Updated October 1, 202618-minute readData from manufacturers' manuals and specificationsPrices and availability verified as of the date

In brief. On an enduro or maxi-enduro motorcycle, the accessories that really matter, in order of priority, are: crash bars, skid plate, and handguards to protect the motorcycle; frames and side cases with an optional top case for luggage; crash bar bags to keep what is needed during a stage close at hand. Inflatable bags combine both: a waterproof compartment and an air cushion on the engine guard.

The rule that prevents wrong purchases. It is not the motorcycle that decides, but two numbers: the crash bar tube diameter (25 mm for LOBOO BHGB05T inflatable bags) and the case frame tube (18 mm for Wanderer semi-rigid cases and Alps inflatable bags).

How to read the data. Measurements, load capacities, and IP ratings come from manufacturers' manuals and specifications and are indicated as declared; prices and availability are those of Endurrad as of October 1, 2026.

25 mmcrash bar tube required by BHGB05T inflatable bags
18 mmframe tube for Wanderer semi-rigid cases and Alps inflatable bags
300 kgload capacity declared by LOBOO for an inflated bag
50 cmlateral projection per side from the axle, Art. 170 of the Italian Highway Code (current interpretation)

The 10 maxi-enduro accessories worth the cost, in order of priority

The order is not a matter of personal preference: it is based on the cost of the damage each accessory prevents and how often that damage happens to those traveling on a tall, heavy, loaded motorcycle.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure viewed from the front with crash bars and a pair of LOBOO Wanderer inflatable bags mounted on the engine guards
A kitted-out maxi enduro: crash bars, crash bar bags, and protection. Official LOBOO photo.
Ranking of accessories for maxi-enduro motorcycles by priority
# Accessory What it solves In-depth information
1 Crash bars (engine guards) Cylinder heads, engine covers, fairings and fuel tank in stationary and low-speed falls Crash bars
2 Skid plate Oil pan and headers protected against rocks and steps Skid plate guide
3 Handguards Levers and hands: branches, rain, cold air, clutch lever broken in a fall Handguard guide
4 Frames and side cases The main travel luggage, closed and protected Side cases
5 Top case and top case plate Helmet and valuables safe during stops Top case plate guide
6 Crash bar bags The handy storage compartment that maxi enduro bikes lack Skid plate bags
7 Airbag bags Watertight compartment plus air cushion on the skid plate or racks Airbag bags
8 Tank bag Documents, phone, and power bank within sight Tank bag and ring
9 Radiator protection Fins bent by stones thrown by the wheel Radiator protection
10 Auxiliary lights Motorcycle visibility and useful light at night and in fog Where to mount auxiliary lights

Why protection comes before luggage. A loaded maxi enduro becomes unbalanced during slow maneuvers: parking on slopes, gravel, and U-turns on dirt. These are falls at almost zero speed, but the most expensive engine parts end up on the ground. Cases get you going; crash bars get you moving again.

In this guide, we explore the four items that have the greatest impact on budget and safety: rear cases, crash bars, crash bar bags, and airbag bags. For the others, you will find a link to the dedicated guide in the table.

A lightweight enduro and a maxi enduro are not equipped the same way

The name is similar, but the use is not. A single-cylinder enduro under 160 kg is built for off-road riding, and every extra kilogram is noticeable; a twin-cylinder maxi enduro over 230 kg covers thousands of loaded kilometers, and the challenge is protecting it when it goes down.

Equipment differences between enduro and maxi enduro bikes
Aspect Enduro and mid-size adventure bikes Maxi enduro
Priority Lightness and low center of gravity Protection and load capacity
Crash bars Often just the lower bar, or a lightweight skid plate Complete upper and lower set, especially on boxer engines
Luggage Soft and semi-rigid bags, tail bag Aluminum or semi-rigid cases on racks, top case
Crash bar bags Useful if the tube allows it The most convenient complement to cases
Typical risk Low-speed off-road fall Fully loaded stationary tip-over during a maneuver

The high-load rule

Every kilogram mounted high and far from the motorcycle's axis worsens slow-speed handling more than a kilogram mounted low. Therefore, with the same capacity, it is better to fill the low volumes close to the center of gravity first (crash bar bags, side cases), and only then the top case, which carries the load higher and farther back than anything else.

