AltRider Crash Bars for the BMW R 1200 GS /A (2003-2012)
The BMW R1200GS has a powerful yet wide motor, and you want to protect every inch. Wrap that 1200cc gem with our 1 inch stainless crash bars. AltRider set the bar high on this product. Durable and well engineered, the AltRider crash bars are built with precision-manufactured mounts that fit directly into the existing motor mount.
By utilizing the R 1200 GS’s robust frame mount and incorporating the existing frame hardware, AltRider designed a quality piece that will protect your motor. Unlike other crash bars, these do not use flanges or weak tabs and are not hung: they are actually mounted. Made with a shot peen satin finish means that even when the bike takes a spill, the stainless bars will never show signs of rust.
These crash bars deflect the impact from the cylinders and engine case to the strongest parts of the frame. Unlike other manufacturers, our design provides plenty of clearance around the vulnerable left oil line. It also serves double-duty as a boot rest on long rides!
Save yourself hassle and frustration – and the purchase of a $200 valve cover – by installing AltRider crash bars.
An advantage to the AltRider design is the comprehensive protection provided to the valve cover. This is especially important on 2010 and newer models because contact to the valve cover can cause the gasket to dislodge resulting in massive oil loss.
Take a moment to review the instructions. The reason we mention this here is to make you aware which mount points on the R 1200 GS have strength.
You may also want to watch the installation video (click the thumbnail to the right). You’ll see everything that comes with your purchase, the tools you’ll need to complete the installation, and tips and tricks to make the process easier.
*Works with 2008 and newer GSA but does touch bottom of tank on right side (see photo).
Hand TIG welded crash bars are 1 inch diameter for additional strength
Manufactured in America
Refined satin peen finish
T55 Torx driver provided with the hardware for installation
Compatible with BMW OEM plastic and aluminum cylinder head guards
Removal required for valve adjustment
Fits with Akrapovic full exhaust shotgun style
Note: Compatible with Remus header, approx. 1/2" of clearance on the right side
Note: Not compatible with Two Brothers header.
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Product Contents
Stainless T-304 construction
Hand TIG welding
1 inch diameter tubing for strength
T55 Torx driver provided with the hardware for installation
Height: 16 inches
Width: 12 inches
Depth: 12 inches
Weight: 11 lbs
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R108-0-1000 R 1200 GS Crash Bars_R9.pdf
click to download instructions
Installation Instructions
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AltRider Crash Bars for the BMW R 1200 GS /A (2003-2012)
Overall Customer Rating
Reviews
8 and counting...
Wed 29 Mar, 2017
by Steve
Altrider Crash Bars for R1200GS 2012 - Triple Black
Build quality is good, but installation time was way longer than expected due to rear bosses not fitting into sleeves due to the powder coating. I measured the interference at 20 thousands of an inch, so the coating had to be filed off. They masked the powder coating on the front bosses, but not the rear ones. I bought the 18mm sockets at HomeDepot, they fit fine. I also needed two torque wrenches for the range of torques. Leave everything loose until all hardware is in. They are fiddley to install, not looking forward to setting the valves, when they have to come off. Oh, I think the 4 screws in the crossbar are plated steel, don't know why they didn't use stainless steel for those.
Wed 30 Jan, 2013
by Bernd
R1200GS Triple Black crash bars
I was shopping around for a while before deciding for the Altrider crashbars.
I first saw them on a bike at Las Veags BMW Motorrad store, and they were evangelists. The ratings, together with the Stainless Steel, all USA made, and lastly the only available crash bar in the Triple Black frame color made my choice easy, though the price seemed somewhat hefty.
The kit arrived nicely boxed, and wrapped in bubble wrap without any damage. Installation of the kit was pretty straight forward, especially with the paper and online manual, as well as the install video as a fallback option (none was needed since this is just too straight forward).
When installing the crashbars, I was real impressed with the nice fit, without large tolerances. The only thing I felt missing was a warning label for the 18 mm sockets as the sockets need to be built thin. The 18 mm sockets from AutoZone for instance did not fit any more since the material strength made the sockets too big. The ones from Sears were thinner and completed the job easily.
I love the look and finish of my bike now, and just hope that I will never really need these bars!
