Hello everyone, I'm new to motorcycling and I'm looking to get a Kawasaki Versys 650 (2018-2020) this winter. When adding protection to your bike should I get frame sliders or crash bars or a combination of both? The type of riding ill be doing is pavement city, back roads and interstate. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
BruceWayne911
Note: People tend to support what they purchased themselves, so take any advice with a grain of salt.
Sliders Pros - minimal impact on the bike's aesthetics; will protect the bike from a tip-over (particularly when combined with hand guards); should protect the engine from a larger crash, within reason. OEM option available (minor consideration).
Cons - Lesser crash protection than bars; OEM are a bit expensive; Doesn't protect panniers, if you have them. May or may not prevent you from adding additional crash protection, depending on bolt configuration.
Crash bars Pros - depending on the brand, a strong cage protecting not just the engine but possibly the tank and panniers too so more protection; major impact on bike's aesthetics, depending on taste that could be positive.
Cons - No OEM (minor consideration). Large, bulky, different brands will have different pros / cons. May be more likely to corrode over time.
My comments - I believe all street bikes should have at least sliders. I bought my 2019 Versys 650 LT with the Kawasaki OEM sliders dealer-installed. I second guess them a bit, but overall, I'm happy with them. I went from a naked bike to the Versys. The Versys is comparatively tall, weighs 500 lbs with a full tank, and the weight is higher than my previous bike. I rolled it off it's stand, tipping it over soon after purchase (something I never did with my earlier bike) The sliders and hand guards prevented any damage, definitely worked. However, without the hand guards, one is likely to curl the brake or clutch lever. I always park in 1st gear now. (IMO The LT is worth it not just for the hand guards, but for the keyed-alike panniers. The fact they each hold a full-face helmet is wonderful). In sum, if you're doing mostly pavement driving, IMO, sliders are probably fine. If you're doing more than minor off-road, definitely get crash bars. If you like the crash bar look that's also a legit reason. A lot boils down to personal preference. If you're buying the bike new, try to add any OEM stuff you know you'll add (e.g. dc power supply) at time of purchase and ask them to install free as part of the purchase. Here are some photos of the OEM sliders. Good luck in your choice.
![181198]( "181198")
![181201]( "181201")
Sliders Pros - minimal impact on the bike's aesthetics; will protect the bike from a tip-over (particularly when combined with hand guards); should protect the engine from a larger crash, within reason. OEM option available (minor consideration).
Cons - Lesser crash protection than bars; OEM are a bit expensive; Doesn't protect panniers, if you have them. May or may not prevent you from adding additional crash protection, depending on bolt configuration.
Crash bars Pros - depending on the brand, a strong cage protecting not just the engine but possibly the tank and panniers too so more protection; major impact on bike's aesthetics, depending on taste that could be positive.
Cons - No OEM (minor consideration). Large, bulky, different brands will have different pros / cons. May be more likely to corrode over time.
My comments - I believe all street bikes should have at least sliders. I bought my 2019 Versys 650 LT with the Kawasaki OEM sliders dealer-installed. I second guess them a bit, but overall, I'm happy with them. I went from a naked bike to the Versys. The Versys is comparatively tall, weighs 500 lbs with a full tank, and the weight is higher than my previous bike. I rolled it off it's stand, tipping it over soon after purchase (something I never did with my earlier bike) The sliders and hand guards prevented any damage, definitely worked. However, without the hand guards, one is likely to curl the brake or clutch lever. I always park in 1st gear now. (IMO The LT is worth it not just for the hand guards, but for the keyed-alike panniers. The fact they each hold a full-face helmet is wonderful). In sum, if you're doing mostly pavement driving, IMO, sliders are probably fine. If you're doing more than minor off-road, definitely get crash bars. If you like the crash bar look that's also a legit reason. A lot boils down to personal preference. If you're buying the bike new, try to add any OEM stuff you know you'll add (e.g. dc power supply) at time of purchase and ask them to install free as part of the purchase. Here are some photos of the OEM sliders. Good luck in your choice.
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