The BHG-128 is the Barkbusters mounting kit designed for the handlebars of the Moto Guzzi Stelvio from 2024 onwards. 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 rain.

Main features

• One left and one right heat-treated aluminium bar.
• Two-point mounting: on a threaded insert at the end of the handlebar and on a split-shell clamp tightened around the tube.
• Handlebar weights included: two Barkbusters BEW-35.
• Compatible with JET-003, VPS-003, STM-003 and BCF-003 plastics, sold separately.
• Official instructions with an illustrated parts list and tightening torques.

Protection and use

Barkbusters clearly distinguishes between the two mounting configurations, and the two-point setup, anchored both at the end and at the centre of the handlebar, is the one the manufacturer recommends for impact protection. On the Stelvio, Mandello's adventure touring motorcycle, this means protecting the levers from falls, stones and branches and, with VPS or STORM plastics, keeping your hands protected during transfers.

Materials and construction

Heat-treated aluminium bars (manufacturer code BAR-V-034), CS-STD split-shell clamps with CP5 connector and spacer, and BESF4 threaded inserts. The manufacturer does not state the finish or the kit's weight, so we do not report them.

Compatibility

The kit is for the current Stelvio, not the Stelvio 1200 from previous generations. Barkbusters states that compatibility applies to motorcycles in original factory configuration.

Installation

Remove the original handguards, if fitted, and the standard bar-end weights. Fit the clamp and connector without tightening them, attach the bar at the end and then to the connector with its spacer, preferably in a horizontal position when viewed from the side. Tighten in the specified order: end bolt, bar bolt, bolt securing the connector between the split shells, and bolt closing the clamp around the tube.

Warning: the manufacturer warns that the bracket supporting the brake master cylinder reservoir may need to be bent slightly to provide clearance for the split shells. This workshop intervention should be assessed before installation.

Specified torques: 10 Nm for the M6 bolts and 28 Nm for the M8 bolts, using medium-strength threadlocker and checking after the first 50 km. Leave approximately 3 mm of clearance between the throttle grip and handguard. Barkbusters recommends installation by a workshop.

What you will find in the package

• 1 left and 1 right aluminium bar
• 4 split shells, 2 connectors and 2 spacers for the clamps
• 2 threaded inserts and 2 BEW-35 bar-end weights
• Hardware: 2 M8x45 countersunk screws, 2 M8x45 button-head screws, 2 M6x30 screws, 2 M6x25 screws and 4 M6 self-locking nuts
• Official INS-BHG-128 instructions

What is NOT included

• Protective plastics. The kit is the structure only: the plastics must be purchased separately from those specified by the manufacturer.
• Threadlocker and tools.

Plastics to pair with it

• JET-003: compact profile, for off-road and mixed use.
• VPS-003: two-position adjustable deflector, for touring. It is being phased out, 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 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 tightening torques. 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.