When riding a motorcycle it would be fair to say that safety and protection should be a priority and amongst an array of options to improve these areas, handguards are often overlooked. 

Handguards present an opportunity to make an improvement and take the bike to the next level, offering an easy solution to rider protection needs.

However, many riders may not consider adding handguards or even know why they should. So, what exactly do motorcycle handguards have to offer?

What Are Motorcycle Handguards?

Motorcycle handguards are an accessory that has been designed to protect the rider’s hands from flying debris and the elements. They attach to the handlebars and sit close to the levers to completely cover the rider’s hands, primarily defending against the impacts of road debris and ensuring the hands are not battered by wind and rain throughout the journey.

What Are The Benefits Of Motorcycle Handguards?

Aesthetics at the heart of the design.

Naturally, no motorcycle rider wants to travel in discomfort. After all, they just want to enjoy the time with their motorbike, but that is simply not going to be the case if their hands are at the mercy of Mother Nature. Fear not, with the addition of a set of motorbike handguards that will not be an issue and they undoubtedly have a lot to offer when assessing the benefits.

• Enhanced Protection: Not only are handguards the perfect defence for hands against the impact of debris, increasing protection for the rider, they also protect the motorcycle’s levers from damage sustained by a drop or fall. Improved
• Comfort: As well as improving protection, their ability to shield against the rain and wind also benefits the rider, leading to a more comfortable and enjoyable journey.
• Aesthetics: While protection and comfort are the priority, aesthetics have not been left out of the design process with handguards adding an adventure style appearance.

How To Choose The Right Motorcycle Handguards

If you have been convinced by the capabilities of motorcycle handguards and what they have to offer then it is time to start thinking about adding a set to your motorbike. In that case, it is worth noting that there is a vast range of handguards out there and there are a few considerations to be made to ensure you choose the best option.

• Size: Motorcycle handguards come in a plethora of sizes and it goes without saying that the amount of protection provided depends on the size. Therefore it is best to assess the size and pick an option that matches the levels of protection you desire.
• Aesthetics: As well as performing their intended purpose of protection, there is no reason why handguards should not look the part too. With various colours and styles, you can pick an option that compliments the bike or even creates an eye-catching look.
• Price: As with anything, it can be tempting to look for the cheapest option but in this case, it would be advisable to look further than the price tag. With cheaper handguards comes cheaper materials which can be flimsy and they are likely universally fitting, meaning they do not look as good as they are not designed specifically for the bike.

Are Motorcycle Handguards Easy To Install?

Quick & easy to install.

There is no question over what motorcycle handguards have to offer, but what good are they to anyone if they do not know how to fit them? Luckily, that will not be an issue as they are straightforward to fit and do not require previous experience.

Firstly, it would be best to ensure the handguard will fit your motorbike as some are universal and fit to almost any model, but others are bike-specific having been designed for particular models with certain handlebar sizes and styles.

The actual fitment process is certainly not going to break a sweat and involves simply positioning the handguards over the handlebars on each side before screwing into place. Puig handguards are particularly straightforward thanks to the inclusion of their detailed, visual instructions and all of the required components.

Now that everyone is more familiar with motorcycle handguards, it should be evident just how much they have to offer by way of protection, comfort and aesthetics.

In all three of key areas a new set of handguards can take your motorbike to the next level and the only thing left to do is to find the best option for you.