A good pair of motorcycle hand guards is a must-have if you want to do off-road riding. They’re not high-tech, but they protect you and your bike at both fast and moderate speeds. They are, in fact, the finest bang-for-your-buck item you can install.
Most off-road motorbikes come with flimsy plastic hand guards; remove them and replace them with wraparound guards with a metal core. A good pair of handguards protect your knuckles, brake, and clutch levers. Even if you’re not going quickly, a tiny spill might damage your clutch or brake lever, making it more difficult to drive home.
In addition, a decent pair of motorcycle handguards keep your controls in place while shielding your hands from bushes along the path. If you’ve ever smashed your hand off a huge branch while driving, you’ll understand why wise off-roaders use hand guards.
Motorcycle handguards come in a variety of designs. Depending on your needs, you can install a full-cover or semi-cover handguard. Full hand guards are recommended in the winter, but in the summer, semi-covered or open hand guards that are perforated can be used.
We understand that your bike deserves the finest accessories the market has to be. Therefore, we researched and assembled some of the top motorcycle hand guards on the market today to keep your hands safe. So, let’s get started, shall we?
Best Motorcycle Hand Guards
1) Barkbusters JET Handguards
The Barkbusters JET hand guard provides complete protection at an affordable price. JET hand guards with 7/8-inch bar ends are suitable for all bike types, from racing to adventure to the street.
Barkbusters handguards were produced in 1984, and the company currently has more than 28 years of motorcycle industry experience and riding passion. Because of this background, Barkbusters has what it takes to make the best motorcycle handguards on the market today.
Barkbusters combines a strong aluminum backbone with an elegant, interchangeable plastic guard to produce a handy hand guard. There will be no more broken levers or knuckles! Every piece is interchangeable in the unusual event that a piece of the hand guard breaks.
These hand guards are manufactured from hardened aluminum backbones with complete wrap and two-point brackets. Additionally, they come with an array of features, including:
- Hand guards are suitable for street, adventure, and off-roading
- Impact-resistant polycarbonate is what makes these hand guards strong and durable.
- Includes attachment clips with three axes for simple installation
Shop here: Barkbusters JET Handguards
2) Barkbusters Blizzard Universal Handguards
Blizzard handguards from Barkbusters will let you experience the riding season at its best. These semi-rigid hand guards keep your hands toasty and your controls dry by blocking wind, rain, and snow.
When the weather gets bad, the Barkbuster Blizzard hand guard set comes in handy. Proper protection is essential because most of your body heat is lost through your extremities (head, fingers, and toes).
The Barkbuster Blizzard handguards are made of a semi-rigid polymer that is waterproof on the exterior. The inside is coated with black nylon, an integrated internal metal stiffener to keep the handguards in place and form. Moreover, these come with an array of features, including:
- Hardware for attachment to bar end weights, hollow bars, and existing aluminum backbones is included.
- Stylish handguards lined with a waterproof protective layer.
- Blizzard Universal Handguards Fit nearly any handlebar design.
- Perfect for Racing and Touring bikes.
- Extreme cold protection.
Shop here: Barkbusters Blizzard Universal Handguards
3) Barkbusters VPS MX Handguards
Various manufacturers offer universal handguards that fit and operate well on a standard off-road bike. However, if you have an ADV bike, you will require handguards manufactured particularly for your make/model. This is because most ADV motorcycles come with handguards and have distinct handlebar bends and attachment positions.
Barkbusters is an Australian motorcycle handguards manufacturer that has been in business since 1984. They provide single-point and double-point mount handguards for almost every motorbike.
Barkbusters VPS-MX handguards are made from VPS polymers and have a single-side mounted backbone, resulting in a lightweight handguard that fulfills competitive motocross requirements.
VPS (Variable Protection System) Handguards from Barkbusters are adjustable full-wrap handguards that combine robust obstacle protection with moderate weather covering—designed specifically for bikes with lengthy brake and clutch levers, like the majority of the street and adventure-touring bikes. Moreover, these come with an array of features, including:
- VPS MX is easy to install
- It comes with a clip-on installation kit
- VPS MX provides enough space for bikes with longer levers
- High-impact nylon support brackets for plastic VPS guards are included.
- The handguard position is simply adjustable.
Shop here: Barkbusters VPS MX Handguards
4) Barkbusters EGO Handguard Kit
The Barkbusters EGO Handguard Kit is perfect for anyone who wants a full-wrap handguard that is tough and durable. With the 7/8″ inch Mini Handlebar option, these handguards are designed to fit small dirt bikes, 80 to 150cc and other small bikes. These handguards are perfect for anyone who wants to avoid hitting trees during intense trail riding.