The rack, not the catalog, determines the rear cases

Side cases, top case, and tail bag make up the rear luggage. The cases do not attach to the motorcycle but to a model-specific rack: the rack determines compatibility, while the case is chosen afterward based on capacity, material, and weight.

Adventure motorcycle with LOBOO PIKE TRACKER aluminum panniers mounted on the frames, rear view with limited lateral width
PIKE TRACKER aluminum panniers mounted on dedicated frames.

Three families of panniers

  • Aluminum. A rigid, lockable shell, a flat loading surface, and contents protected from impacts and theft. It weighs more, and the edge may deform in a fall. Example: the manufacturer states 5.7 kg for the CONQUEROR C35L and 5.28 kg for the C30R.
  • Semi-rigid. Technical fabric over an internal panel that provides shape: less weight, no metal edges, and more tolerance off-road. They close with a roll-top and require care when closing to remain watertight.
  • Inflatable. Their shape comes from an air chamber: when inflated, they become rigid and act as a cushion in a fall. We examine them in detail later.
Comparison of aluminum, semi-rigid and inflatable panniers on Endurrad
Data CONQUEROR aluminum PIKE TRACKER aluminum Wanderer semi-rigid cases Alps inflatable cases
Volumes 30, 35, 38 and 45 L From 30+35 to 45+45 L 40+30 or 40+40 L, plus two 20 L bags 23 or 30 L per side
Mounting Nine-point quick release PIKE TRACKER frames Quick release on frames with 18 mm tubing Mount for 18 mm rectangular frames
Water resistance Rubber seals Declared waterproof Rated IPX6 Rated IPX7
Anti-theft Keyed cylinder lock Key lock Two cylinders per case Steel cable with lock
Frames included No No No Mounts yes, frames no
Endurrad price from €481.50 per case from €643 per pair €981 per pair from €625.50 per pair

Why the pairs are asymmetrical

On the right side of most maxi-enduro motorcycles, the exhaust runs through. The right cases have a recess at the bottom to make room for it: on the CONQUEROR C38R, the depth decreases from 291 to 236 mm, and on the C30R from 243 to 207 mm. This is why combinations such as 45+38 or 35+30 exist, while the symmetrical 45+45 is used only where the exhaust does not get in the way.

It works if
  • A frame dedicated to your model and year is available
  • The frame tube is compatible with the case mount (18 mm for Wanderer and Alps)
  • The total width remains within the legal or registration-document limits
It does not
  • The Wanderer cases do not mount on the motorcycle's original frames, except for the CFMOTO 800MT (factory frames made by LOBOO)
  • No aftermarket case can be mounted without a frame
  • The frame is not included with the cases

Width and the Highway Code. Article 170 of the Highway Code prohibits objects that are not securely fastened and lateral protrusions beyond the limit on motorcycles: the current interpretation, also reported by the trade press with the Transport Authority's opinion, is 50 cm per side from the motorcycle's centerline, about one meter in total. Equipment listed on the registration document is exempt. Before mounting a very wide pair, measure and check the registration document.

Top case and tail bag

The top case mounts on a dedicated top-case plate and places the load at the highest and rearmost point of the motorcycle: it should be filled with lightweight items, starting with the helmet when stopped. We explain how to choose the plate, code by code, in the top-case plate guide; the aluminum top cases are in the top cases collection. Those who prefer soft luggage on the luggage rack can find volumes from 40 to 90 liters explained in rear motorcycle bag: how many liters.

CONQUEROR aluminum side casesC45L · C45R · C38R · C35L+C30R
Pair of 45-liter CONQUEROR aluminum side cases in black on a white background
Volumes
45, 38, 35+30 L
C45 dimensions
527 × 315 × 380 mm
Mounting
Nine-point quick release
Construction
Anodized aluminum, riveted structure
Lock
Five-plate cylinder, replaceable
Frames
To be purchased separately for each model
Endurrad price
from €481.50 per case
Available LOBOO stated dataSee the CONQUEROR

Availability as of October 1, 2026: C45 left and right are available in black and silver; C38R and the C35L+C30R pair are sold out.

PIKE TRACKER aluminum side casesPIKE TRACKER series
PIKE TRACKER aluminum side cases mounted on an adventure motorcycle, rear view
Volumes
30+35, 35+35, 37+37, 38+45, 45+45 L
Finishes
Silver or black
Frames
Widest range in the LOBOO catalog
Frames included
No
Endurrad price
from €643 per pair
Available LOBOO stated dataSee the PIKE TRACKER

Availability as of October 1, 2026: only the 30+35 L silver pair is available; all other combinations are sold out. Complete frame kits for individual models are in the side cases collection.

