Barkbusters BHG-055 aluminum handguard mounting kit for BMW F 800 GS, Honda CB, KTM Duke, Aprilia Shiver, and Suzuki Gladius

The BHG-055 in the natural aluminum version is the Barkbusters mounting kit with one of the widest compatibility ranges in the lineup: twelve models across Aprilia, BMW, Honda, KTM and Suzuki. It is the structure that supports the handguards and protects hands, levers and controls from branches, gravel and low-speed falls.

This finish is being discontinued. The manufacturer keeps only the black version in its catalog: BHG-055 black, identical in compatibility, structure and hardware. If exposed aluminum is not a specific aesthetic choice, that is the version that will remain available over time.

As with the entire range, the structure and protective plastics are two separate products: here you are purchasing the structure only, with hardware and handlebar weights.

Key features

• Two-point mounting — anchoring at the handlebar end plus a clamp on the straight section. This is the configuration the manufacturer specifies for impact protection.
• Heat-treated aluminum bar, with a wraparound design.
• Natural aluminum finish, without paint.
• Handlebar weights included — they do not need to be purchased separately.
• Twelve motorcycles, five brands under the same code.
• Interchangeable plastics — compatible with JET, VPS, STORM and CARBON, each sold separately.
• Made in Australia by Rideworx Pty Ltd.

Protection and use

The two-point mounting system is the one Barkbusters recommends for more demanding use: the bar forms a cage around the hand and transfers the impact to the structure instead of the lever. On an F 800 GS used for touring and on gravel roads, it can mean the difference between a scratch and a bent lever far from home; on a Duke or CB in the city, it is what prevents you from having to replace the lever, mirror and switchgear after a stationary fall. The single-point system, the other configuration in the range, is recommended by the manufacturer only for protection from wind and weather.

Materials and construction

Structure made of heat-treated aluminum, a process the manufacturer uses to increase strength and impact-absorption capacity. Here the surface remains exposed, without paint: the aluminum pairs well with light-colored motorcycles and unpainted wheels, and scratches are less noticeable than on black.

Compatibility

Compatibility stated by Barkbusters for motorcycles in original factory configuration. Aftermarket handlebars have different diameters and thicknesses: mounting must be checked before purchase. For the CB 125 E and CB 650 F, the manufacturer does not specify a year range. Unsure about your model? Contact us with the model and year.

If you have a BMW F 800 GS, check the year

The F 800 GS uses three different kits over fifteen years because the handlebar changes. BHG-055 is the code for model years 2016-2023. For the others: BHG-032 for model years 2008-2012, BHG-040 for 2013-2015 and BHG-117 from 2024.

Installation

Mounts to the original handlebar, with no drilling or modifications to the motorcycle. The stock handlebar weights must be removed because the structure anchors directly to the handlebar ends, and the weights supplied in the kit are used in their place.

Before fully tightening, check that the throttle, front brake, clutch and engine stop switch operate freely and that the steering turns from lock to lock without interference. Check the tightening again after the first 50 km. The complete procedure and warnings are provided in the official instructions for code BHG-055, attached to this product page in the Manufacturer Documents section: the document is the same for both finishes.

What’s included

• Two heat-treated aluminum bars, natural finish
• Clamps for the straight section of the handlebar
• Complete mounting hardware
• Handlebar weights

What is NOT included

• Protective plastics. They must be selected and ordered separately from the JET, VPS, STORM and CARBON series. EGO plastics are not compatible with this structure.
• LED lights and other accessories in the range, which remain separate products.

Why choose Barkbusters

Barkbusters is a brand of Rideworx Pty Ltd, an Australian company that has designed and manufactured motorcycle handguards since 1984. The range is built around a clear idea: the structure is specific to the motorcycle, while the plastics are universal within the system. You buy the correct structure once and then choose the protection you need, replacing it if it becomes damaged or if your type of use changes, without having to replace everything.

Why buy it from Endurrad

Endurrad specializes in accessories for touring, adventure and enduro motorcycles: compatibility checked against the manufacturer's documentation, official instructions attached to the product page and assistance before purchase if your model is unclear. Free shipping in Italy on orders over €100 and in Europe on orders over €250, returns within 14 days, 1-year warranty. See the full Barkbusters range.