Noob mechanical question

[hymnz]

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So, I have been trying to find some handguards for the Tmax to prevent the cold wind from hitting my palms. I've tried a bunch of things but the only thing that's close to compatibility was this one made for Harleys https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B089F7R3RD

I looked at all possible placement options and I'm left with mounting it on the brake lever screw. (Image below). Below are my questions:

1. Is it strong enough to mount the handguards? The handguards weigh about 250 gms apiece and are made of solid metal.
2. The level screw is an M6 thread. The prongs of the handguards are at least 1 cm wider than the OEM screw length. What are my options here? Can I just get a longer M6 screw that doesn't have the unthreaded part and use some type of housing? Will I get a longer version of the OEM screw? Should I use an extender (I don't know what it should be called or where to find one.)

 

[Soulcatcher668]

Please do not mount things to your brakes.

Just no.

 

[timtune]

I would not go that route. Metal hand guards held with that little bolt seems wrong to me.
I'd consider fabric muffs instead. Easy to mount and they would work better.

motorcycle muffs - Google Search

www.google.com

 

[TwistedKestrel]

It's not impossible to make this work I suppose, but I would recommend that you do not use the brake lever pivots to mount anything unless you really know what you're doing.

Here: XP 500 T-MAX - Barkbusters Moto

 

[xrljoel]

The screw isn't likely long enough for mounting handguards.

 

[timtune]

The barkbuster style keep your hands in the lee of the sheild but by no means are they out of the wind like they are inside muffs.
I have muffs for my sled and they really work well. That said I used them on a few bikes too. No need for heated grips.

 

[hymnz]

The screw isn't likely long enough for mounting handguards.

It is not. I was thinking of getting a longer screw/bolt and throw in some rubber washers at 2/3 places to add some cushioning and firmness.

 

[hymnz]

I would not go that route. Metal hand guards held with that little bolt seems wrong to me.
I'd consider fabric muffs instead. Easy to mount and they would work better.

motorcycle muffs - Google Search

www.google.com

I'll try them out.

 

[hymnz]

It's not impossible to make this work I suppose, but I would recommend that you do not use the brake lever pivots to mount anything unless you really know what you're doing.

Here: XP 500 T-MAX - Barkbusters Moto

Tried them... For some weird reason the screw is loose. I'm suspecting the previous owner tinkered with the handle bar edges.

 

[xrljoel]

It is not. I was thinking of getting a longer screw/bolt and throw in some rubber washers at 2/3 places to add some cushioning and firmness.

Notice the shape of the screw. It's specific to the application which is your front brake. A plain old bolt won't work.

KTM's & Husqvarna off road bikes come with hand guards mounted using the brake and clutch pivot bolts. Most people toss those and add barkbuster type guards leaving a too long bolt. Not a big deal but there it is.

 

[timtune]

20$ from amazon and they install by tying up the laces. It's old's cool but it works.

 

[hymnz]

20$ from amazon and they install by tying up the laces. It's old's cool but it works.

Just ordered a pair

 

[timtune]

Ok but don't tell anyone here. They seem to prefer lots of electrical farkles.

 

[Lightcycle]

The motorcycle muffs is the right direction to go to keep your hands warm in the winter.

In the future, if you want to mount anything on the handlebars, you can create your own mount point by using some type of U-clamp like the ones that off-road handguards use. Much stronger and safer than using existing bolt holes on your levers.

 

[oioioi]

What kind of guards were you trying to mount to begin with?

And no, leave the brake and clutch bolts alone.

 

[-Maverick-]

Problem solved:

Oxford Hot Hands Essential Heated Over-Grips - OF694

Purchase the Oxford Hot Hands Essential Heated Over-Grips at Canada's Motorcycle. Free shipping and Easy returns.

fortnine.ca

The guy formerly known as Mladin.

 

[timtune]

What kind of guards were you trying to mount to begin with?

And no, leave the brake and clutch bolts alone.

There's a link in his first post. They're large metal ones for HD

 

[Relax]

There's a link in his first post. They're large metal ones for HD

Holy cow, is it just me, or does it seem foolish to mount steel "blades" so close to your fingers. Hit the ground the wrong way...

 

[hymnz]

Holy cow, is it just me, or does it seem foolish to mount steel "blades" so close to your fingers. Hit the ground the wrong way...

I have the same thoughts.

Update: the mitten style covers didn't work. They were covering over control. Also sent back the metal covers. I took the group advice.

I'm going with some custom made fittings and stick it to the fairings directly. Will just pics soon.

 

[hymnz]

Here's the final fixture. Zip ties to provide some upward hold and cushion so that all the weight doesn't fall on to the screw in bumps and in general. Tomorrow's ride to work will tell the tale.

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