The BHG-036 is the Barkbusters mounting kit designed for the Kawasaki Versys-X 250 and Versys-X 300 from 2017 onward. It is the structure onto which Barkbusters plastics are mounted: on its own, it protects levers and hands from impacts; with the plastics, it adds protection from wind, cold and branches.

Main features

• One left and one right heat-treated aluminium bar.
• Two-point mounting: with an expander inside the handlebar end and on a frame clamp secured around the tube.
• Handlebar weights included: two Barkbusters BEW35.
• Compatible with JET-003, VPS-003, STM-003 and BCF-003 plastics, sold separately.
• Official illustrated instructions for removing the internal bar end weight.

Protection and use

Barkbusters clearly distinguishes between the two mounting configurations, and the two-point setup, anchored both at the end and in the centre of the handlebar, is the one the manufacturer specifies for impact protection. On the Versys-X, a small adventure bike that is equally at home on unpaved roads and trails, this means keeping the levers protected from falls, stones and branches.

Materials and construction

Heat-treated aluminium bars (manufacturer codes BAR-V036-L and BAR-V036-R), CFS-ADV frame clamps, 14 mm expanders with sleeve and conical nut. The manufacturer does not state the finish or the kit's weight, so we do not report them.

Compatibility

Barkbusters states this compatibility for motorcycles in original factory configuration. On aftermarket handlebars, the mounting must be checked before purchase.

Installation

The original internal bar end weight must be removed: this is essential for secure mounting. The manufacturer recommends spraying lubricant inside the handlebar, allowing it to act on the rubber insert, then pulling the outer bar end weight while rotating it, keeping it connected to the internal parts; considerable force may be required. For better lubrication, the throttle housing can be loosened and slid inward, while on the left side the edge of the grip can be lifted with a screwdriver, taking care not to let lubricant get between the grip and the bar.

Next, fit the clamp without tightening it, secure the bar at the end and to the clamp, preferably in a horizontal position when viewed from the side, and tighten in the specified order: end screw, bar screw, then the clamp screws. Stated torque values: 10 Nm for the M6 screws and 28 Nm for the M8 screws, using medium-strength threadlocker and checking again after the first 50 km. Once installation is complete, check the controls and the view in the mirrors, which must not be obstructed. Barkbusters recommends having the kit installed by a workshop.

What you will find in the package

• 1 left and 1 right aluminium bar
• 2 frame clamps with left and right half-shells
• 2 BEW35 handlebar weights, 2 14 mm expanders with sleeve and conical nut, 2 10 mm spacers
• Hardware: 2 M8x65 screws and 2 M8x20 countersunk screws, 2 M6x30 screws and 2 M6x20 button-head screws
• Official INS-BHG-036 instructions

What is NOT included

• Protective plastics. The kit is the structure only: the plastics must be purchased separately from those listed by the manufacturer.
• Lubricant, threadlocker and tools.

Plastics to pair with it

• JET-003: compact profile, for enduro and off-road use.
• VPS-003: two-position adjustable deflector, for touring. It is being discontinued and the catalogue lists VPS-203 as its replacement.
• STM-003, STORM series: more extensive coverage, for the colder months.
• BCF-003, CARBON series: made of carbon fibre.

Why choose Barkbusters

Barkbusters is an Australian brand owned by Rideworx Pty Ltd, specialising in motorcycle handguards. Each model-specific kit is designed around the geometry of a particular handlebar, with a published parts list and an installation PDF specifying the hardware, sequence and torque values. The structure and plastics remain separate: you can change the plastics series or colour without replacing the kit.

Why buy it from Endurrad

On Endurrad, every Barkbusters product page states the exact code, the years covered 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.