $one, Bret! Learned quite a bit.

[@PapaDougsAdventures01]

Thanks for the update.

[@steveaustin1820]

Hey Bret,getting my 3rd GSA in a few months,after reviewing this video again I'll be going with the Outback system and protect my cylinders...thanks again for your recommendation..

[@philippelabelle9988]

I follow your older review... Black dog! Amazing 😊

[@BretTkacs]

I have gone back to BDCW on the 2018 1200, the Rallye still has the Altrider

[@jimmyjazz4482]

Great vid I just purchased a 2019 Gs and had these specific 3 systems narrowed down(Touratech is just too pricey) I was leaning towards Outback for the reasons you pointed out….. large heavy duty skid plate and covers protected plus for the price I feel it is best bang for the buck Keep up the great work

[@wnicklas]

Thanks for sharing tons of wisdom 💞 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ergorydecueto]

"We did it in purpose because we call it fun" Brilliant!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@MagnumMuscle1000]

The Outback Motortek system is really robust and well thought out. The bars don't hit your shins like the OEM does. The downside is the skid plate is HEAVY. The bars aren't too much heavier than the OEM but they do add weight. The GSA system adds about 20 lbs over the OEM system. The other upside is that the Outback system total cost is much less than replacing the OEM system. Some of the fasteners' quality could be better, however.

[@davehartsock9106]

Great video as always, keep up the great work. Curious why Touratech wasn’t in this mini shoot out? They’ve been around for a while and make quality products.

[@forthegospel21]

When he threw the bike down at 3:50 I thought, okay now I don't need to worry anymore about dropping my bike :)

[@BretTkacs]

I didn't throw it down, it could have stood up on its own if it wanted too 🙃

[@henryramos1612]

dedication. thank you for sharing.

[@5691Mark]

What I liked best about the Outback is that it protects the radiator and fan on the Super Tenere. Nothing else does. Good to hear that the skid plate connecting to the bars is a good thing. I was wondering.

[@calablanca]

You did it on purpose because we call it fun. Awesome !

[@IronButterflyAT]

Thanks for your insight

[@jids78]

i wish i was a super rich so that i can support your channel all the way!

[@BretTkacs]

I wish for the same thing... Here's to your future wealth 🤑

[@doc650adventures]

Great info Brett! I will be working on that smile even before I have my turn signal lying next to the Bike LOL! Cheers!

[@nurglemonkie]

Hahaha Love the shin protection on the Alt Riders. Thought at 6’5” it was just my long legs but had many friends and customers bashing their shins as well.

[@BretTkacs]

You figured that out quick... It still hurts even with the 550 cord bumper

[@skytower309]

You did this on purpose, because it's fun! 😀 My cheesy, sheepish grin comes out everytime I'm out riding... conditions aren't ideal. Why do I do this to myself? Fun 😜

[@Tenerisius]

I had once the crash Bars from Wunderlich for my old 2004 GS then. When the times come to prove what they are doing best, they damage my valve cap instead to protect it. They were so badly bented and the all around valve cup protection, turned against me in my case. It also damaged the point on my engine block low where the crash bar bolt is attached . Anyway, I enjoy it more when i have this attitude, that you describe above, and make the others to concern about my mental situation!😉

[@garykleinsteuber4529]

I protect my GS by not letting Bret use it for a demonstration. :)

[@IslandInsanity]

On the tenere 700 the altrider skidplate works with the center stand, but the nuts and bolts that attach to the rear near the footpegs is very difficult to get to, and if you need to change oil in the field you’ll need tools. It’s a huge pain but you do get the better protection.

[@LouisGiliberto]

My KTM390 came with an OEM skid plate (more like splash guard) attached to the engine, so when I went to upgrade I went with a Black Dog Cycle Works skid plate One reason is they have a design that attaches their skid plate to the frame. Also have a BDCW on my BMW F 750 GSA. Haven't "tested" them yet, but they seem very well made.

[@corecass]

I went with heed bunkers for my t7. Cause it protects lots down low. Also ahead bash plate. Bash plate is thick aluminum. Guards metal as it has more flex then aluminum. Tested them by letting an unexpected dirt rider on my bike and see him go in a dry ditch with atleast 70 kmh. It's not even bend and little to no damage to my engine. Only the front of the headlight ensemble (Yamahas plastic Skeleton ) but nothing that would leave you stranded. Just a bit of pain mentally. And a cheep part.

[@witchdoctor6502]

Can't wait when I will revisit this when I will be looking for new bike... for now I don't ride offroad and have vstrom 650 with givi racks mostly for regular falls not proper offroading

[@gguzmanv]

Hi Bret, Thanks so much for sharing all your experience and knoledge with us! I hope you visit someday Australia again. I would like to ask you if you can dedicate few minutes in a video about the original bars for the BMW R1250 GSA, if really this is a good protection, etc. Thanks so much in advance!! German Guzman.

