RD400 Case Guards = Need Verdict

[Milan]

Just got some model specific aftermarket case guards for the RD.

My verdict is still out, whether to:

Not install
Install As-Is
Modify to add crossbar

I originally thought they woukd be less tal like my V45 Sabre.
But the V45 only has the bottom of the engine cases sticking out.
The upper part of the engine is tucked inside the frame.

On the RD,'s, the upper part of the head is outside the frame.
Thus the talller guards.

So im thinking they should work, or mod to add a crossbar.

Can be rechromed or painted black,
but i think they look good with the chrome pipes & polished head.

M

[Milan]

Another Pic

[rodneya]

Personally I hate crash bars on any bike, so my vote is not install.

[SoCal250]

I'm not of fan of them either, unless you're riding in SE Asia or India with the wide style which keep you from getting squished between a bus and a truck in ultra-heavy traffic.

[Milan]

Definately not a fan of the wide ones.
Tight as possible

[m in sc]

nope

[rodneya]

I'm not of fan of them either, unless you're riding in SE Asia or India with the wide style which keep you from getting squished between a bus and a truck in ultra-heavy traffic.

They have that funky bird cage over the back wheel as well

[The Red Scourge]

I hate the look of them as well.  Sure, they're functional.  But at what cost?!!

[m in sc]

ADMITTEDLY, the shorter ones look better. to that point.. i have small ones on my CB1100. (to be totally transparent). the reason is the motor is so wide it would really take a beating if it went down. on an rd.. not so much in my experience. yes you can get case damage but its not as likely. .02

[Jspooner]

Why would you put those on unless you plan on crashing a lot.

[Milan]

I have never know anyone that Planned to crash.

Stuff happens tho.
Especially with all the people on their phones, while secondarily driving.

Seen bikes fall over when the kickstand sinks in the asphalt too.

Nice thing is, they go On or Off in about 5 minutes.

I was just surprised to find someone that made them for an RD400
No picture tho, so I had to hope for the best.

They look better in person, but a little smaller would have been better as well.

M

[m in sc]

everytime i put my helmet on i plan for a crash. just saying.

[AAAltered]

They have that funky bird cage over the back wheel as well

That's called a Saree guard.  Keeps a woman's flowing dress from tangling in the wheel.  I know this from my Royal Enfield days...

[rodneya]

If you really want some protection if you go down, something like this looks much better

[Milan]

" If you really want some protection if you go down,
something like this looks much better "

I saw those when i first started looking.
However, they did not have those back in 1979.
And i wanted to try & keep the bike with all vintage stuff.

So i came across these, that were vintage aftermarket parts of the timeframe.
They were listed for a 76 - 78 RD400.
Figured they would fit the 79.

I also figured the site was full of shit, for listing them
And, then selling them.
I was waiting for the return email of NLA


Your picture above would definately match up with a modded bike.

I put them on, based on preference
Its only 6 nuts & 5 min to get them off, too

M