Barkbusters handguards have been protecting motorcycle riders’ hands and knuckles for over three decades. With a hardened aluminum backbone and stylish, replaceable plastic guard, Barkbusters handguards are the best available on the market. And in the unlikely event that you break a part of the handguard, every piece is replaceable. So ride with confidence knowing that your hands are protected with Barkbusters.
The Barkbusters EGO Handguard Kit is designed specifically for enduro and MX bikes. The strong aluminium backbones are heat treated for maximum strength and full-wrap backbones with two-point mounting provide superior protection for your hands while riding.
Shop here: Barkbusters EGO Handguard Kit
5) Barkbusters Storm S7 Single Sided Handguard Kit For Hollow Bar Ends
This Barkbusters Storm Handguards Bar End Mount Kit is ideal for 7/8″ hollow-tube handlebars that only have one attachment point at the end of the bar. If you’re looking for maximum wind and rain protection for your street or adventure-touring bike, this is the perfect solution! The Storm Bar End Mount Backbone features an aluminum frame that mounts to the end of the handlebar, so it’s ideal for bikes that don’t have space on the handlebar for other mounting methods.
The Barkbusters Storm Handguards Bar End Mount Kit for 7/8″ Bars is the perfect way to protect your hands from the elements while riding your motorcycle. These handguards feature an aerodynamic design and a large profile that wraps around your hands, providing maximum protection from the wind, rain, and other elements. Additionally, the Bar End Mount Kit provides minimal crash protection as there is not a secondary mounting point on the handlebar.
Barkbusters handguards were first manufactured in 1984 and have over 28 years of motorcycle industry experience and riding enthusiasm. That history means Barkbusters has what it takes to produce the finest handguards available on the market today. Order your Barkbusters Storm Handguards Bar End Mount Kit for 7/8″ Bars today and enjoy the ride!
Shop here: Barkbusters Storm S7 Single Sided Handguard Kit For Hollow Bar Ends
6) Zeta Adventure Armor-Guard Handguards
The Zeta Adventure Armor-Guard Handguards are designed to protect your hands while you’re out on the trails. They’re made of a rigid 7000-series aluminum that can withstand impacts, and they curve upward to face obstacles head on. The handguards also have a downward slope to provide more coverage for your hands in the event of a side impact, and the inward bar mount prevents any cables or hydraulic lines from getting tangled up.
The Zeta Adventure Armor-Guard Handguards are designed to fit most adventure touring motorcycles and their fixed-position windscreens. They are made of 7000-series aluminum with a pre-drilled anodized finish for mounting plastic shields. The handguards come with 2-position inward bar mounts and bar end spacers for various installation configurations.
Shop here: Zeta Adventure Armor-Guard Handguards
7) Barkbusters Storm S7 Single Sided Handguard Kit 6mm / 8mm Threaded End Inserts
Barkbusters handguards were first manufactured in 1984 and have now amassed over 28 years of motorcycle industry experience and rider enthusiasm. That extensive history means Barkbusters is able to produce some of the finest handguards available today. In the unlikely event that you break a part of your handguard, every piece is replaceable.
Barkbusters handguards are designed to protect your hands from the elements while you’re riding, and they’re tough enough to withstand whatever you might encounter on the road. With a Barkbusters handguard, you can ride with confidence knowing that your hands are well-protected.
The Barkbusters Storm S7 Single Sided Handguard Mount Kit is a great way to keep your hands protected while riding. The kit includes two powder-coated backbones, two durable plastic handguards, and six/eightmm threaded end inserts.
Shop here: Barkbusters Storm S7 Single Sided Handguard Kit
8) SW-MOTECH Kobra Handguard Kit
Introducing the SW-MOTECH Kobra Handguard Kit – a tough and stylish handguard solution that combines the best of German engineering with the time-tested durability of Barkbusters. The Kobra Handguard Kit includes an impact-resistant plastic guard from SW-MOTECH and a strong aluminum back bone from Barkbusters, providing excellent protection against the elements and light impacts from trail-side shrubbery. With Kobra Handguards, you can stay focused on enjoying the ride, even in bad weather conditions.
This SW-MOTECH Kobra Handguard Kit is just what you need to keep your hands protected in bad weather and in the event of a crash. The hardened aluminum full-wrap Barkbuster backbones provide excellent protection, and the optional Integrated LED Turn Signal (sold separately) adds an extra layer of safety. The kit comes with all the necessary installation hardware, though some models may not require all of it.
Shop here: SW-MOTECH Kobra Handguard Kit
9) Kaoko Throttle Lock Suzuki V-Strom 650 / 1000 With OEM Handguards
Looking for a way to reduce fatigue and strain on your hand and wrist during long distance highway riding? Look no further than the Kaoko Throttle Lock. This simple, ingenious device is designed to fit Suzuki V-Strom 650/1000 bikes with OEM handguards and consists of a friction nut integrated with a special Kaoko bar end weight. The bar end weight is closely matched in appearance and weight to the OEM bar end weight, making it almost indistinguishable from the original.
