Installing crash bars on your Everyday Motorcycles Street 750 is a highly effective way to enhance both rider safety and motorcycle protection. Crash bars, also known as engine guards or highway bars, serve as a protective barrier that can absorb impact and prevent direct contact between the ground and critical components of your bike in the event of a fall, slide, or collision. Specifically designed to fit the Street 750’s frame and engine layout, these bars help shield vulnerable areas such as the engine casing, fuel tank, and exhaust system from damage. This can significantly reduce repair costs and downtime while preserving the motorcycle’s structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.

Beyond protecting your bike, crash bars can also provide an additional measure of safety for riders. In certain crash scenarios, the bars can help prevent the motorcycle from pinning the rider’s leg beneath it, potentially reducing the severity of injuries. Additionally, they can act as a mounting point for auxiliary accessories like foot pegs, lights, or even highway pegs that offer cruising comfort on long rides. Given these advantages, investing time and effort into the proper installation of crash bars is well worth it for Street 750 owners who prioritize safety and longevity of their motorcycle.

Understanding the Importance of Crash Bars on the Street 750

The Everyday Motorcycles Street 750 is celebrated for its agile handling and robust performance, but like all motorcycles, it is vulnerable to damage in falls or collisions. Its exposed engine and relatively low ground clearance make it susceptible to costly damage during tip-overs. Crash bars provide a sacrificial layer of protection, absorbing impact forces and preventing direct contact between the bike’s vital parts and the road surface.

Some key benefits of installing crash bars on your Street 750 include:

  • Protection of Mechanical Components: Crash bars shield the engine, radiator, exhaust pipes, and other critical parts from scrapes, dents, or punctures.
  • Enhanced Rider Safety: By keeping the bike slightly elevated during a fall, crash bars can reduce the risk of leg injuries.
  • Reduced Repair Costs: Minimizing damage can save you from expensive repairs and prolonged downtime.
  • Added Versatility: Crash bars can serve as mounting points for aftermarket accessories such as lights, foot pegs, or luggage racks.
  • Improved Resale Value: A well-protected motorcycle with minimal cosmetic damage often fetches a better resale price.

Choosing the Right Crash Bars for Your Street 750

Before installation, selecting the appropriate crash bars designed specifically for the Street 750 is crucial. Generic or ill-fitting crash bars can compromise both aesthetics and functionality, and may even cause damage if they interfere with the bike’s frame or controls.

When shopping for crash bars, consider the following factors:

  • Compatibility: Ensure the crash bars are specifically designed for the 2015-2021 model years of the Street 750 to guarantee proper fitment.
  • Material and Build Quality: High-grade steel or tubular stainless steel construction offers superior strength and corrosion resistance. Powder-coated finishes provide additional durability against the elements.
  • Design and Coverage: Look for bars that provide comprehensive coverage around the engine and lower frame without obstructing ground clearance or rider ergonomics.
  • Brand Reputation and Reviews: Research brands with positive user feedback and reliable customer support to ensure quality and after-sale service.
  • Weight Considerations: While crash bars add weight, choose lightweight designs that do not negatively impact the bike’s handling characteristics.

Popular aftermarket brands such as SW-Motech, Givi, and Hepco & Becker offer tailored crash bars for the Street 750, often with options to customize mounting points or add accessories. OEM crash bars from Everyday Motorcycles can also be a reliable choice for guaranteed compatibility and finish.

Preparing for Installation: Tools, Workspace, and Safety Precautions

Proper preparation is essential for a safe and successful crash bar installation. Before starting, set up a clean, well-lit workspace free from distractions and hazards. Gather all necessary tools and protective equipment to ensure efficiency and safety throughout the process.

  • Socket wrench set with metric sizes matching Street 750 bolt heads
  • Torque wrench for precise bolt tightening
  • Allen keys or hex wrenches, depending on the hardware supplied
  • Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
  • Rubber mallet (optional, for gentle alignment adjustments)
  • Thread locker (medium strength recommended to prevent bolt loosening)
  • Clean rags and degreaser for prepping mounting surfaces

Safety Gear

Protective clothing is vital to prevent injury while handling tools and metal components. Recommended gear includes:

  • Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges and pinch points
  • Safety glasses to shield eyes from dust, debris, and accidental tool slips
  • Sturdy closed-toe shoes to protect feet in case of dropped tools or parts

Motorcycle Preparation

Position your Street 750 on a stable, level surface using a center stand or motorcycle lift. A secure bike stand prevents tipping and allows better access to mounting points. Clean mounting areas thoroughly with a degreaser to ensure proper fitment and reduce corrosion risk. Remove any accessories or parts that may obstruct crash bar installation, such as lower fairings or engine guards, if applicable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Crash Bars on the Street 750

Follow these detailed steps to ensure a secure and safe installation of crash bars on your Street 750. Adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions is essential, but this guide provides a general overview applicable to most aftermarket kits.

