Motorcycle Fairings and Protection: equipping and protecting your motorcycle, from café racer to adventure trail
On a motorcycle, whether it's a custom, trail, or adventure model, protection is often the first modification you regret not having made. A standstill fall in a parking lot, a skid on loose terrain, a failed U-turn on a path – in a few seconds, an engine casing can crack, a radiator can be punctured, a side fairing can explode. The cost of a repair then far, and often very far, exceeds that of the protections that would have prevented it. At Blackpines, our catalog of fairings and protective parts covers a deliberately wide spectrum: from style parts for café racers, scramblers, trackers, and bobbers looking to refine their machine's silhouette, to technical protections for trails and adventures, BMW R 12550 GS, F 850 GS, F 450 GS, Yamaha Ténéré 700, Honda XL 750 Transalp, Africa Twin, Harley-Davidson Pan America, Ducati Desert X and many others whose riders prepare their machine to withstand the hazards of off-road and road.
Crash bars and engine protection: the absolute priority on trail and custom bikes
The crash bar, also known as an engine guard or engine protection hoop, is the most effective passive safety part you can add to a motorcycle. Its tubular structure made of stainless steel or epoxy steel forms a cage around the engine. In the event of a fall, the bars hit the ground first and dissipate the impact energy before it reaches the mechanical parts. The result: the oil pan, cylinders, radiator, and side fairings are preserved — and the motorcycle can get back on the road after a minor spill without immobilization or costly repairs.
On trail and adventure motorcycles, the crash bar is almost essential as soon as the bike is used off-road. Models like the BMW R 1250 GS, the Yamaha Ténéré 700, the Honda Africa Twin, or the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250, for example, have exposed engines and radiators whose repair can amount to several thousand euros. The crash bars dedicated to these models are designed in the design office on the original mounting points, with tubes dimensioned according to the weight of the machine: 25 mm for light models like the Ténéré 700, 27 mm or more for heavy trails like the Africa Twin or the GS. It is also necessary to check that the chosen crash bar is compatible with the intended skid plate, as the two parts often share the same mounting points at the bottom of the frame.
On custom, cafe racer, and scrambler motorcycles like the Triumph Bonneville, Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, Honda CB series, Honda XL 750 Transalp, the crash bar plays the same protective role with an additional aesthetic dimension. A tubular crash bar in polished steel or matte black integrated into the silhouette of a scrambler immediately gives the machine an adventurous and technical character. Two families of crash bars coexist: low crash bars that protect the oil pan and cylinders while remaining discreet under the engine, and high crash bars that extend coverage to the radiator and side fairings, a preferred solution on trails and touring motorcycles.
Skid plate: engine bottom protection for trail, scrambler, and café racer
The skid plateprotects the lower part of the engine, oil pan, lower block, oil filter, against stone chips, impacts with speed bumps, and contact with low obstacles during off-road excursions. On a trail or adventure used off-road, it is essential. A stone thrown at high speed against an unprotected oil pan can cause immediate perforation, oil loss, and engine failure far from any rescue point. On a scrambler or café racer, the skid plate fulfills a strong aesthetic function in addition to its protective role. Made of machined aluminum, epoxy steel, or reinforced ABS plastic, it dresses up the underside of the engine and creates visual continuity between the block and the fork line.
Hydroformed or cut aluminum skid plates are the preferred choice for intensive off-road trails and adventures. Aluminum absorbs shocks through controlled deformation without breaking, unlike some plastics that crack suddenly, and is easily repaired or replaced. High-resistance ABS plastic versions are perfectly suited for motorcycles primarily used on roads with occasional excursions on trails. Carbon skid plates, lighter and aesthetically very high-end, are reserved for performance-oriented projects where every gram counts.
Windshields and flyscreens: aerodynamic comfort on road and track
The windshield or flyscreenis the part that can significantly increase a motorcycle's range on the road by reducing aerodynamic fatigue. On a trail or adventure bike, a tall and wide windshield effectively protects the rider from headwind and rain spray on highway sections. It's one of the first modifications made by motorcyclists preparing a GS or a Ténéré for a long journey. On some models, side deflectors complement the windshield to also protect the hands and legs.
On a café racer, however, the logic is reversed: a small "flyscreen" type windshield, a few centimeters high, is chosen. It's fixed to the headlight plate or fork mounts and deflects enough air at 80–90 km/h to relieve the head and torso without visually weighing down the machine's low profile. Smoked or lightly tinted finishes go well with chrome headlights or aluminum air intakes on vintage builds. Between the two extremes, medium-sized windshields for scramblers and roadsters offer a compromise between comfort and style.
Handguards: essential on trails, useful in winter
The handguardsprotect the rider's hands, brake and clutch levers against wind, cold, rain, and lateral impacts such as branches, gravel, and off-road obstacles. On trails and adventures used off-road, they are almost indispensable: a branch getting caught between the hand and the lever can cause an untimely brake application or clutch lever blockage. Models with forged aluminum bars offer maximum protection thanks to their rigid structure that resists frontal impacts. Technical plastic handguards are lighter and sufficient for protection against wind and elements on the road.
For custom motorcycles and roadsters, more discreet models in molded plastic or cut aluminum allow for added protection without altering the aesthetic of the handlebars. They are particularly appreciated for winter use or on morning rides where the temperature drops rapidly with speed.
