The BHG-146 is the Barkbusters mounting frame designed around the handlebar geometry of the new KTM 390 family: 390 Adventure R, 390 Adventure X, 390 Enduro R and 390 SMC R, all from 2025 onward. It is a two-point mounting kit: the aluminum bar anchors to the handlebar end and to a clamp on the straight section, forming a continuous loop around the hand. On these bikes - which are destined for dirt by design, not by accident - it can mean the difference between a harmless fall and a lever that needs replacing.

One thing to know before ordering: the protective plastics are not included. Barkbusters sells the frame and plastics separately, and the frame remains the same even if you change the type of protection over the years.

Key features

• Two-point mounting: the configuration the manufacturer specifies for impact protection. The single-point setup is specified only for wind and weather protection.
• Heat-treated aluminum bar: the treatment increases the material's strength without adding weight to the structure.
• Four KTM models covered by a single code because they share the same handlebar.
• Natural aluminum finish, unpainted.
• Four compatible plastic series: JET, VPS, STORM and CARBON, interchangeable on the same frame.
• Made in Australia by Rideworx Pty Ltd, which has been designing handguards since 1984.

Protection and use

The wraparound frame protects the brake lever, clutch lever and switchgear from branches, gravel and contact with the ground, absorbing the impact instead of transferring it to the lever. The plastics determine the rest: JET plastics are compact and lightweight, suitable for enduro; VPS plastics have an adjustable deflector with two positions that can be removed in a few minutes; STORM plastics provide greater coverage and are the choice for riders who also travel in winter; CARBON plastics are made of carbon fiber.

On the 390 Enduro R and 390 SMC R, compact protection makes sense so it does not get in the way on tight, technical sections. On the 390 Adventure R and Adventure X, which are also used for touring, the greater coverage pays off on cold days.

Materials and construction

Heat-treated aluminum bar, dedicated clamps and hardware. The manufacturer does not provide weight and dimensions numerically, and we do not estimate them. Handlebar weights are not listed in the official parts list for this code: Barkbusters explicitly specifies them on some other kits, but not here, so we do not consider them included.

Compatibility

If you have a KTM 390, check the year

Barkbusters compatibility applies to motorcycles in original factory configuration. An aftermarket handlebar changes the diameter and thicknesses, so the mounting must be checked before purchase. Contact us with the model and year and we will check it with you.

Installation

1. Make sure you have a 390 Adventure R or X, Enduro R or SMC R from 2025 onward, with the original handlebar.
2. Clear the handlebar ends of anything fitted as standard.
3. Fit the clamp to the straight section of the handlebar, in front of the controls, without fully tightening it.
4. Attach the aluminum bar to the handlebar end and the clamp, then position it.
5. Fit the plastics you have chosen, align them and tighten everything.
6. Check the throttle, front brake, clutch and free steering from lock to lock, then check the tightness again after the first 50 km.

The tightening torques and complete installation sequence are provided in the official Barkbusters instructions supplied with the kit and attached to this product page.

What you will find in the box

• Two heat-treated aluminum bars, natural finish
• Clamps shaped for the 390 family handlebar
• Complete hardware
• Installation instructions INS-BHG-146-NP

What is NOT included

The protective plastics, which must be ordered separately: JET-003, VPS-203, STORM STM-003 or CARBON BCF-003. EGO plastics are not compatible with this frame. Handlebar weights are not listed in the official parts list.

Why choose Barkbusters

Barkbusters is a brand of Rideworx Pty Ltd, an Australian company that has been producing handguards since 1984, founded in enduro and built around motorcycles that are made to fall as part of their job. The range is based on a simple principle: a frame designed for the specific motorcycle, with interchangeable plastics chosen according to how you use it. You make the major investment only once.

Why buy it from Endurrad

At Endurrad you will find the Barkbusters range with compatibility verified against the manufacturer's official documentation, code by code, and anything the manufacturer does not specify is stated as such instead of being filled in on the product page. Free shipping in Italy on orders over €100, returns within 14 days, 1-year warranty. See also the accessories for the KTM 390 Adventure.