1. Inspect All Components

Before starting, unpack the crash bars and verify all parts are present, including mounting brackets, bolts, washers, and spacers. Check for any damage or manufacturing defects. Lay out the components in order of installation.

2. Remove Existing Hardware (if necessary)

Some Street 750 models may require removal of certain bolts or brackets to accommodate crash bar mounts. Using the correct socket or wrench, carefully remove any obstructing hardware, keeping parts organized for reinstallation.

3. Position Crash Bars

Hold the crash bars in place against the mounting points on the bike’s frame. Align the holes in the bars with the factory mounting points, ensuring the bars do not interfere with the exhaust, foot controls, or fairings. Assistance from a second person can be helpful to steady the bars while aligning.

4. Install Mounting Hardware

Insert bolts, washers, and spacers as specified by the manufacturer. Apply medium-strength thread locker to bolts to prevent loosening from vibration. Hand-tighten all bolts initially to allow minor adjustments.

5. Check Alignment and Clearance

Ensure the crash bars are evenly spaced from the bike’s frame and components, providing adequate clearance for engine heat dissipation and rider leg movement. Confirm that the bars do not reduce ground clearance excessively or obstruct any moving parts.

6. Torque Bolts to Specification

Using a torque wrench, tighten all mounting bolts to the specified torque values provided by the crash bar manufacturer or Everyday Motorcycles. Correct torque ensures secure attachment without damaging threads or frame components.

7. Test Stability

Gently rock the crash bars back and forth to confirm firm attachment. There should be no movement or rattling. Recheck all bolts after a short test ride to ensure they remain tight.

Additional Safety Tips and Best Practices

  • Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect crash bars for signs of damage, corrosion, or loose bolts, especially after an impact or long rides.
  • Professional Assistance: If unfamiliar with motorcycle maintenance or uncomfortable with installation, seek help from a qualified mechanic to ensure safety and proper fitment.
  • Ride Responsibly: Remember that crash bars offer additional protection but do not make your bike crash-proof. Always wear appropriate riding gear and practice safe riding techniques.
  • Compatibility with Accessories: When adding other accessories such as engine guards or skid plates, verify that they do not interfere with crash bar mounting or function.
  • Document Installation: Keep a record of installation dates, torque specifications, and parts used for future reference and warranty purposes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Crash Bars

Incorrect installation can compromise the effectiveness of crash bars and even cause damage to your Street 750. Avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Using Incorrect Tools: Improper tools can strip bolt heads or prevent proper torque application.
  • Skipping Torque Specifications: Over-tightening can damage threads or deform mounting points, while under-tightening risks bolts loosening during rides.
  • Not Checking Alignment: Misaligned bars can cause frame stress or interfere with bike controls.
  • Neglecting Thread Locker: Vibration can gradually loosen bolts if thread locker is not applied.
  • Ignoring Manufacturer Instructions: Every crash bar kit has specific steps and torque values critical to safety and performance.

Maintenance and Care for Your Crash Bars

Proper maintenance of your crash bars ensures they continue to provide reliable protection over time. Follow these guidelines to keep your crash bars in optimal condition:

  • Regular Cleaning: Wash crash bars with mild soap and water to remove dirt, mud, and road grime. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage powder coating.
  • Rust Prevention: Inspect for scratches or chips in the finish. Touch up any damaged areas with rust-resistant paint or coating to prevent corrosion.
  • Bolt Tightness Check: Periodically re-torque mounting bolts to manufacturer specifications, especially after off-road rides or impacts.
  • Damage Inspection: After any crash or tip-over, carefully inspect bars for bends, cracks, or other damage that may reduce effectiveness.

Conclusion

Installing crash bars on your Everyday Motorcycles Street 750 is a practical investment in both your motorcycle’s longevity and your personal safety. By following proper installation procedures, using the right tools, and adhering to safety tips outlined above, you can ensure that your crash bars provide maximum protection when you need it most. Remember, while crash bars offer valuable defense against damage and injury, they are not a substitute for responsible riding and wearing appropriate protective gear. If you have any doubts or face challenges during installation, consulting with a professional mechanic can save time, money, and provide peace of mind.

With well-installed crash bars, you can enjoy your Street 750 with added confidence, knowing you’ve taken an important step to safeguard your bike and yourself on every ride.