[@dirktischer5260]

Have the Outback Protectors on my KTM 1190 and love them but they are heavy. I had previously broken the Tourtech protectors.

[@Jaimen403]

Please do a similar report for my poor 850 GS. I don't dare to go off road until I find the perfect protection

[@trekOCLVone]

On the Kawasaki Versys X300 the vulnerable parts are the oil filter and exhaust right behind the front wheel. There is only one skid plate design by T-Rex Racing that has their Heavy Duty version that does NOT attach to the fragile aluminum oil pan. See my channel for many videos on the X300 platform for many upgrades and modifications.

[@Brad-RB]

I've had Outback Motortek crashbars fail because of weak welds do to poor penetration. They were supposed to send me another set. That was 18 months ago and I never received them. Quality control and after sale support are important factors as well.

[@BretTkacs]

I haven't experienced that with them, if it's common we will certainly see more comments here.

[@mabrokenleg2388]

@@BretTkacs Friend of mine has a set for his Tiger 800 XCA. They fit so poorly, that the skid plate cannot be mounted on all intended points. The crash bars are mounted under enormous tension, also basically no customer support according to him...

[@Outbackmotortek]

Brad: We’ll look into this ASAP. What’s your order number and country of residence?

[@Outbackmotortek]

@@mabrokenleg2388 no customer service support? We’re literally available seven days a week to assist. Does he refer to a dealer or us directly? We’d love to learn more about this case.

[@mabrokenleg2388]

@@Outbackmotortek contact @90 Grad Schräglage, the country of origin is Germany. If I remember correctly, he was in contact with you directly, but didn't receive a satisfactroy answer. I don't know about all the specifics, so please contact him...

[@lambi66]

Bret, Love your videos!! Seen this one right as I was looking to update my protection on my 1250GS. Have you used the Outback Motortek systems on your new 1250s? The mounting is not the same as that of the 1200s (skidplate is mounted to the front lower motor mount along with the crash bar and a spacer). would you still recommend this system over that of the altrider?

[@MaRmAn1337]

This casual fall at 3:44 😅

[@BretTkacs]

That just shows confidence in the protection 🤣

[@davidsimmons3844]

Must be his wife's ride.😎

[@sxipartsracing]

Actually is better to have a good SKIDPLATE not attached to the Crash Bar and a Lower CRASH BAR well designed and well done !!

[@AUTOT3KHCL]

I've had some good luck with my OE engine bars and Hepco and Becker tank bars for my Tiger 800.... but the skid plate would be a weak spot as thats still OE

[@robkcra]

Thanks for the provocative vids Bret. Homing in on your comments regarding not using upper crash bars (at least on the GS),I’d be grateful for your thoughts on this scenario: I just bought a 2022 Tiger 850 Sport. I also bought a suite of Hepco & Becker crash protection, including their older and lighter uppers tank/crash bars. As I only took delivery of these items yesterday I have not yet installed them. Meanwhile I discovered what appears to be a credible and horrendously negative review of the upper bars on the Tiger which warns of many instances of the bar’s bolts shearing off at their mounting points (engine block??) just from normal road use with no drops. So now I am concerned about installing these things at all and am indeed even wondering whether your ideas about the GS should also apply to the Tiger. Do you feel that the upper regions of the Tiger would be particularly vulnerable sans crash bars? Thank you again. Your service is invaluable!

[@aurelmateescu]

Following...

[@marcoluoma3770]

Thanks for a good comparison. I would have liked to see Touratech included, but I know you can’t cover the whole market.

[@DieTabbi]

Good comparison. Coud I use the Outback skidplate with another crashbar? I have some from Wunderlich and I am happy with them. Except their skidplate, thats why I search one mounted to the frame.

[@raymondbouman609]

I am riding a GS 1200 adv 2006. and use Heed bunkers!

[@brad4690]

Picked up an outback motortek system a few years ago. Their design seemed much beefier than other kits. Unfortunately the quality control on it was terrible and so was the packaging so it was really beat up upon arrival. Took a good bit of modification to get some bolt holes to line up and a bit of touch up paint. Definitely strong kits if your willing to take on the weight and possibly a bit of extra work.

[@Outbackmotortek]

Thanks for your feedback.

[@simonosborn9396]

Had precisely that issue with the oem bars flexing into the head on my gs. Thank you for the info. Do you ever come to the UK?

[@gustavobas5230]

Excelent...¡La actitud SI importa! Jaja