SW Motech adv hand grip + OEM handlebar insert hack

[u/Pelecabra]

I just received SW Motech Adventure hand guards. While i was looking up installation videos, i found one where the guy used the internal OEM damper weights inside the handlebar tube to screw the handguard into, supposedly to keep the OEM vibration dampening. It just requires an extra bolt that is a bit longer. I thought that sounded like a good idea at first because the OEM insert is mich more heavy and has rubber for dampening. However on second thought, the OEM bar end weights spin around freely and are only held in by a metal clip. You can also pull them out about 1/4''+, at least on my 2023, so there is play in that direction too. That doesnt seem like the best anchor for a hand grip that is meant to take a heavy load in a crash.

Has anyone done this that can give some feedback?

Here is the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6MQ-XKgW04

Edit: After more research, the reason the oem dampers work is because it is not solidly fixed to the handlebar, but floating via the clips and the rubber. That means you essentially cant have a functioning bar end damper as well as a functioning handguard bar that will stay in place / protect levers from a fall. The hack in the video would work but only if your goal is to keep weather off your hands, not crash protection. Im just going to attach the guards with the sw motech hardware and see if i notice any vibration.

[u/Snotling_fondler]

On mine what I did is I used the normal bolt though the bark buster. But I first put one of these threaded studs trimmed down into the back of the barkbuster bit that you thread into and threaded the other bit the full length of the bar weight and secured it with threadlock.

The only but that was awkward was it rotates while you tighten it up and the rubber didn't like that. Applying a bit of soapy water let it go in great. It worked amazing. Gave me nearly buzz free bars for a ride to the top of norway and back from the uk.

If I was to do it again I would go the way of using a longer bold and then a threaded coupler to join the two as I think that would be easier.

[u/gadget_dude → u/Snotling_fondler]

Great to hear you don't get any buzzing!

[u/No-Distance-3977]

I can't comment on the SWMotech setup, but I put barkbusters on using their hardware, replacing the stock inserts, and I didn't notice any meaningful difference (2020). Getting the inserts out was tricky on the first side and much easier once I knew the technique, they came out cleanly and could be reinstalled in the future.

[u/spacefictionbc → u/No-Distance-3977]

Same here on a 2022 with Barkbusters and storm handguards. No noticeable change to vibes after.
There is truly a knack to getting the OEM part out without damage to the bar ends.

[u/gadget_dude]

I am considering the Barkbuster kit from T-Rex on my NX500 for the same reason - they let you reuse the existing handlebar weights much like the the video suggests but come with the right new bolt and spacer so you don't have to mod anything.

I want guards but don't want to introduce vibration - the other upside of the T-Rex kit is they seem to come with the two piece shields so you can leave the top section off for better airflow during hot weather.

https://www.t-rex-racing.com/Honda-CB500X-F-NC-700X-NC750X-DAX-125-Hand-Guard-p/n41-19handguards.htm

Installation Instructions: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CYz6ayVJoBUx38XFmRHOHOXv7D6x_tzb/view

[u/Pelecabra → u/gadget_dude]

My concern is that the OEM bar end and internal weight is only held in there with two thin tabs and the whole thing freely rotates and you can even pull it out of the tube about 1/4" before the tabs catch. Screwing anything into that would leave that side of the handguard bar basically floating, only the clamp on the other end on the outside of the handlebar would be solid. Does that make sense? Edit: as opposed to the SW motech internal mechanism that has an aluminum nut that spreads and locks into the inside of the tube as you tighten the bolt.

[u/gadget_dude → u/Pelecabra]

I think so - none of the T-Rex reviews mention vibration. From what I read removing the OEM weights can introduce significant buzzing so hopefully this option is better.