Wanderer semi-rigid side casesBCB4040TBK · BCB4030TBK
Pair of black LOBOO Wanderer semi-rigid side cases, three-quarter view
Volumes
40+40 or 40+30 L, plus 2 20 L bags
Fabric
TPU on 840D mesh, 0.6 mm
Water resistance
IPX6
Closure
Magnetic roll-top
Required frame
18 mm tube
Extras
MOLLE system, reflective inserts
Endurrad price
€981 per pair
Available LOBOO stated dataSee the Wanderer

Availability as of October 1, 2026: the 40+40 L version is available, while the 40+30 L version is sold out. The complete comparison between semi-rigid luggage and soft luggage is in the semi-rigid luggage guide; the comparison between frames and aluminum luggage is in the aluminum luggage guide.

Crash bars are the first accessory to install on a maxi-enduro

The crash bar, or engine guard, is a tubular steel structure attached to the frame that surrounds the engine and fuel tank. In a fall, it hits the ground instead of the cylinder heads, engine covers, bodywork, and radiator. On a loaded maxi-enduro, it is the accessory with the best ratio of cost to damage prevented.

LOBOO CHG131 stainless steel crash bars for BMW R 1300 GS with upper and lower bars
LOBOO CHG131 crash bars for BMW R 1300 GS: upper and lower bars.

Upper bar, lower bar or complete set

  • Lower bar: protects the engine, cylinder heads and crankcases. It is the first one to install because this is the area that touches the ground in almost every stationary drop.
  • Upper bar: protects the fuel tank, fairings, radiator and headlight area. It is important on motorcycles with wide fairings and large fuel tanks.
  • Complete set: upper and lower bars connected. It distributes the impact better and provides more mounting points for bags and spotlights. LOBOO states that the complete CHG131 weighs 8.76 kg.

Four details that distinguish a good engine guard

  • Material. 304 stainless steel does not rust where the paint chips, because the material is the same inside and out. A painted tube made of ordinary steel, chipped by a stone, begins to oxidize there.
  • Mounting. The best ones bolt onto the original frame mounting points, with no cutting or drilling: installation is reversible and the frame is not weakened.
  • Tube diameter and wall thickness. The CHG131 uses 25 mm tubing with a 2 mm wall thickness, TIG welded. The diameter also determines what you can mount on it.
  • Replaceable contact points. Bump stops or bumpers that wear instead of the tube: after a slide, replace the bumper, not the bar.

The tube diameter determines everything else

The crash bar is the only free structural point at the lower part of the motorcycle: bags, bumpers and spotlight mounts depend on the tube's outer diameter. And that diameter depends on the engine guard installed, not the motorcycle model: two identical GS motorcycles can have different tubes if they use bars from different brands.

What can be mounted on the crash bar based on the tube diameter
Tube diameter Circumference measured with a tape measure What you can mount
22 mm approximately 69 mm BHGB11T roll-top bags with adjustable straps
25 mm approximately 78.5 mm BHGB05T inflatable bags, clamp-on bumpers, BHGB11T bags
28 mm approximately 88 mm BHGB11T roll-top bags with adjustable straps
  1. Measure the tube. Use calipers on the outer diameter, or wrap a tape measure around it and divide the circumference by 3.14.
  2. Check the mounting point. The selected section must be free of welds and brackets, away from the exhaust and cylinder heads.
  3. Check the engine guard specifications. The diameter stated by the bar manufacturer takes precedence over any list by motorcycle model.
CHG131 crash bars for BMW R 1300 GSCHG131 · upper, lower or complete
LOBOO CHG131 stainless steel crash bars for BMW R 1300 GS
Material
304 stainless steel, TIG welded
Tube
Ø 25 mm, 2 mm wall thickness
Complete set weight
8.76 kg
Fastening
Original frame mounting points, no drilling
Spotlights
Holes Ø 6.5 mm, 21 mm center-to-center
Compatibility
BMW R 1300 GS from 2023
Endurrad price
from €265.50
Available LOBOO stated dataSee the CHG131

Availability on October 1, 2026: upper black and silver bars and the complete black set available; lower bar sold out. The upper bar must be paired with the CHG131 lower bar, not with engine guards from other brands. For the R 1300 GS Adventure, LOBOO produces the CHG151. All engine guards in the catalog are in the crash bar collection.

