Touratech handguards finally installed - Ducati.ms

Sock Monkey · Jan 29th, 2012, 11:30 am

It took a while to get around to installing my Touratech hand guards, but they're finally on and I like how it all turned out. I didn't use the signals included in the kit, and instead purchased the DP mirrors with integrated turn signals. This had the side benefit of providing much better rear vision because the DP mirrors are rock steady, where the stockers were a bit blurry. The DP mirrors are also lower profile, and less likely to get nicked in a fall (touch wood.....).

This combo is probably the least economical solution out there (sadly), but it accomplished my goals:
1) Protect both the levers and the perches. The DP hand guards still attach to the perches. BAD idea! Stresses on the hand guards in a fall will transfer some of that to the perch, which could have disastrous results (lose your perch and your're worse off than if you snapped a lever). The Touratech hand guards come with new clamps that attach directly to the bars.
2) Provide better coverage than the BarkBusters. While the BB's look to be the best "bang for the buck" solution out there, it looks to me like a tip over in rocks could still result in broken bits. I got the additional "spoilers" with the Touratech hand guards (that match the Ducati red exactly), and together they provide a LOT of coverage.

Now a couple of "gotchas". First, replacing the mirrors is another trip down "remove the tank" lane. 4hrs there and back again. I've done this enough times now that it's easy, just time consuming. Second, these hand guards are NOT compatible with my Throttlemeister throttle lock....but $2 at the local hardware store fixed that, and now my throttle lock works perfectly again. I won't bore those who don't care with the details, but if anyone wants to know, PM me and I'll go through it. Here's a hint: all you need is a steel spacer and a washer modified for the correct ID.

I've attached a couple pics so you can see the final result.

Ride safe everyone.

-SM

Edit: I forgot to put this in my original post. I've heard that the folks at the Touratech factory might be willing to sell just the hand guards and associated bits, leaving out the turn signals, wiring, and brackets, for a reduced price. If someone wants to check with them and report back, that would be great. Again, this would be from the factory only (in Germany), and NOT something you could get from your regional distributor.

w0mb2t · Jan 29th, 2012, 3:26 pm

looking good SM

kma_jg · Jan 29th, 2012, 4:10 pm

That looks very good. I just don't like those mirrors with the indicators on them. It looks bent.

oalvarez · Jan 29th, 2012, 4:52 pm

Sock, I really like how it turned out, job well done. I personally like the DP mirrors very much.

Fit, form, and function...nice!

Timthai · Jan 29th, 2012, 5:29 pm

I like it a lot!
I've been mulling over the best way to go, and this looks like it to me.
Maybe not the cheapest, but that never stopped me before!
Thanks for the update.
cheers.

Turbo · Jan 29th, 2012, 6:12 pm

The more I see these guards on, the more I want them, but I don't need half the kit they sell. I have the DP mirrors and Rizoma reservoirs with Rizoma mounts, so all I want and need are the hand guards. I'll give them a call on Monday and see what we can negotiate!

wcieslik · Jan 30th, 2012, 5:11 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timthai

I like it a lot!
I've been mulling over the best way to go, and this looks like it to me.
Maybe not the cheapest, but that never stopped me before!
Thanks for the update.
cheers.

+1 Mr Sock. Very nice. The red spoilers are a great color match !
cheers,
wit c.

MTScott2 · Jan 30th, 2012, 6:42 am

Looks GOOD!
some more pics from different angles so we can get some more conflicting reviews /views???
Any and all info can never be Boring!!!

Sock Monkey · Jan 30th, 2012, 11:18 am

Thanks everyone for the kind replies. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, even though my bank account is still reeling from the beating it took.

I agree that while the DP mirrors are smaller, I like them better because they offer a crystal clear view vs. the fuzzy view that my stockers gave me. Smaller but clear beats larger and fuzzy in my book.

MTScott2, let me know what other angles your looking for, or if there's something specific you want to see (like the hydro fluid res mounting brackets, mounting points on the bars, etc).

-SM

joeducati · Jan 30th, 2012, 11:39 am

Looks fantastic! Love the red handguards! Your stock mirrors were fuzzy? My stockers are pretty clear, best mirrors I've had on a cycle, mainly due to being set out so far, compared to sport bikes that is.