Alejandro Figueroa | March 17, 2022 | Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle crash bars are optional on U.S. motorcycles. No state requires them and most manufacturers only offer them as optional equipment. Most crash bars are installed as aftermarket add-ons.
These crash bars serve several purposes. Unfortunately, they have limited value in a motorcycle accident, and in some circumstances, might not even prevent your injuries.
Here is an overview of how motorcycle crash bars work and what they can – and cannot – do during a crash.
Motorcycle Crash Bars
Motorcycle crash bars connect to the motorcycle frame over the engine. Once mounted, the crash bars form a cage around the engine that extends to both sides.
The benefits of motorcycle crash bars include:
- Holding the motorcycle off the ground if you tip over
- Protecting the engine and radiator in a motorcycle crash
- Preserving the bodywork and paint in an accident
- Creating a gap for your leg if you lay down the motorcycle
This last benefit, preventing your leg from getting trapped under the motorcycle in a crash, is significant. The average street bike weighs between 350 and 550 pounds. The average touring bike weighs nearly 800 pounds.
During a motorcycle accident, you will likely lose your balance and the motorcycle will tip over. Without crash bars, your leg could get crushed by a falling weight ranging from 350 to 800 pounds.
This crushing injury could break the bones in your leg and tear muscles, tendons, and ligaments. You could suffer burns from hot engine parts pressing into your leg.
Worse yet, most motorcycle accidents result in the motorcycle sliding across the pavement.
Suppose that your leg gets trapped between the motorcycle and pavement as you slide. You could suffer injuries ranging from road rash to severe abrasions. The pavement could tear apart the muscle, blood vessels, and nerves in your leg.
How Crash Bars Work
Crash bars extend sideways from the motorcycle frame. If the motorcycle goes over in an accident, the crash bars hold the motorcycle off the pavement, leaving a gap for your leg. Rather than sliding across the pavement with a weight of 350 or more pounds pressing down on your leg, you may be able to escape from the motorcycle.
You may still suffer severe abrasions and other injuries. But at least your leg will not get crushed and trapped under the sliding bike.
Effectiveness of Crash Bars
Whether crash bars can perform their function in a crash will depend on your bike and the bars. Heavier bikes need stronger bars. Not every crash bar will hold up your motorcycle in a crash. You must choose a bar that will support your motorcycle.
To escape from getting crushed under the motorcycle, you need crash bars wide enough to leave a gap for your leg. If they are not wide enough to let your leg escape, your leg could still get trapped.
Bear in mind that crash bars were not designed specifically for your safety. They were designed to protect your motorcycle during a crash. It just so happens that protecting the engine and body of the motorcycle also protects your leg.
Improving Survivability of Motorcycle Accidents
If you want to improve your chances of surviving a motorcycle accident, other options provide greater protection than crash bars.
Motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of death in a motorcycle accident by 37%. They reduce the odds of a head injury by 69%.
Shatterproof eye protection could save your eyes in a motorcycle crash. They also reduce the chances of getting into a crash by reducing the risk of debris in your eyes while riding.
Many motorcycle accidents happen simply because a vehicle driver failed to see the motorcyclist. Daytime headlights increase your visibility and reduce the chances of a motorcycle accident.
Oftentimes, a combination of pieces of equipment, including crash bars, will help you improve your safety while providing the motorcycle riding experience you want.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Law Firm in Tampa, FL
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Tampa, FL, and need legal help, contact our Tampa motorcycle accident lawyers at Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers
Bank of America Plaza
101 E Kennedy Blvd #2400
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 222-8656
We also provide legal assistance throughout the Tampa Bay Area including Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Bradenton.