Bumpers for Ø 25 mm engine guard barsPair, four-bolt clamp
LOBOO crash bar bumpers for 25 mm tubes with rubber pads and four bolts
Tube
Ø 25 mm
Weight
108 g per piece
Fastening
Four-bolt clamp, no drilling
Function
Sacrificial part instead of the tube
Endurrad price
€22 per pair
Available LOBOO stated dataSee the bumpers

How to position the bumpers, measure the tube, and what to mount on the bars is explained in the engine guard bars: how to protect and use them guide.

Crash bar bags use space that panniers cannot reach

There is an irregularly shaped gap between the engine guard bars and the fairing. A crash bar bag turns it into the motorcycle's most convenient storage compartment: it opens while standing beside the bike, without removing your helmet or opening the panniers.

Pair of black 6-liter LOBOO Wanderer BHGB11T crash bar bags with reflective strips
Wanderer BHGB11T crash bar bags: 6 liters per side, roll-top closure.

What fits inside

  • Puncture repair kit and mini compressor: see the travel tool kit guide.
  • Rain gear and spare gloves, to grab quickly when the weather changes.
  • Documents in a waterproof pouch and a headlamp.
  • A half-liter water bottle with something soft around it.

Hard objects should be wrapped: in a slide, the bag ends up between the bar and the asphalt.

Three ways to use them

  • Roll-top with an internal panel, like the Wanderer BHGB11T: a U-shaped polypropylene panel holds its shape even when the bag is empty, the closure rolls up three times and locks with two buckles. Mounts on tubes from 22 to 28 mm.
  • Inflatable, like the Wanderer BHGB05T: air gives it its shape, the closure is a waterproof zip, and it has a keyed anti-theft device. Requires a 25 mm tube.
  • Dedicated to a specific model, like the 5 L engine guard bags with a rigid EVA shell for the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure, which use specific mounting points.

Before tightening the straps. Turn the handlebars fully to both sides, sit in the riding position, and check that the bag does not touch the fork, radiator, exhaust, or cylinder heads and leaves the gear lever and brake pedal unobstructed. The manufacturer does not specify a maximum fabric temperature.

Wanderer roll-top crash bar bagsBHGB11T · pair
Pair of black 6-liter LOBOO Wanderer BHGB11T crash bar bags
Capacity
6 L per bag, 12 L for the pair
Fabric
TPU on 840D mesh, 0.6 mm
Water resistance
IPX6
Closure
Three-roll roll-top, two buckles
Shape
PP inner panel
Crash bar tube
From 22 to 28 mm
Endurrad price
€94.50 per pair
Available LOBOO stated dataSee the BHGB11T

The dedicated bag for the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure (pair of 5 L bags, EVA shell, €207) is shown as sold out as of October 1, 2026: all alternatives are in the engine guard and crash bar bags collection.

Inflatable bags use air as both structure and cushion

An inflatable bag is a watertight bag with an internal air chamber. Deflated, it is a sack; inflated, it becomes rigid, tightens against the tube without play and creates a volume of air between the motorcycle and the ground. It is the most interesting idea to reach adventure luggage in recent years, and also the most misunderstood.

LOBOO Wanderer BHGB05T inflatable bag mounted on the engine guard of a BMW R 1250 GS
BHGB05T mounted on the engine guard of a BMW R 1250 GS. Official LOBOO photo.
6 Lper bag, 12 L for the pair
≥ 300 kgstated load capacity when the bag is inflated
≥ 6 hstated protection when inflated
IPX7stated waterproofing, watertight zipper

How they are inflated

No pumps or compressors. Each bag has a one-way valve that lets air in and does not let it out until you open it, and a built-in pump that you press by hand. The LOBOO manual describes the procedure in three steps: open the valve by pressing the switch, pump until the bag is full, then close it. The manual warns that other procedures will damage the valve.

LOBOO panel showing the three stages of the valve on the BHGB05T inflatable bag: opening, inflating with the pump and closing
Opening, inflating and closing the valve according to the manufacturer.

