The BHG-122 is the Barkbusters mounting kit designed for the Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE from 2023 onward and the V-Strom 800, 800RE and 800SE from 2024 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 also provides protection from wind, cold and rain.

Key features

• Heat-treated aluminum bars, right and left.
• Two-point mounting: with an M10 bolt at the handlebar end and a frame clamp secured to the tube.
• Handlebar weights included: two Barkbusters BEW35-10.
• 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 end and at the center of the handlebar, is the one the manufacturer specifies for impact protection. On the 1050DE and road-going V-Strom 800 models, which are touring bikes, this means levers protected from falls and hands shielded during rides.

Materials and construction

Heat-treated aluminum bars (manufacturer code BAR-V131.1), CFS-ADV frame clamps. The manufacturer does not state the finish or the kit's weight, so we do not report them.

Compatibility

Have another V-Strom? For the 800DE, Barkbusters specifies the BHG-114; for the V-Strom 1050 and 1050XT from 2020 onward, the BHG-086.

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

Installation

Remove the original handguards, if fitted, and the stock bar-end weights. On the V-Strom 800, the clutch mount may need to be moved to make room for the switchgear, and the brake master-cylinder clamp must be loosened to position the clamp half-shell. Install the clamp without tightening it, preassemble the M10 bolt, bar, bar-end weight and spacer, and hold them against the bar end, aligning the clamp with the bar. With the bar preferably horizontal when viewed from the side, tighten in the specified order: the M10 end bolt, the bar bolt, then the clamp bolts.

Specified torque values: 10 Nm for the M6 bolts and 28 Nm for the M8 bolts. The instructions do not state the torque for the M10 bolt: follow the sheet included in the package. Use medium-strength threadlocker and check everything after the first 50 km; once installation is complete, check the controls and the mirror field of view. Barkbusters recommends installation by a workshop.

What's in the box

• 2 aluminum bars, right and left
• 2 frame clamps with half-shells, left and right
• 2 BEW35-10 handlebar weights and 2 7 mm spacers
• Hardware: 2 M10x50 end bolts, 2 M8x20 countersunk-head bolts, 2 M6x30 bolts and 2 M6x20 button-head bolts
• Official INS-BHG-122 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 mixed use.
• VPS-003: two-position adjustable deflector 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 road use and colder months.
• BCF-003, CARBON series: made from carbon fiber.

Why choose Barkbusters

Barkbusters is an Australian brand owned by Rideworx Pty Ltd, specializing in motorcycle handguards. Each specific kit is designed around the geometry of a precise 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 color without replacing the kit.

Why buy it from Endurrad

At 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.