SW Motech crash bars installed on a 2020 BMW R1250gs

[@MrWg101]

Just to say a BIG thanks for this. I went to fit my bars today and initially the two different sized brackets had me stumped, until I watched your video. Very much appreciated. You saved me from a 50% chance of a right screwup! :-)

[@Fahoood19]

Thanks for this helpful video, I’ve just got my upper crash bar from a local supplier since i bought the bike used with already installed engine crash bar from SW Motech. I was wondering how to fit the lower part of the upper crash bar, but you have shown exactly what to do and you made it very simple for me.

[@jayelwin]

so glad it was helpful. Ride safe!

[@valentinob2199]

You are awesome! I just got my bars today and your video will certainly be my step by step guide. The instructions paper is not as clear as the way you explained it on this video. Thank you very much, this is much appreciated!

[@rayfriedman6107]

Nice video! Shocked to learn SW Motech didn't provide properly detailed instructions for their crash bars--that's a big job and not particularly intuitive either. Makes me feel glad I got the Adventure model with Crash Bars installed! Now that I think of it, I remember having trouble installing SW Motech's ring assembly for on of their tank bags. First issue I had was ordering the correct ring for my bike--their website made that clear as MUD! After returning the wrong one and waiting for the right one, I read the instal instructions and found them a tad confusing as well. Thankfully there is no shortage of KZbin videos that cover that job. Bottom line: SW makes good stuff, but they need to improve on the instructions they provide (A LOT).

[@bikemad75]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video ! Appreciated.

[@randymicheau984]

Great video that helped me a lot. I just installed a set of lower SW Motech crash bars on my 2020 R 1250 R with the help of this video, and made some observations that may also help. On the third page of the directions, as mentioned, it lists the order in which the fasteners are to be tightened, unfortunately it doesn't list the torque value for the two sets of of the lower bolts that screw into the engine case on both sides. The directions lists the tightening torque as "OEM" for these 4 bolts. Per my BMW maintenance CD for my 2020 R 1250R, when mounting the BMW lower crash bars, the front lower bolt on each side, the 45mm on the right and the 50 mm on the left, are to be torqued at 19 nm's (approx. 14 foot pounds) and the two lower rear 55 mm bolts on each side are to be torqued at 55 nm's (approx. 40.5 foot pounds). Hopefully this helps. I will also mention that you will need a deep well 18 mm socket to get the stock long bolt free. 18 mm sockets are not commonly included with most inexpensive socket sets like my own :( . Please put on your patience pants when tightening those front upper and lower bracket bolts on both sides, the 8 mm and 10 mm, as they are both castle nuts and had to be cranked in with a box end wrench and a hex head wrench on my bike. I also had to use the open end of the box end wrench to do the final tightening of the lower bracket nut on the right side as once the bolt and nut are securely tightened, the bolt end ends up so close to the engine housing that you can't remove the wrench in the box end mode. SW Motech makes some great products but they do require patience with the installation directions. Thank you jayelwin for helping all of us with your excellent video!

[@jayelwin]

Excellent info. I thought about putting the torque down in the video but I got lazy.

[@randymicheau984]

@@jayelwin You did all the hard work and made it much easier for me. I have an arm length splint on my left arm due to recent surgery and thought I would have to wait until it was removed to install these. Your video made me believe I could accomplish it and I did. I did leave out the part about my not quite flat garage floor that made my dropped spacers roll under my tool box.......but now I have included it! :) Thank you again, ride safe!

[@billkrill4656]

Motech should be paying you, I purchased this brand because of awesome video. Thank You!

[@mickschreiber1995]

Thanks mate, you did all the ground work, the instructions are rubbish. I fitted the lower bars yesterday to my R1250GS triple black and was going back and forth from the bike to your video. Really helped a lot, cheers from down under.

[@jayelwin]

Thanks. Ride safe. I read your comment with an Aussie accent.

[@benphelps7216]

Hi. I’m literally in the process of fitting these bars to my 2021 R 1250 GS now. As you say, the instructions are near worthless and I think I would’ve jumped off the nearest cliff if it wasn’t for your amazingly helpful video! Just a quick question for anybody who still looking at this forum/video. With the front left and right lower bolts into the engine housing, did anybody find it very difficult to get the SWMoteck bolts into the threads? I’m finding this the most difficult part of the fit so far. I’m slightly concerned that I’ve damaged the thread in the engine casing!

[@jayelwin]

@@benphelps7216 maybe unscrew and inspect the threads?

[@mickschreiber1995]

@@benphelps7216 Hi mate, I didn't have any problems with the threads but could be that a lot of thread lock was put on in the factory. I had a similar problem years ago on my Vstrom, ended up running an intermediate tap through to clean up the internal threads. The main through bolt and nut on the top of the engine (GS) was a pain to get out due to the amount of thread Lok. Just persevere and take your time.

[@benphelps7216]

@@mickschreiber1995 thanks mate - taking into the garage tomorrow as I lack the tools - but the good news is that they concur with what you’ve said is the likely cause 👍

[@grahamcunningham4840]

Thank you for the great video. Helped me alot in fitting the bars, Took me a couple of hours to fit them, without your vidoe , probably 2 weeks.!!!