The Kaoko Throttle Lock for Suzuki V-Strom 650/1000 with OEM Handguards is easy to install and use. The Friction Nut has a left-hand thread, so it must be adjusted until it lightly contacts the rubber throttle sleeve. The Grub * provides the necessary resistance on the friction nut, and can be adjusted periodically to take up any wear.
The Kaoko Throttle Lock is a great way to keep your Suzuki V-Strom 650 / 1000 in control while you’re on the road. To engage the throttle lock, simply twist the throttle and friction nut simultaneously with your right hand. This action will tighten the nut and provide sufficient friction to set the throttle to the desired position. The friction nut is designed so that the rider can still open and close the throttle if needed. To disengage the throttle lock, simply roll off the throttle while gripping the friction nut. The throttle should then open and snap closed freely.
Shop here: Kaoko Throttle Lock Suzuki V-Strom
10) Barkbusters Carbon Fiber Handguard Kit
Give your motorcycle the protection it deserves with the Barkbusters Carbon Fiber Handguard Kit. This kit includes bike-specific, rigid aluminum backbones that each have dual mounting points. This dual mount configuration is the most robust option available and is preferred by dual-sport and adventure touring riders alike. The handguards are made of carbon fiber, which is both lightweight and stylish.
The Barkbusters Carbon Fiber Handguard Kit is the perfect way to keep your hands protected when you’re out on the streets. With hardened aluminum backbones and full-wrap coverage, you can be sure that your hands will be safe from any potential hazards. The carbon fiber handguards are also UV-protected, so you can ride without worry. Plus, all the necessary mounting hardware is included, so you can get started right away.
Shop here: Barkbusters Carbon Fiber Handguard Kit
11) Giant Loop Bushwackers Hand Guard Extensions
Looking for the best way to protect your hands from the elements while out riding? Look no further than Giant Loop Bushwackers Handguards. These handguards combine with rigid hand guards/deflectors and heated grips to provide you with the ultimate protection against the cold, wet, and dirt. With six different strap slots on each guard, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your motorcycle. And once you’ve got them positioned the way you want, simply tension the straps to keep them in place.
Giant Loop Bushwackers Handguards are the perfect accessory for motorcycle riders who want cold/wet weather comfort and brush, mud, and trail protection. They are easy to strap on and off in seconds, and there are multiple mounting configurations to fit most motorcycle makes/models equipped with rigid hand guards and/or deflectors. The tough stretch polyurethane strap (which can be used separately) and custom wind foil shapes make these handguards durable and long-lasting. Best of all, when you’re not using them on your motorcycle, the straps have a thousand other uses: you can lash water bottles, fuel, gear to your tail rack, or hold a flashlight in place while working in the dark.
Shop here: Giant Loop Bushwackers Hand Guard Extensions
Frequently Asked Questions about Motorcycle Hand Guards
Do motorcycle hand guards work?
There is no definitive answer to this question since it depends on a number of factors, such as the type of motorcycle hand guard being used, the terrain being ridden on, and the rider’s own personal preferences. However, in general, motorcycle hand guards can provide some protection from the elements and flying debris, and can help to keep the rider’s hands warm in cold weather. Some riders find that hand guards can also help to reduce fatigue on long rides. Ultimately, whether or not motorcycle hand guards are effective depends on the individual rider and their specific needs.
What are motorbike hand guards for?
Motorbike hand guards are designed to protect the rider’s hands from wind, debris, and other elements while riding. They are typically made from a durable material such as plastic or metal, and can be attached to the handlebars or frame of the motorcycle. In some cases, hand guards may also include features such as mirrors or lights.
How do you fit a motorcycle hand guard?
Most hand guards are mounted using bar end weights, which are inserted into the end of the handlebars. To install the hand guard, first remove the bar end weight from the handlebar. Next, insert the hand guard into the end of the handlebar. Finally, replace the bar end weight.
How much is a motorbike hand guard?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the price of a motorbike hand guard can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of hand guard, the materials it is made from, the brand, and where you purchase it from. However, as a general guide, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $100 for a motorbike hand guard.
Conclusion
Motorcycle handguards should be installed on every bike that goes out of town. Handguards let you ride freely without worrying about damaging those knuckles. However, every bike owner should install hand guards for their bike.
Barkbusters is doing a great job by making handguards for various motorcycle models. You can find handguards for every season and every bike type at Barkbusters. This explains their position as the market leaders since 1984.