Sun 16 Sep, 2012
by Peter
Altrider Crash Bars did their job!
I installed these bars on my '08 R1200GS about 8 months ago. I had visions of off-road adventures when I bought this bike, but in reality, I ride 110 miles a day commuting on LA freeways. Last week while lane-splitting a fellow commuter to my right decided to occupy the lane to my left. He collided with my right side directly on the crash bar. He shoved me about 5 feet to the left and miraculously, I didn't go down. I pulled over and inspected the right side and saw a scrape on the right crash bar, but, no other damage. Later that week I realized that the bars had shifted a good 3 inches back on the right. The bottom mounting flanges on both sides were tweaked at the mounting points, but the mounting points on the bike showed no tweaking. The bars design and choice of metal for the parts allowed them to take the hit and spared the frame and engine. About to order my second set.
Sat 12 May, 2012
by Daniel
Altrider Crash Bars for 2005 R1200GS
I replaced a set of bent BMW bars. The Altrider product makes the BMW crash bars look " cheesy." Beautiful Crafstmanship. Installed easily--and I did it by myself. Followed the the suggestion of setting the bike upright (kick stand on a brick ) to compress the suspension a bit--worked fine. Did not have an 18mm socket for the large nut on the rider left side so one trip off to the tool store. Instructions were clear and easilly followed. Highly recommend this product.
Dan Crabtree, Ridgecrest, CA.
Wed 25 Jan, 2012
by Gary
BMW R1200GS Crash Bars
I have a 2012 GS that needs crash bars. The AltRider bars looked to be the best choice and came highly recommended by my local BMW dealer. The problem is they don't fit! I contacted AltRider before buying these crash bars asking if they will fit the 2012model. The answer I got was "we have not been informed of any changes..." Another words; let the buyer find out for himself. After the dealer assured me they will fit I made the purchase only to find out the right side does not fit into the hole it is designed for. I had my son, a mechanical engineer, look at it and he determined the tolerances are too close and did not allow for paint and other variations. After an hour of hand filing and fitting I finally got them on. They look great and seem to be strong and purpose built however this lack of attention to detail is concerning!
Mon 15 Aug, 2011
by John
Altrider Crash Bars (Black) for 2011 BMW R1200GS (Triple Black)
Pros:
* Fit's 2011
* Better mounting points then the leading competitor
* Better coverage of valve covers then the leading competitor
* Great instructional video and install instructions
* Come in black (Well maybe, read on)
Cons:
* The black coating cracked and chipped as I tightened the hardware down
* Little more difficult than the video depicts
Notes:
The instructions are great, but I would like to reiterate a few things.
1) The lower mounting screws are a 70mm and a 60mm. I just assumed they where the same size, as I installed each side one at a time. My mistake they are not.
2) Do not tighten anything down until you get everything all together. It's a tight fit, which is a good thing.
3) Only the nut on the riders left-side comes off, NOT the bolt on the right side. This was clear in the written instructions, but not the video. It was very difficult to get this nut off and back on.
4) Not sure if I should have gotten black, since the coating seems easily chipped. But they're crash bars, so get use to it!
Mon 01 Aug, 2011
by Dave
Altrider Crash bars R1200GS
Absolutely love them!!!! Craftmanship and fit is top notch! Made in the USA!!!! Fairly easy to install, even easier if you have all the right tools! I will definitely only buy Altrider from now on! Dave Hardy Brillion, WI
Sat 04 Sep, 2010
by Reg
Altrider Crash Bars for BMW R1200 GS
After a recent rainy night slide through a construction zone, I decided that crash bars might be a prudent addition to my 2008 GS Standard. Although my right side valve cover was not ground completely through and I was able to ride on home, the whole episode gave me a taste of what it might be like to end up stranded on the side of the road with oil all over the place! And so I began the web search that led me to AltRider. At first glance, their bars looked good. I thought the bend angles of the bars tied in well with the lines of the bike. They also looked "meatier" than other bars I had viewed and the AltRider mounting system promised to be robust. I liked the idea of the shot-peened finish on the stainless steel and I especially appreciated the on-line installation video with its references to fabrication and fit. And so the order was placed. All arrived with no issues. The bars looked great in the box; I called up a friend; set my laptop up in the garage; popped in my BMW Repair Manual disc and opened the on-line AltRider installation video. The bottom line; installation was a breeze, the fit was bang on, the bars look fantastic and AltRider has gained one very satisfied customer!