What “300 kg” really means

LOBOO states that the inflated bag can withstand a load-bearing force of at least 300 kg in the event of a sudden accident, and explains that in stationary or low-speed falls it touches the ground before the bar, changes the angle at which the motorcycle comes to rest and makes it easier to lift. The figure does not specify at what speed, on what surface or for how many impacts: it is a reference for the air chamber's strength, not the result of a standardized impact test.

It works if
  • You already have a crash bar with a 25 mm round tube
  • There is space for 23 × 33 × 10 cm around the chosen mounting point
  • Do you want a watertight, lockable compartment that can be removed at the end of your trip
It does not
  • It is not an approved safety device
  • It does not protect the rider
  • It does not replace the crash bar: it assumes one is installed

Mounting: four steps and a 4 mm Allen key

  1. Choose the buckle position. On the back of the bag, the buckle can be mounted in five positions and rotates on its axis: choose the one that follows the angle of your engine guard.
  2. Tighten the buckle on the tube. M6×10 screw, 4 mm Allen key included, torque 12 N·m. The manufacturer recommends a drop of medium-strength threadlocker.
  3. Pass the straps around the tube following the shape of the bar and fasten the Duraflex buckles.
  4. Tighten the straps in sequence until all slack is eliminated, then inflate the bag and recheck the screw and straps after the first few dozen kilometers.

From Endurrad support: tubes thinner than 25 mm. Some customers with smaller-diameter crash bars have fitted the BHGB05T by inserting a rubber shim into the buckle jaw, without sealing problems. On a tube larger than 25 mm, however, the lock does not close. This is field experience, not a manufacturer recommendation, and no reducing rings are included in the package: if your tube is not 25 mm, the safe choice remains the BHGB11T.

Waterproof zipper, anti-theft system and laboratory tests

  • IPX7 according to IEC 60529 indicates protection against temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes; the BHGB11T roll-top is IPX6, meaning it resists powerful water jets. The waterproof zipper works well when the pressure inside and outside is the same: it should be opened and closed when the bag is not overpressurized.
  • Anti-theft: a stainless steel cable passes through the zipper pull and the strap eyelet and locks with a key in the buckle. The manufacturer describes it as a primary anti-theft measure: it deters a curious passerby in a parking lot, not someone arriving with bolt cutters.
  • Tests: the March 2024 TTTS-WF24001497 report, commissioned by the manufacturer according to Chinese standard QB/T 1333-2018 for bags and backpacks, found it compliant (200 zipper cycles without damage, functioning buckles, no corrosion). It does not concern either the IPX7 rating or the 300 kg load capacity.

Beware of confusing product sheets. Online descriptions can be found that attribute the roll-top closure, IPX6 rating and compatibility with bars of «any diameter» to the inflatable bag. These are features of the non-inflatable BHGB11T. The BHGB05T closes with a waterproof zipper, is rated IPX7 and requires a 25 mm tube.

Comparison of the BHGB05T inflatable bag, BHGB11T roll-top bag and Alps inflatable side cases
Data BHGB05T inflatable BHGB11T roll-top Alps inflatable side cases
Where it mounts Crash bar, 25 mm round tube Crash bar, 22 to 28 mm tube Side frames, 18 mm rectangular tube
Capacity 6 L per bag 6 L per bag 23 or 30 L per side
What gives it shape Air chamber PP inner panel Air chamber
Closure Waterproof zipper Roll-top, two buckles Waterproof zipper
Claimed waterproofing IPX7 IPX6 IPX7
Claimed inflated load capacity ≥ 300 kg Not specified ≥ 300 kg
Key-operated anti-theft system Yes, steel cable No Yes, steel cable
Endurrad price €234 per pair €94.50 per pair from €625.50 per pair

Alps inflatable side cases: the same idea, on a larger scale

The Alps place the air chamber on the main luggage: 23 or 30 liters per side, quick release, and a MOLLE system. The mount works on side frames with a rectangular profile and an 18 mm tube, with a center-to-center distance of 307 to 362 mm in width and 180 to 207 mm in height; it fits directly on original BMW R 1200 GS and R 1250 GS frames and the LOBOO TIBET and PIKE TRACKER series. On motorcycles with a flared frame for the exhaust, such as the R 1200 and R 1250 GS, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure, or the Honda Africa Twin and XL750 Transalp, BDPQ01LBK spacers are required; not on the R 1300 GS and GS Adventure, because their frames are symmetrical. Frame dimensions and compatible motorcycles are in the inflatable motorcycle side case guide.

