Are Dirt Bike Handguards Worth It?
Want to save money replacing broken clutch and brake levers?
Dirt bike handguards are an excellent investment! Most popular with enduro riders who ride gnarly terrain, dirt bike handguards help prevent your levers from breaking during a crash by taking the impact.
They also help protect your hands (especially your knuckles) from injury when you clip trailside obstacles like trees and branches. Plus, they act as a windbreak, keeping your hands warmer on chilly rides.
Motocross riders use dirt bike handguards, too. But these guards are different; they're lighter weight, designed mainly to provide roost protection.
Motocross riders should NOT use enduro-style handguards (that feature a wrap-around aluminium brace). It's too easy for arms to slip through the guard and break during a high-speed crash!
HANDGUARDS FOR ENDURO RIDERS
- Wrap-around brace mounting
- Takes full crash impact
- Protects your levers
- Protects your hands (with plastic shields)
- Sometimes referred to as "Barkbusters"
- A bigger investment (but worth it)
- Save money; fewer broken levers
HANDGUARDS FOR MOTOCROSS RIDERS
- Open style; light-weight
- Vented styles available
- Designed for roost protection
- Will NOT protect your levers
- Easier to install than enduro-style
- Generally cheaper
Ready to shop for enduro or motocross handguards?
Before you get started, check the size of your handlebars.
Do you have standard 22mm (7/8") diameter bars? Aftermarket tapered bars? Or oversized 28mm (1 1/8") fat bars?
While many styles of handguards come with universal mounting systems that are compatible with both standard and larger handlebars, you should confirm the fit before you buy!
Popular brands to shop include Acerbis, Cycra, and 24MX’s own brand Twenty MX – all available in a wide range of styles and colours.