Reg LeBlanc
Quesnel, BC
Canada
SHOWING:
AltRider Crash Bars for the BMW R 1200 GS /A (2003-2012)
AltRider Crash Bars for the BMW R 1200 GS /A (2003-2012)
The BMW R1200GS has a powerful yet wide motor, and you want to protect every inch. Wrap that 1200cc gem with our 1 inch stainless crash bars. AltRider set the bar high on this product. Durable and well engineered, the AltRider crash bars are built with precision-manufactured mounts that fit directly into the existing motor mount.
By utilizing the R 1200 GS’s robust frame mount and incorporating the existing frame hardware, AltRider designed a quality piece that will protect your motor. Unlike other crash bars, these do not use flanges or weak tabs and are not hung: they are actually mounted. Made with a shot peen satin finish means that even when the bike takes a spill, the stainless bars will never show signs of rust.
These crash bars deflect the impact from the cylinders and engine case to the strongest parts of the frame. Unlike other manufacturers, our design provides plenty of clearance around the vulnerable left oil line. It also serves double-duty as a boot rest on long rides!
Save yourself hassle and frustration – and the purchase of a $200 valve cover – by installing AltRider crash bars.
An advantage to the AltRider design is the comprehensive protection provided to the valve cover. This is especially important on 2010 and newer models because contact to the valve cover can cause the gasket to dislodge resulting in massive oil loss.
Take a moment to review the instructions. The reason we mention this here is to make you aware which mount points on the R 1200 GS have strength.
You may also want to watch the installation video (click the thumbnail to the right). You’ll see everything that comes with your purchase, the tools you’ll need to complete the installation, and tips and tricks to make the process easier.
*Works with 2008 and newer GSA but does touch bottom of tank on right side (see photo).
AltRider Crash Bars for the BMW R 1200 GS /A (2003-2012)
Overall Customer Rating
Reviews
8 and counting...
Wed 29 Mar, 2017
by Steve
Altrider Crash Bars for R1200GS 2012 - Triple Black
Build quality is good, but installation time was way longer than expected due to rear bosses not fitting into sleeves due to the powder coating. I measured the interference at 20 thousands of an inch, so the coating had to be filed off. They masked the powder coating on the front bosses, but not the rear ones. I bought the 18mm sockets at HomeDepot, they fit fine. I also needed two torque wrenches for the range of torques. Leave everything loose until all hardware is in. They are fiddley to install, not looking forward to setting the valves, when they have to come off. Oh, I think the 4 screws in the crossbar are plated steel, don't know why they didn't use stainless steel for those.
Wed 30 Jan, 2013
by Bernd
R1200GS Triple Black crash bars
I was shopping around for a while before deciding for the Altrider crashbars.
I first saw them on a bike at Las Veags BMW Motorrad store, and they were evangelists. The ratings, together with the Stainless Steel, all USA made, and lastly the only available crash bar in the Triple Black frame color made my choice easy, though the price seemed somewhat hefty.
The kit arrived nicely boxed, and wrapped in bubble wrap without any damage. Installation of the kit was pretty straight forward, especially with the paper and online manual, as well as the install video as a fallback option (none was needed since this is just too straight forward).
When installing the crashbars, I was real impressed with the nice fit, without large tolerances. The only thing I felt missing was a warning label for the 18 mm sockets as the sockets need to be built thin. The 18 mm sockets from AutoZone for instance did not fit any more since the material strength made the sockets too big. The ones from Sears were thinner and completed the job easily.
I love the look and finish of my bike now, and just hope that I will never really need these bars!
Sun 16 Sep, 2012
by Peter
Altrider Crash Bars did their job!