Wanderer inflatable crash bar bagsBHGB05T · pair
Pair of black LOBOO Wanderer BHGB05T inflatable bags with reflective inserts
Capacity
6 L per bag
Dimensions
230 × 100 × 330 mm
Crash bar tube
Round, Ø 25 mm
Water resistance
IPX7, waterproof zipper
Inflated load capacity
≥ 300 kg
Fastening
M6×10 screw at 12 N·m
Fabric
70% TPU and 30% nylon, 840D
Weight
Not declared
Endurrad price
€234 per pair
Available LOBOO stated dataSee the BHGB05T
Alps inflatable side casesBAB2323TBK · BAB2330TBK · BAB3030TBK
Black LOBOO Alps inflatable side case with mount, three-quarter view
Volumes
23+23, 23+30, 30+30 L
Required frame
Rectangular, 18 mm tube
Water resistance
IPX7, waterproof zipper
Inflated load capacity
≥ 300 kg
Inflation duration
≥ 6 hours
Spacers
BDPQ01LBK, optional
Endurrad price
from €625.50 per pair
Available LOBOO stated dataSee the Alps

Availability as of October 1, 2026: BHGB05T available in limited quantities; Alps available in all configurations. The complete technical guide to the BHGB05T, with dimensioned drawing, materials, and test report, is on the inflatable engine guard bags page; our road test is in the Wanderer inflatable bags review.

In what order to buy accessories when the budget is not enough for everything

Equipping everything at once is the temptation for anyone who has just bought a maxi enduro. It is better to proceed in stages, starting with what prevents damage and moving on to what adds convenience.

  1. Identify the motorcycle, year, and trim. Frames and crash bars vary between versions of the same family: the R 1300 GS and GS Adventure use different codes.
  2. Crash bar, then bumpers. Start with the lower bar or the complete set; the 25 mm bumpers are inexpensive and wear out instead of the tube.
  3. Skid plate and hand guards. They complete the protection where the crash bar does not reach.
  4. Side frames. Choose the frame before the cases, checking the tube (18 mm for Wanderer and Alps).
  5. Side panniers. Aluminum for asphalt and security, semi-rigid or inflatable for off-road use.
  6. Crash bar or inflatable bags. Measure the tube: 25 mm opens the way to the BHGB05T, while 22 to 28 mm fits the BHGB11T.
  7. Top case and tank bag. Last, because they carry the load high up or on the tank.

With the Endurrad app for iPhone, you see only the accessories that fit your motorcycle

The most frequent question we receive is always the same: will it fit my motorcycle? The Endurrad app for iPhone and iPad starts there.

What the app does

  • Choose your motorcycle and the app shows only compatible accessories: frames, crash bars, bags, and protection that truly fit it.
  • Orders and shipping in the app, with DHL delivery status trackable step by step.
  • Contact, shipping, and returns can be viewed without leaving the app, with support in Italian.
  • The same terms as on the website: free shipping above €100 in Italy and above €250 in Europe, with returns within 14 days.

Download the Endurrad app from the App Store

Free, for iPhone and iPad. System requirements are listed in the App Store listing.

Frequently asked questions about maxi enduro accessories

What are the essential accessories for a maxi enduro motorcycle?

In order: crash bars (engine guards), a skid plate, and handguards to protect the motorcycle; side frames and panniers for luggage; then crash bar bags, a tank bag, radiator protection, and auxiliary lights. Protection comes first because it prevents the most expensive damage even in the first stationary drop.

Are aluminum or semi-rigid side panniers better for a maxi enduro?

Aluminum protects the contents better, can be locked, and is the classic choice for long trips with lots of asphalt. Semi-rigid panniers weigh less and have no metal edges that deform in a fall, so they are more forgiving off-road. In both cases, the frame is the deciding factor: LOBOO Wanderer semi-rigid panniers, for example, attach only to frames with 18 mm tubing.

Can side panniers be mounted without frames?

No. Hard and semi-rigid panniers attach to model-specific side frames, which are sold separately. The panniers themselves remain the same from one motorcycle to another; when you change motorcycles, you change the frames.

How wide can side panniers be under the Highway Code?

Article 170 of the Highway Code prohibits objects that are not securely fastened and objects that protrude laterally beyond the prescribed limit. The current interpretation is 50 cm per side from the motorcycle's centerline, approximately one meter in total. Fittings listed on the registration certificate are exempt: before mounting very wide panniers, it is advisable to check the registration document.

