Choosing the Right Crash Bars for Your Honda Africa Twin

Dec 10, 2025 0

Properly selected crash bars are one of the most essential protective components for any motorcycle. If you’re a proud owner of bikes such as the Honda Africa Twin or the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports from various model years, this article will help you determine which crash bars are best suited for these models.

Choosing the right crash bars mainly depends on the type of bike you own, but also on your riding style and needs. Honda Africa Twin is a more versatile model, perfect for daily riding and light trips. Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports is a motorcycle designed for long, demanding expeditions.

Both crash bar variants offer a high level of protection and, importantly, are dedicated to specific motorcycle models-they are not interchangeable. GARDA Moto crash bars are solid, proven protective accessories for both the Honda Africa Twin and the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports.

Key Considerations When Selecting Crash Bars

I have been trying to figure out what crash bars I should get for my new AT, reading all the threads on other forums, looking for reviews, checking all sorts of third party manufacturers, and my eyes are swimming. I am no closer to a decision, and while the bike in question is not an NC, I am hoping that as most of you are experienced motorcyclists and perennially helpful, perhaps fresh eyes can point something out that I may have overlooked.

With so many products that are probably fine, but with a very large range of prices, it can be difficult to figure out what a good choice would be. That's precisely the difficulty. The early posts are not as helpful because fewer products were available. Later, many people feel strongly about their choices, but with very few actual real world anecdotes from dropping their bikes.

Here are some popular options and considerations:

Altrider ($687): These have a lot of hype (and marketing that criticizes the competition). They have been delayed continuously so who knows if they will even be released by April.
Rockfox ($559): Made in South Africa, similar upper and lower configuration.
Outback Motortek ($400): One piece middle configuration type bar, easier to install, seems to be popular. Additionally, the outback bars are lighter weight in being more of a mid height product.
SW Motech ($240): It is another mid height style bar.
Givi: Good price, looks good and decent protection. The thickness of the pipes is a bit thicker than some on the market. The coverage of the Givi covers the entire front end. Also, you can remove the fairing with the Givi bars in place. This you will need to do to add accessories.
Honda OEM light bars: Honda had them designed for their motorcycle so there is some logic to the suggestion that they will be well designed. I also like that they are a one piece item with no joints that could constitute a weak point in a fall. To remove the fairing panels one only has to undo the two top mounting bolts and hinge down the bar. Very easy compared to some. They are expensive though. One of the things I like about the Honda OEM solution is the light weight.

Thank you for your input! I went with the original Honda (so-called) light bars. My thinking was that Honda had them designed for their motorcycle so there is some logic to the suggestion that they will be well designed. I also like that they are a one piece item with no joints that could constitute a weak point in a fall.

They are rubber mounted and while I am curious about that I assume it is because there is less risk to breakage of the mounting points in a fall. Reviews of them being used in offroad schools and the like are good. To remove the fairing panels one only has to undo the two top mounting bolts and hinge down the bar. Very easy compared to some. They are expensive though.

I have also added a set of Givi pannier mounts to the rear. These offer some protection to the silencer, and with my usual small panniers on board will also tend to keep the rear of the bike off the road in a fall. Ultimately you make your choice and make it work based on the kind of riding you want to pursue.

The most vulnerable point of the motor is the alternator cover on the left side. I am currently awaiting a Buono bash plate which offers some cover to that. Otherwise I will not be adding any more protection as some products are just too complex imho, and look almost like scaffolding on the bike.

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PS. one thing I wanted to note are the hand guards. OE will crack/break on first drop.

I use that Africa Twin as an adventure bike so fog lights, highway pegs, electric clothing outlet, and two extra 12 volt plugs are a must.

CR, , , I have the Touratech upper & lower bars on my AT-DCT & I like them!! They are Stainless Steel & seem to offer protection in all the right places!! I've not installed an aftermarket Skid Plate yet but will sign!! One thing to consider is the ability to change the DCT Filter without removing the guards!! The TT bars are very well made, install easily & are easy to remove & reinstall when working on the bike!! TT also makes he Stainless bars in (Power Coated) Black!!

Thanks for the help, everyone, I was able to make a decision.

GARDA Moto Crash Bars: Features and Design

Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports crash bars are designed to protect the motorcycle in the toughest conditions. Their main part is a 27x2mm tube, which is designed to withstand heavy loads. The base of the crash bars are 5 support points per side, which gives us maximum support of the structure with optimal distribution of forces on all points. The whole thing was welded using the TIG method.

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We have tried to make the whole design as compact as possible to reduce air resistance while driving. Only 6-7 crash bars bolts are needed to remove the crash bar for service.

If you own a Honda Africa Twin and seek protection for everyday riding and light trips, crash bars for this variant will be the perfect choice-they are compact and easy to dismantle. However, if you own a Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports and plan long, demanding trips, choose crash bars designed for such journeys.

The crash bars available in our range are compatible with various model years of both motorcycles discussed here.

Additional Protective Components

The GARDA skid plate provides protection for the most important parts of the motorcycle and additionally provides protection for the frame from flying rocks from under the front wheel. The structure is fixed with 8 screws, which ensure its durability and stability. We weld the shield on both sides to be sure that it will do its job even in the harshest conditions.

The adjustable GARDA light mount allows the installation of halogen lamps on crash bars.

Modular Crash Bar Systems

We designed this system to be modular so that different types of riders could choose their level of protection. Some riders may be headed for a major off-road adventure, where the Full Crash Bar System will provide the most comprehensive solution. Others may not want the entire “roll-cage” type system, opting instead for just the Lower or Upper Bars. Some people may also choose to start with the Lower Crash Bars and add the other pieces over time.

Lower Crash Bars

The 3-part system starts with the Lower Crash Bars. Knowing the engine cases are the most exposed in all tip-overs, we designed these for maximum strength so that these alone will provide substantial protection to the bike's engine and vulnerable castings.

The Lower Bars are constructed of 1.25 inch (31.75 mm) diameter stainless steel tube, which is twice as strong as 1 inch (25.4 mm) diameter steel tube while only adding 10% of the weight. This allows for a compact design that will function under impact while not interfering with the rider.

Upper Crash Bars

The 1 inch (25.4 mm) diameter stainless steel Upper Crash Bars add another dimension of protection, providing coverage to the bike's radiator and plastics.

Reinforcement Bar

The 1 inch (25.4 mm) diameter stainless steel Reinforcement Bar ties the Lower and Upper Bars together, increasing the strength of the overall system. Full protection for your motorcycle.

Here's a summary of crash bar dimensions and materials:

Component	Diameter	Material	Purpose
Lower Crash Bars	1.25 inch (31.75 mm)	Stainless Steel	Engine case protection
Upper Crash Bars	1 inch (25.4 mm)	Stainless Steel	Radiator and plastics protection
Reinforcement Bar	1 inch (25.4 mm)	Stainless Steel	Connects Lower and Upper Bars