Vital Bike Protection: Protect the Ride Before You Need To

One thing adventure riding has taught me is that the goal isn't to stop your bike from falling over - it's to make sure you can pick it up and keep riding afterwards. Whether it's a simple parking lot tip-over, a rocky climb or a fast gravel section, it's usually the small impacts that end rides. A broken clutch cover, punctured radiator or snapped brake lever can leave you stranded a long way from home. That's why I've invested in protection before performance. At the heart of my setup is the AXP Extreme Bash Plate. Made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), it's virtually indestructible and one of the toughest bash plates available. Unlike aluminium bash plates, it doesn't produce the constant metallic clanging from stones thrown up by the front wheel, making the ride noticeably quieter. More importantly, it offers outstanding protection, covering not only the engine but also the vulnerable rear brake slave cylinder and rear suspension linkage, giving peace of mind when tackling rocky terrain. To protect the upper half of the bike, I fitted the KTM PowerParts crash bars, manufactured by Barkbusters. Their primary job is protecting the radiator, one of the most vulnerable and expensive components on the bike. A damaged radiator in a remote location can quickly end an adventure, so this was one of the first upgrades I made. They also provide additional protection for the bodywork during those inevitable low-speed drops. The final layer of defence is a set of carbon fibre engine covers protecting both the clutch and stator covers. It only takes one sharp rock to crack an engine cover, dumping your oil and potentially causing catastrophic engine damage. They're inexpensive compared to the cost of an engine rebuild and provide valuable insurance when riding technical trails. Rounding off the protection package are my KTM PowerParts handguards, which are Barkbusters with KTM-branded plastic shields. Most people think handguards are there to protect your hands, but their biggest job is protecting your controls. A simple fall can snap a clutch or brake lever and bring your ride to an abrupt end. Strong aluminium-backed handguards absorb the impact, allowing you to pick the bike up and continue riding. None of these upgrades makes the bike faster or more powerful, but together they dramatically improve its durability and resilience. They've allowed me to ride with greater confidence, knowing that if the bike takes a knock, it's built to withstand it. Final Thoughts Protection isn't the most exciting money you'll spend on a motorcycle, but it may well be the smartest. Every one of these upgrades was chosen with a single objective: keep the bike rideable after an incident. When you're hundreds of kilometres from the nearest workshop, protecting your engine, radiator and controls isn't just about avoiding repair bills, it's about making sure a minor mishap doesn't become the end of your adventure. For me, that's money very well spent.