After riding the bike for awhile with the barkbuster strom hand guards there seems to be some noticeable amount of vibrations coming from the handlebar, especially from on the right side. This could be due to the replacement of the original bar end weights with the ones supplied with the barkbuster kit.
Wrote to barkbuster and they recommended trying to install the additional / external bar end weights which sit perfectly on the outside side of the hand guards which also provide additional weight hence in theory should reduce the vibration on the handlebar.
Here is the installation of the external bar end weights from barkbuster. Model code B66 and weights in about 180grams for each unit. Installation was pretty straight forward, and all you have to do is remove the original screw and put in the external bar end weight and screw back using the extra long screw provided in the package.
Took the bike out for a spin after installation and found some improvements in terms of vibration to the handlebar. It did not remove all the vibration but at least seem to did it job by reducing it.
Installed a locally made mesh seat cover / protector. It's made of this mesh material which allows air to flow through giving it a cooler riding effect on hot sunny days. Quite easy to install just stretch and pull it into place, and secure it with the velcro straps at the bottom.
Got myself this front fork slider today, and it took only 5 mins to install. Here are some pictures.
Been toying around with the idea of having a proper functional hand guard installed on the bike, and after much scouting around decided to install the Barkbuster hand guards for the Versys 1000, with the Storm casing, instead of the Barkbuster casing which seem to only give very little protection on the sides.
To me what is important of course is the safety issue, of having a sold metal strip across your handlebar which somewhat takes the first impact should there be any mishap, instead of your fingers. The other interesting point which was pointed out to me, is to protect the gear and brake lever so it can be somewhat still functional after any minor impact. The third point for me, is to protect my gloves from being constantly soaked in rain water and being frozen by the night air later :)
All in all a good buy, was a bit worried at first if the support bars will hit into the Givi Windshield, but after installation there was clearly enough space to maneuver the handlebars without hitting into the windshield.
Here are some shots taken during installation.
removing the original bar end weights
Barkbuster handguards kit
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Installation of the bars with the counter bar end weight provided
Storm cover installation
after installation
Finally found the time to get the SM-Motech Center Stand installed. It took no more then 20 mins to get everything setup thanks to the step by step guide provided. Here are some shots taken during the installation.
Next on my to get list is a 1" handle bar riser. There is nothing wrong with the current stock handle bar height, but it could be a bit more comfortable if it was raised another inch or so, without having to put too much strain on the cables.
SW-Motech Handle bar riser
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