Headlight and radiator grills: protection and visual character
The headlight grillis an accessory that serves both as protection and a style element. On trails and adventures used on tracks or in forests, it protects the headlight glass from stone impacts and branches. This is a particularly important and very useful precaution on motorcycles whose factory LED headlights cost several hundred euros to replace. On scramblers and trackers, it provides an immediately recognizable "vintage enduro" aesthetic that anchors the build in the off-road culture of the 70s. Made of chrome steel, matte black steel, or aluminum depending on the finish, it is generally mounted with a clamp around the headlight housing without requiring drilling.
The radiator grill, on the other hand, protects the radiator fins on liquid-cooled motorcycles. On a trail or adventure used on stony paths, a high-speed gravel projection can puncture the fins and thus cause a coolant leak. The radiator grill, made of steel or cut aluminum, is inserted between the fairing and the radiator to block these projections. On custom motorcycles with visible liquid-cooled engines, it also adds an appreciated industrial touch.
Side covers, chain guards, and detailed protections
The side coversplay a different role depending on the type of motorcycle. On a trail bike, they protect the frame, tubes, and hard-to-clean areas from mud, sand, and dust, while providing a smooth surface that doesn't retain dirt. On BMW GS models in particular, aftermarket side covers made of high-quality plastic protect the frame paint from boot scratches and equipment chafing. On a café racer or bobber, they dress up the sides of the frame, concealing electrical harnesses and non-aesthetic parts.
The chain guardprotects the drive chain and sprockets from mud spray and obstacles. On scramblers and dual-sport trails, it is particularly recommended to check the solidity of the chain guard before tackling a trail.
The exhaust guardsprevent unintentional burns from contact with headers and mufflers, especially on motorcycles where the exhaust line runs close to the leg or luggage. Made of perforated stainless steel, aluminum, or thermal fabric, they are essential on trails equipped with saddlebags whose plastic is exposed to the heat radiated by the pipes.
The axle protectorsdress up the wheel axle ends, replacing standard hexagonal nuts. Made of anodized aluminum, they protect the axle ends from impacts and scratches while providing a refined finish recognizable by connoisseurs.
Fork yokes, headlight plates, and luggage racks: structural parts
The fork yokeis the part that supports the headlight between the fork tubes. On custom builds that replace the original headlight with an aftermarket model, it ensures a clean and solid mounting. Available in different diameters (35, 38, 41, 43 mm) and finishes, it must precisely match the diameter of the motorcycle's fork tubes. The headlight plateis a wider version that forms a structured panel on which the headlight, windshield, and sometimes controls are fixed, commonly used on café racer builds.
The luggage rackallows you to carry saddlebags or bags on motorcycles that don't have them as standard, without compromising aesthetics. On a scrambler or tracker, a tubular steel luggage rack naturally integrates into the silhouette. On a trail or adventure bike, it forms the basic support for complete travel equipment.
Finally, the number platesare the most iconic style accessory for scramblers and flat trackers: mounted frontally on the fork, they recall the racing aesthetic of 1970s–1980s competition off-road machines, with their white background and race number.
FAQ — Motorcycle Fairings and Protection
Is a crash bar really useful if I mainly ride on the road?
Yes, and more so than you might think. Low-speed falls, botched U-turns, stops on loose ground, slippery surfaces when starting — these are much more frequent than high-speed accidents, even for experienced riders. On a modern motorcycle with an exposed engine, a standstill fall is enough to crack an oil pan or bend an exhaust manifold. The crash bar is a mechanical insurance that pays for itself with the first spill, and its installation does not affect road handling. It is, in fact, one of the first modifications made by owners of BMW GS, Ténéré 700, or Africa Twin, even for exclusively road use.
Aluminum or plastic skid plate: which one to choose?
The aluminum skid plate is the choice for intensive off-road use. It absorbs impacts through controlled deformation rather than breakage, can be repaired in a workshop if necessary, and offers optimal protection against severe impacts like stones, stumps, and rocks. The high-resistance ABS plastic skid plate is suitable for motorcycles primarily used on roads with occasional off-road excursions, or for custom builds where aesthetics take precedence over impact resistance. For mixed use, aluminum remains the best compromise.
Do handguards change the ergonomics of the handlebars?
Properly sized handguards do not affect riding ergonomics on the road. However, rigid aluminum bar models slightly increase the width at the ends of the handlebars. This is a point to consider for already wide motorcycles or when riding in dense forests where lateral obstacles are frequent. Check that the chosen model is compatible with your handlebar diameter and that its length does not interfere with the controls or control cables.
Which windshield should I choose for a trail bike intended for touring?
For a touring trail bike, a tall and wide windshield is preferred, as it effectively protects the rider and passenger from headwind on the highway. The ideal height is between the rider's eyes and forehead when seated, high enough to deflect airflow, but not so high as to obstruct direct visibility off-road. Many models are available with adjustable height, allowing you to switch between a road position (high) and a track or city position (low). For mixed-use trails like the BMW F 450 GS or the Ténéré 700, an intermediate windshield of 30 to 40 cm is often the right compromise.
Is a headlight grill legal on the road?
Yes, a headlight grill is allowed on the road as long as it does not obscure the light emitted by the headlight and does not significantly alter the light beam. Regulations do not prohibit protections on the headlight; they only require that the headlight illuminates the road correctly. In practice, all the grills in our catalog are designed to allow the beam to pass through without significant obstruction and do not pose any problems for technical inspection.