[@fredzuccarelli]

This is the video that brought me to your channel.......what an excellent, detailed video. We need to get an update video telling us your thoughts on the bike! I can trust the opinion of someone this detailed!!!! I'm trying to decide between the GS and GSA. Cheers!

[@jayelwin]

So I bought that bike when I sold my R1 1200 GS. So I’m obviously loyal to the platform. I love this bike. I don’t see replacing it anytime soon with the 1300 mostly because it’s pretty much brand new. Also, I’ve heard some negative things about the newest version.

[@daviduk4560]

Thanks for making this video buddy your a life saver, I don’t think I would have been able to fit my bars without your input.

[@jayelwin]

Glad to be of service!

[@MrCruiser666]

Thanks for the information! Next week I'll get my new 2021 R1250GS from the dealer. I didn't order the factory crash bar (I don't like it), I have already bought the same sw-motech like you. I'll ride home without crash bar (10km), in my garage I'll put it on. Hi from Hungary! (We've made the ECU, just look under the seat) :)

[@stonesie81]

Great video, I've got this set coming for my bike and now I know it's a nice easy installation, Thank you.

[@cmdrglorny6471]

Thanks for taking the time and effort to make this video, helped tremendously when putting my lower set on my GS 1250 :) Had my brother around to help and took about 90 minutes :) As you say the Motech instructions are not the best !

[@jayelwin]

Glad I could help!

[@CRAWFORDJOHN8]

Hi Great video.However the cross bar for the top bars face forward rather than towards the back of the bike.Only found out when we couldn't get the bolts to fit.

[@MandrilSolo]

Man, thank you. You deserve more subscribers.

[@Mckhuus]

You should have bought Altrider bars! No bulls#@t just good design and super strong bars.!!

[@jayelwin]

I’ve been happy with these and strongly recommend them. I’m sure others are good too.

[@motoremwanderlust]

hi, thanks for the awesome and detailed video. Can the upper crash bars be installed if the lower ones on the bike are not sw-motech ?

[@WOLF167h]

Good job, wish I had your video prior to having done mine last fall summer! You're 100% correct that the directions aren't very good... but I love having these on my '20 GS Exclusive

[@nickgould6462]

Thanks for posting…. Like you say, crappy instructions included, so yr video here was invaluable. Thank you

[@onaoinfluencer]

Hi!! The manual says to use a jack on the motor. Watching your vídeo i did not see you using it. Looks like its not necessary so. Its really not necessary ? Another question: how strong is the chassi cap in order to release it? Does it need to be heated or not? Thanks a lot. Nice vídeo!!!

[@marioabeyta4562]

Great, and helpful video. That you for taking the time and providing great detail.

[@samfajner]

Thank you so much fir making the video! My crash bars are still bubble wrapped... but thanks to you, they will soon be installed!

[@jayelwin]

Awesome. Ride safe.

[@samfajner]

@@jayelwin quick question. How did you tighten the two screws that are on each side of the headlight, near the beak, where the “cylinders” for the lateral connector for the upper crash bars attach. It seems impossible to fit an Allen wrench in there...

[@jayelwin]

@@samfajner the cylinder from below can be tightened and I found that the texture of the metal gripped the bolt on top and it could be tight. Also loctite

[@samfajner]

@@jayelwin just finished installing upper, lower crash bars and engine Sid plate. Your video helped so much! Thank you!!

[@jayelwin]

@@samfajner So glad! Ride safe.

[@redvette6858]

Thanks for the video! My crash bars just got delivered.

[@jayelwin]

Glad it could help

[@245235]

Excellent tutorial, thank you. I can't believe the instructions did not identify which bracket went where, you saved me using trial and error. I wondered why you said you needed a breather after removing the long top bolt, I know why now I have done it; that was some tenacious thread lock they used lol. Much appreciated.

[@jayelwin]

Yeah my out-of-shape ass gets winded undoing bolts. Thread locker is your friend though.

[@christopherlangoyanbluerid6859]

Thank you very much sir for the information you shared.it helps me a lot during my installation.

[@dalehawkes1698]

Great video thanks for taking the time to make it 👍👍

[@jayelwin]

👍

[@cozydram1]

thanks chap that was a great informative video sooo clear and sound was awesome for the deaf mute....cheers.....keep um coming

[@jayelwin]

Thanks. (Insert usual Phil Collins song joke here).

[@sherlock581]

Thanks. That help a lot. Greetings from Germany.

[@streetglidesteve7315]

Thanks for making this video I just picked up a 2021 R1250 GS I’m looking at which crash bars to get Was leaning toward Altrider Are you happy with the quality of the SW Motech crash bars ? Brackets look weak

[@jayelwin]

I've been happy so far. people say that the brackets are kind of "sacrificial" and bend to absorb impact. knock wood haven't had the bars touch the ground yet.

[@streetglidesteve7315]

@@jayelwin ok thanks

[@LivinLifeLoud]

Thanks for the video! I am hoping to buy this same bike, same color, in the next week. There are a few left over 2020 models out there. I will be buying these crash bars as well. Also, it's nice to see the black side bags on your bike. I was debating between these and the silver. I think I like this look better.

