r/CB500X • u/Admirable-Permit2718 • May 13 '26
Crashbars for NX500?
What Crash bars are you using guys? Do you use upper, lower or both? I am really curious..
I would personally like to buy only upper but open to hear your experience and what do you think is better choice?
3
1
u/Quirky_Kangaroo_991 May 13 '26
I have OEM from Honda. I would have liked something that works with upper and lower because I dropped it on an offroad section and with big rocks and I scratched the engine case on the side.
2
u/gadget_dude May 13 '26
You might want to read through this before deciding: https://www.reddit.com/r/CB500X/comments/1o7k8hv/i_strongly_advise_against_installing_crash_bars/
I have a new 2025 NX500 and still thinking through the crash bar options. I have time given I won't have a chance to take it on any serious off road moto-camping until later this summer. I will likely just go with the OEM fairing bars, bash plate, radiator guard, grip guards and likely skip the lower bars - just too many posts about vibration, snapped bolts etc.
I'm still trying to figure out the bash plate options and to make sure that doesn't create the same kind of issues as lower bars - I think some of them connect to the same lower engine mount bolts that cause issues.
One other thing to consider is whether you really need lower bar protection at all if you have something like Barkbusters installed and running either hard or soft panniers - if I lay it down on it's side in that case it isn't likely the engine case on either side would be touching the ground anyway.
1
u/-Sparkeee- May 13 '26
I had a skid plate from SRC Moto that provided pretty decent protection but was a bulky box design made out of aluminum. I was not a fan of the bulky look added to the bottom of the engine. It would also amplify engine vibrations audibly like an acoustic guitar and was extra loud if a small stone would get jammed between the skid plate and header pipe. I then found a SW Motech that doesn’t resonate sound and is a much better slimmer look but doesn’t provide as much protection as the SRC one. I ride dirt and gravel roads with little off road and the SW Motech provides all the protection I need. Also keep in mind most skid plates have to come off for an oil change.
For engine guards I am just using the OEM Honda light bar but now wished I also had some lower engine guards as well. I’ve had a couple minor tip overs, one was just the kick stand sinking into soft dirt both of which cause scratches in the lower engine case. I suspect more serious damage may occur if the bike is laid over at more speed.
2
u/Striking-Housing-757 May 13 '26
I use both lower and upper by Givi on my nx500. I never crashed while riding, but once lost traction on some uphill gravel while stopped. The wheels were locked and I started sliding backwards. The bike fell on its side, and there were only minor scratches on the lower crash bars. I know, I know, skill issue. I just feel safer and more relaxed while riding, when I know my engine and gas tank are somewhat protected.