Is a crash bar useful even if I do not ride off-road?

Yes. Most falls involving a large adventure bike happen while stationary or at walking pace: parking on a slope, gravel, or fully loaded maneuvers. On BMW boxer bikes, for example, the cylinder heads protrude from the sides and are the first parts to touch the ground.

Is a high, low, or both crash bars better?

The lower bar protects the engine, cylinder heads, and crankcase; the upper one protects the fuel tank, fairings, and radiator. On a fully loaded adventure bike, the complete set is the safest choice. Pay attention to compatibility: the LOBOO CHG131 upper bar for the BMW R 1300 GS must be installed together with the lower CHG131, not with an engine guard from another brand.

Why is the crash bar tube diameter important?

Because everything you mount on it depends on that measurement. The LOBOO BHGB05T inflatable bags and clamp-on bumpers require a 25 mm tube; the BHGB11T roll-top bags fit tubes from 22 to 28 mm. The diameter depends on the installed engine guard, not the motorcycle model, and is measured with calipers or by dividing the circumference by 3.14.

What should you put in crash bar bags?

Things you need during a leg of the journey without opening the panniers: a puncture repair kit and mini compressor, rain gear, spare gloves, documents in a waterproof pouch, and a flashlight. Hard objects should be wrapped, because in a slide the bag is between the bar and the asphalt.

Are crash bar bags affected by engine heat?

It depends on where the exhaust and cylinder heads are located. The manufacturer does not state a maximum fabric temperature, so after installation, check that the bag does not touch hot parts, with the handlebars turned fully to both sides and with your legs in the riding position.

How do inflatable crash bar bags work?

They have an internal air chamber and a one-way valve with an integrated pump: open the valve, hand-pump until the bag is full, and close it again. When inflated, the bag takes shape, fills the space between the bar and the fairing without slack, and acts as an air cushion between the motorcycle and the ground.

Do inflatable bags really protect the motorcycle in a fall?

They are an additional passive protection system. LOBOO states that the BHGB05T has a load capacity of at least 300 kg when inflated and explains that, in stationary falls, the bag touches the ground before the bar. They are not approved safety devices, do not protect the rider, and do not replace the crash bar: they require one.

How long do inflatable bags stay inflated?

The manufacturer states at least 6 hours of protection from a single inflation. This is a minimum value: while traveling, simply check the bag by hand when you stop and add a few pumps when needed.

What is the difference between the BHGB05T inflatable bag and the BHGB11T roll-top bag?

The same 840D TPU fabric and the same 6 liters per bag. The BHGB05T is inflatable, closes with a waterproof zipper, is rated IPX7, has a keyed anti-theft lock and requires a 25 mm tube. The BHGB11T keeps its shape with an internal polypropylene panel, closes with a roll-top and two buckles, is rated IPX6 and fits tubes from 22 to 28 mm.

Are there inflatable side cases?

Yes: the 23- or 30-liter LOBOO Alps use the same concept as crash bar bags, but mount on the rear side frames with 18 mm rectangular-profile tubing. The manufacturer states IPX7 waterproofing, a load capacity of at least 300 kg per inflated case and at least 6 hours of inflation time.

How do I find accessories compatible with my motorcycle?

With the Endurrad app for iPhone, choose your motorcycle and see only the accessories that fit it. Alternatively, tell us the make, model and year of your motorcycle: we will check the frames, crash bar diameter and compatibility before you order.

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Tell us the make, model and year of your motorcycle, and, if you know it, the crash bar tube diameter: we will tell you which frames, cases and bags really fit before you order.

Protection for large adventure bikes Motorcycle cases and bags

Sources. LOBOO manuals, technical data sheets and official panels for BHGB05T, BHGB11T, Alps, Wanderer, CONQUEROR, PIKE TRACKER and CHG131; TTTS-WF24001497 test report (QB/T 1333-2018, March 2024); IEC 60529 standard for IP ratings; Article 170 of the Italian Highway Code, as interpreted by Dueruote and Sky TG24; Endurrad app listing on the App Store. Prices and availability: Endurrad catalog as of October 1, 2026. Where the manufacturer does not provide a figure, we state that it is not disclosed.

Further reading: crash bars · engine guard and crash bar bags · inflatable motorcycle bags · side cases · frames and top case plates · guide to inflatable engine guard bags

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