The BHG-102 is the Barkbusters mounting kit designed for the handlebars of the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer and Rally Explorer from 2022 and the Tiger 1200 GT, GT Pro and Rally Pro from 2023. It is the framework onto which Barkbusters plastics are mounted: on its own, it protects levers and hands from impacts; with the plastics, it also provides shelter from wind, cold and branches.

Key features

• Heat-treated aluminum bars, one right and one left.
• Two-point mounting: at the handlebar end and on a split clamp that replaces the original handguard bracket.
• Accepts the JET-003, VPS-003, STM-003 and BCF-003 plastics, sold separately.
• End inserts included.
• Official instructions with illustrated parts list, torque specifications and notes on the original bracket.

Protection and use

Barkbusters clearly distinguishes between the two mounting configurations, and the two-point setup, anchored both at the end and at the center of the handlebar, is the one the manufacturer specifies for impact protection. On the Tiger 1200 Explorer models, designed for long trips including on unpaved roads, this means keeping the brake and clutch levers protected from falls, stones and branches.

Materials and construction

Heat-treated aluminum bars (manufacturer code BAR-V-056), CS-01 split clamps with CP4 connector. The manufacturer does not state the finish or the kit weight, so we do not report them.

Compatibility

Have another Tiger 1200? Each generation has its own code:

• GT, GT Pro and Rally Pro from 2022: BHG-101
• Tiger 1200 Explorer from 2018: BHG-071
• Tiger 1200 Explorer up to 2017: BHG-059

The manufacturer specifies that fitment tests are carried out on standard motorcycles, with the original handlebar and windshield in the factory position. With aftermarket or repositioned components, fitment must be verified before purchase.

Installation

Remove the original handguards and, if present, the stock bar-end weights. The original handguard bracket mounted under the mirror must also be removed: the space it leaves is filled with the kit spacers. Removing it exposes wiring on the clutch side, which the manufacturer says can be removed for aesthetic reasons. Then install the clamp without tightening it, observing the orientation of the machined rings, attach the bar to the end and connector, and position it horizontally when viewed from the side. Tighten in the specified order: end bolt, bar bolt, then the two clamp bolts. Specified torques: 10 Nm for the M6 bolts and 28 Nm for the M8 bolts, using medium-strength threadlocker and checking tightness after the first 50 km.

• End threading: the kit mounts in the 6 mm handlebar hole using the included M6 bolts. For greater holding strength, the manufacturer recommends enlarging it to 8 mm; the M8 bolts are not included in that case.
• Throttle: leave approximately 3 mm of clearance between the throttle grip and the handguard.

Barkbusters recommends installation by a workshop.

What you will find in the package

• 2 aluminum bars, one right and one left
• 2 pairs of split shells and 2 connectors for the clamps
• 2 spacers for the original bracket space
• 2 bar-end inserts (code BEW35) and 4 M6 washers
• Hardware: 2 M6x35 countersunk-head bolts, 2 M8x25 button-head bolts, 2 M6x30 bolts, 2 M6x25 bolts and 4 M6 self-locking nuts
• Official INS-BHG-102 instructions

What is NOT included

• Protective plastics. The kit is the framework only: the plastics must be purchased separately from those specified by the manufacturer for this code.
• The M8 bolts for those who choose to enlarge the threading, threadlocker and tools.

Plastics to pair with it

• JET-003: compact profile, for enduro and mixed use.
• VPS-003: adjustable deflector with two positions, for adventure and touring. It is being discontinued, and the price list indicates the VPS-203 as its replacement.
• STM-003, STORM series: more extensive coverage, for road use and colder months.
• 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 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 settings. The framework 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 complete range in the Barkbusters collection.