Barkbusters BLG-016 handguard protection for Ducati Multistrada 950, 1200 and 1260

The BLG-016 is the Barkbusters brace designed to reinforce the original handguard on the Ducati Multistrada 950 from 2019, 1200 from 2015, and 1260 from 2018, including the S and Enduro versions. It does not replace the stock handguard: it fits around it and adds what it lacks on its own, namely an aluminum bar running in front of the levers to withstand an impact.

Key features

• Heat-treated, black powder-coated aluminum bars, one right and one left.
• Two-point mounting: inside the handlebar end and with a clamp on the tapered section of the tube.
• Fits around the original Ducati handguard and controls, with no drilling or cutting.
• One part number for three Multistrada families, from the 950 to the 1260 Enduro.
• Official instructions with illustrated parts list, tightening torques, and specific warnings for the 950 models.

Protection and use

The original Ducati handguard is aerodynamic plastic with an integrated turn signal: it protects against wind, not impacts. Barkbusters clearly distinguishes between the two mounting configurations, and the two-point setup, anchored both at the end and in the center of the handlebar, is the one the manufacturer specifies for impact protection. On the Multistrada 1200 Enduro and 1260 Enduro, designed for off-road use as well, it is the difference between a bent lever and a day that carries on.

Materials and construction

Heat-treated aluminum bars (manufacturer code BAR-LG-016) with black powder coating. Two-piece clamps with dedicated connectors, end anchoring with expander, conical nut, and spacer for the bar end. Barkbusters does not state the kit's weight, so we do not report it.

Compatibility

* The 950S SW and 950S Touring versions are listed on the more recent official product page, but not in the installation instructions, which mention only the 950 and 950S. If you have one of these two versions, write to us before ordering.

Barkbusters states this compatibility for motorcycles in original factory configuration, with the stock handguard installed. Aftermarket handlebars have different diameters and thicknesses: the mounting must be checked before purchase.

Do you have another Multistrada? Each generation has its own code:

• Multistrada 1200 from 2010 to 2014: BLG-013
• Multistrada 950 from 2017 and 2018: BLG-017
• Multistrada V2 and V2S from 2022 to 2024: BLG-019
• Multistrada V4, V4S and V4S Sport from 2021: BHG-089, a kit that accepts Barkbusters plastics

Installation

Loosen the original handguard screw, remove the black bar end with its internal components, and separate it from the handguard. Then fit the clamp to the tapered section of the handlebar without tightening it, attach the bar at the end together with the original handguard and the clamp connector, and tighten in the order specified by the manufacturer, leaving at least 10 mm between the bar and the tank with the steering turned fully. Specified torques: 10 Nm for the M6 screws and 28 Nm for the M8 screws, using medium-strength threadlocker and checking the tightness after the first 50 km.

On the Multistrada 950 and 950S, the bar may touch the windshield mount with the steering turned fully. The manufacturer instructs you to install the clamp connector upside down, adjust the steering stops on the back of the lower plate, and, if necessary, move the handlebar and controls slightly. Barkbusters recommends having the installation carried out by a workshop and reminds you to check, once the work is complete, that the throttle, brake, clutch, and engine kill switch operate freely and that the indicators are not left covered.

What's in the box

• 2 black aluminum bars, one right and one left
• 2 clamp connectors and 4 half-shells
• 2 expanders, 2 conical nuts, 2 stepped spacers, 2 bar-end spacers
• Hardware: 2 M8x70 countersunk screws, 2 M8x25 button-head screws, 2 M6x30 screws, 2 M6x25 screws, and 4 M6 self-locking nuts
• Official INS-BLG-016 instructions

What is NOT included

• Barkbusters protective plastics, which are not even intended for this code: the brace works with the original Ducati handguard and does not have the mounts for the JET, VPS, STORM, or CARBON series.
• Handlebar weights: they are not included in the parts list. The manufacturer lists the B-066 external bar end weight as a related accessory.
• The original handguard, which must already be installed on the motorcycle.
• Threadlocker and tools.

Why choose Barkbusters

Barkbusters is an Australian brand of Rideworx Pty Ltd, specializing in motorcycle handguards. Each code is designed around the geometry of a specific handlebar, with a published parts list and an installation PDF specifying the hardware, sequence, and torques: that is why a specific kit installs without modifications and stays in position.

Why buy it from Endurrad

On Endurrad, every Barkbusters product page states the exact code, the covered years, and what is actually in the box, with the official instructions available to download before purchase. You can find the full range in the Barkbusters collection.