I installed these bars on my '08 R1200GS about 8 months ago. I had visions of off-road adventures when I bought this bike, but in reality, I ride 110 miles a day commuting on LA freeways. Last week while lane-splitting a fellow commuter to my right decided to occupy the lane to my left. He collided with my right side directly on the crash bar. He shoved me about 5 feet to the left and miraculously, I didn't go down. I pulled over and inspected the right side and saw a scrape on the right crash bar, but, no other damage. Later that week I realized that the bars had shifted a good 3 inches back on the right. The bottom mounting flanges on both sides were tweaked at the mounting points, but the mounting points on the bike showed no tweaking. The bars design and choice of metal for the parts allowed them to take the hit and spared the frame and engine. About to order my second set.
Sat 12 May, 2012
by Daniel
Altrider Crash Bars for 2005 R1200GS
I replaced a set of bent BMW bars. The Altrider product makes the BMW crash bars look " cheesy." Beautiful Crafstmanship. Installed easily--and I did it by myself. Followed the the suggestion of setting the bike upright (kick stand on a brick ) to compress the suspension a bit--worked fine. Did not have an 18mm socket for the large nut on the rider left side so one trip off to the tool store. Instructions were clear and easilly followed. Highly recommend this product.
Dan Crabtree, Ridgecrest, CA.
Wed 25 Jan, 2012
by Gary
BMW R1200GS Crash Bars
I have a 2012 GS that needs crash bars. The AltRider bars looked to be the best choice and came highly recommended by my local BMW dealer. The problem is they don't fit! I contacted AltRider before buying these crash bars asking if they will fit the 2012model. The answer I got was "we have not been informed of any changes..." Another words; let the buyer find out for himself. After the dealer assured me they will fit I made the purchase only to find out the right side does not fit into the hole it is designed for. I had my son, a mechanical engineer, look at it and he determined the tolerances are too close and did not allow for paint and other variations. After an hour of hand filing and fitting I finally got them on. They look great and seem to be strong and purpose built however this lack of attention to detail is concerning!
Mon 15 Aug, 2011
by John
Altrider Crash Bars (Black) for 2011 BMW R1200GS (Triple Black)
Pros:
* Fit's 2011
* Better mounting points then the leading competitor
* Better coverage of valve covers then the leading competitor
* Great instructional video and install instructions
* Come in black (Well maybe, read on)
Cons:
* The black coating cracked and chipped as I tightened the hardware down
* Little more difficult than the video depicts
Notes:
The instructions are great, but I would like to reiterate a few things.
1) The lower mounting screws are a 70mm and a 60mm. I just assumed they where the same size, as I installed each side one at a time. My mistake they are not.
2) Do not tighten anything down until you get everything all together. It's a tight fit, which is a good thing.
3) Only the nut on the riders left-side comes off, NOT the bolt on the right side. This was clear in the written instructions, but not the video. It was very difficult to get this nut off and back on.
4) Not sure if I should have gotten black, since the coating seems easily chipped. But they're crash bars, so get use to it!
Mon 01 Aug, 2011
by Dave
Altrider Crash bars R1200GS
Absolutely love them!!!! Craftmanship and fit is top notch! Made in the USA!!!! Fairly easy to install, even easier if you have all the right tools! I will definitely only buy Altrider from now on! Dave Hardy Brillion, WI
Sat 04 Sep, 2010
by Reg
Altrider Crash Bars for BMW R1200 GS
After a recent rainy night slide through a construction zone, I decided that crash bars might be a prudent addition to my 2008 GS Standard. Although my right side valve cover was not ground completely through and I was able to ride on home, the whole episode gave me a taste of what it might be like to end up stranded on the side of the road with oil all over the place! And so I began the web search that led me to AltRider. At first glance, their bars looked good. I thought the bend angles of the bars tied in well with the lines of the bike. They also looked "meatier" than other bars I had viewed and the AltRider mounting system promised to be robust. I liked the idea of the shot-peened finish on the stainless steel and I especially appreciated the on-line installation video with its references to fabrication and fit. And so the order was placed. All arrived with no issues. The bars looked great in the box; I called up a friend; set my laptop up in the garage; popped in my BMW Repair Manual disc and opened the on-line AltRider installation video. The bottom line; installation was a breeze, the fit was bang on, the bars look fantastic and AltRider has gained one very satisfied customer!
Reg LeBlanc
Quesnel, BC
Canada
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