[@bigheadrider738]

Hi, thanks so much for the video! Did you find any difficulty fitting the upper crash bar? I've been trying and trouble shooting for 3 days but can't get the upper crash bar to align properly. I contacted SW-motech and they say my engine might have moved a bit during the lower crash bar installation, but I think the upper crash bar mounts directly on the body frame not on the engine?

[@CRAWFORDJOHN8]

Try turning it to face the other way.

[@EugenRomaniuc]

Hello sir and thanks. One question: when unscrewing the biggest bolt ( 3:40 ) did you had to apply counterforce on the right side? What tool did you use? For I have (I think, at least) a torx bigger than T50, but smaller than T55. Nowhere I can find a torx screwdriver to fit exactly. On the bolt it is written A F 10.9. Than you

[@brianlekei8920]

Very good job. Thanks for your help.

[@drsmith751]

I don't even have a GS and I appreciate the detailed instruction of your video!! Maybe I'll have to go out and get a GS so I can install these bars. Seriously though, why did you choose these bars over the BMW option? Cost or color of the bars. (I am actually looking to get a GS)

[@jayelwin]

Cost definitely. Also the BMW bars leave the motor still vulnerable. It sticks out beyond the bars a bit. These seem nicer and better. There is so much aftermarket stuff available and some cursory research just made me choose these.

[@245235]

Price was half that of the BMW versions, and I wanted black which BMW do not do. Mine now fitted, with the help of this excellent tutorial, and look fab.

[@kruisr7449]

Thx a lot for this Video. Btw the Quality is amazing. Quick Question: is it possible to remove the ugly sw-motoch Logos from the bars?

[@jayelwin]

I don’t think so. The logos are on a raised flat portion. You might be able to black them out though. With a little matte finish metal paint. That might work. The iPhone 12 Pro really has such an amazing camera. I’m always amazed at how well it shoots video.

[@Msndriving]

Thanks for the vid, if installing both would it be easier to do the top set first so as not to have to switch to the longer bolts or would they be in the way somehow?

[@jayelwin]

You need the lower set to install the upper set, but not vice versa so I think no.

[@davejosyful]

So nothing happens when you pull the long bolt out? I'm just curious because SW-Motech recommends to use a jack to support the engine.

[@jayelwin]

nope -no issues. Never thought of that

[@maurowind7617]

Grazie !!!! video davvero utile! 👍 thank you so much !!! 😊

[@designerpython9249]

Hi, I need to install my upper crash bars, do I need to remove the beak to tighten the top screws?

[@jayelwin]

@@designerpython9249 I did not have to. You can get in there.

[@Mcard2909]

Thanks for the video!!

[@borjagallego6135]

Very helpful! Thanks!

[@southeasternnomad]

Thanks for your help

[@neuras75]

Hello! Thank you so much for the video but i have a Problem. On the right side the hexagonal socket screw after put the lock nut it’s still loose Am i am doing something wrong? Help!

[@jayelwin]

I’m a little confused as to what you mean by this. Are you talking about the very large long bolt that goes through the bike?

[@neuras75]

@@jayelwin yes. No, i wasnt doing nothing wrong. It just needs to be tight.

[@neuras75]

@@jayelwin i fix it. It just need it to be tight it. Thank you so much

[@EugenRomaniuc]

Ciao Rodrigo. Can you give a better explication on how you did it in the end? Please. Thanks

[@lionelb7913]

Merci beaucoup très belle vidéo , très bonne explication Thanks you

[@reneseverin8658]

Super.. video merci...

[@davem4011]

Thanks great help

[@Thruxtonrider21]

Fantastic review and install step by step. SW Motech makes great parts but their installation instructions are terrible no matter the bike!!!

[@goldenchild4835]

Thankyou!

[@nickexarheas2880]

All that money for a GS and still more money (and weight) for crash bars!

[@mikemontville3251]

I had a '20 GS that I sold to a buddy; it had the SW Motech lower guards. I bought a lower-mileage '19 GS that had both upper & lower guards. Immediately I could feel the weight of the uppers on turn-in on slower, tight turns.

[@mikemontville3251]

I've purchased a light mount bar to replace the upper guard -- if I can ever get the top bolt to release the long spacer!?!? The PO must have half a tube of threadlock -- I'm just hoping it was the blue...

[@GXXRDRVR]

How strange, mine came with instructions. Cool video though.

[@245235]

But did they tell you which bracket went on which side, and all the torque settings?

[@GXXRDRVR]

@@245235 I believe it did. I dont recall any written directions, just illustrations and bolt lengths. Let me see if I can find them.

[@jagabogo]

absolutely worst fact is that the screws actually are made of galvanized steel instead of stainless steel!🤦🏻‍♂😫 have a look after 2 years...

[@jayelwin]

There isn’t a stainless steel out there that’s strong enough. So unfortunately galvanized is the way to go because you can have a proper strong steel that won’t shear off. Also, the stainless steel would gall in the aluminum engine block.

[@steveaustin1820]

Thats why the rest of us bought GSA"s...feel your pain