The OEM crash bars, have a well-known weak spot. In fact, rather than fix the problem, BMW adds a rubber bumper to the weak spot. We’ve seen this countless times in parking lots, driveways and gas stations. A cracked cylinder heads on the boxer engine from a modest fall.
The OEM bars there are only 3-mounting points used, and these leave the loop that goes right in front of the Cylinder with no support. By adding the AltRider Reinforcement bars to the OEM bars you now have created a 4th point to support the OEM bars, and this will keep the bars from pushing in and cracking that vulnerable cylinder.
If you’re going to use your GS for off-road riding, we strongly suggest replacing your OEM Bars with the AltRider lower crash bars to provide the protection you need. The AltRider crash bars provide 4 point of attachment and are much more robust.