Barkbusters BHG-070 handguard mounting kit for Suzuki V-Strom 1000XT 2018-2019, tapered handlebar

The BHG-070 is the Barkbusters mounting kit designed for the 2018 and 2019 Suzuki V-Strom 1000XT (DL1000XT) with tapered handlebars. 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.

Key features

• Heat-treated aluminum bars, one right and one left.
• Two-point mounting: with an expander inside the handlebar end and on a multi-fit clamp, an adjustable clamp that adapts to the tube profile.
• Handlebar weights included: two Barkbusters BEW-35.
• Compatible with JET-003, VPS-003, STM-003, and BCF-003 plastics, sold separately.

Protection and use

Barkbusters clearly distinguishes between the two mounting configurations, and the two-point configuration, anchored both at the handlebar end and at its center, is the one the manufacturer specifies for impact protection. On the V-Strom 1000XT, an adventure touring bike with spoke wheels, this means keeping the levers safe from falls, stones, and branches.

Materials and construction

Heat-treated aluminum bars (manufacturer code BAR-V-030), MFC-L and MFC-R multi-fit clamps with CP8 connectors, 14 mm expanders with sleeve and tapered nut. The manufacturer does not state the finish or the kit's weight, so we do not report them.

Compatibility

Have another V-Strom? For V-Strom 1000 models with 22 mm handlebars through 2019, Barkbusters lists the BHG-046; for the V-Strom 1050 and 1050XT from 2020, the BHG-086; and for the 1050DE from 2023, the BHG-122.

Barkbusters states compatibility for motorcycles in original factory configuration. Mounting on aftermarket handlebars must be verified before purchase.

Installation

Remove the original bar end weight and any existing handguard. To remove the bar end weight, the manufacturer instructs you to unscrew its bolt by approximately three turns, tap the head lightly to release it, and pull out the assembly with an up-and-down motion. Then install the clamp without tightening it, align the reference marks, attach the bar at the end and to the connector in a horizontal position when viewed from the side, and tighten in the specified order: end bolt, bar bolt, clamp bolts, connector bolt.

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

What you will find in the package

• 2 aluminum bars, one right and one left
• 2 complete multi-fit clamps and 2 connectors
• 2 BEW-35 handlebar weights with expanders, sleeves, and tapered nuts
• 2 10 mm spacers
• Hardware: 2 M8x65 countersunk bolts, 2 M8x25 button-head bolts, 4 M6x20 bolts, 2 M6x30 bolts, and 2 M6 self-locking nuts
• Official INS-BHG-070 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.
• Threadlocker and tools.

Plastics to pair with it

• JET-003: compact profile, for off-road and mixed use.
• VPS-003: adjustable deflector with two positions, for touring. It is being phased out, and the catalog lists the VPS-203 as its replacement.
• STM-003, STORM series: more extensive coverage, for cold weather.
• BCF-003, CARBON series: made of carbon fiber.

Why choose Barkbusters

Barkbusters is an Australian brand owned by Rideworx Pty Ltd, specializing in motorcycle handguards. Each model-specific kit is designed around the geometry of a specific handlebar, with a published parts list and an installation PDF specifying the hardware, sequence, and torque settings. The structure and plastics remain separate: you can change the plastics series or color 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 for download before purchase. You can find the full range in the Barkbusters collection.