Sunday, 24 January 2016

CBF Handguards


I recently thought about fitting a pair of handguards to my CBF250. It seems a good idea for a bike that is used through the winter to keep the wind and rain off my hands.

I got a pair on eBay. These were fairly cheap "universal" guards so I did expect to have to do a bit of mods to get them to fit but as it turned out they were pretty much a straight bolt-on.

The handguards
Fitting kit (not all parts were needed)
Comprehensive fitting instructions!
On the bike




They're CE (Conformité Européene) marked. I don't know if there are any EU directives on motorcycle handguards but if there are they meet them!


***UPDATE*** 

Following Tom's questions (in comments) I've added some more photos.

The bolts I used are not threaded full length. They need at least 15mm of thread.

"Hex head" is wrong. They are socket head or Allen screws. I get my bolts from Tek Hardware. They do a wide variety of fasteners in stainless steel, small quantities at a good price. You could also use crosshead screws.
 
The "small plate" is attached between the inner part of the handguard and the supplied plate from the mirror mount. It moves the inner part of the handguard out about 20mm to clear the throttle cables. Alternatively you could cut away some of the handguard but I though that this might weaken it.

Hope this has been helpful. 
 
Posted by at

9 comments:

  1. Anonymous14 February 2016 at 22:53

    Hi. I have just purchased a CBF250 and I think your blog is wonderful. I will spend the next few days studying all your wise words. Anyway, handguards are a must for me, and I would like to copy you. Were they this type: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal-7-8-Motorcycle-Motocross-Black-Handguards-Hand-Guards-Motorbike-/171815080429?hash=item2800fa11ed:g:NwoAAOSwstxVER5g

    Thanks, Les

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. fj_stuart15 February 2016 at 08:20

      Thanks Les, I'm glad you like my blog. I just post things I find interesting and hope others do as well. There are a few posts about work I've done on the CBF I hope you'll find useful.

      Yes these are the handguards. There are a couple of issues with fitting them to the CBF

      1. The kit comes with replacement bar ends but you can't use them because the CBF's bars are plugged and threaded for its bar ends. I just fitted the guards to them but you'll need two M6x50 hex head bolts.

      2. The right hand guard will hit the throttle cables. I used a small plate to extend the bracket.

      Delete
  2. Anonymous21 February 2016 at 02:23

    OK, I have got the bike and fitted the handguards - easy. I found the bike a bit uncomfortable at first due to leaning forward so much, and I have rotated the handlebars towards me to see if this helps. I may have to fit bar raisers. I have found a lot of buffeting >50mph, and I notice you fitted a screen - which one? There also seems to be some rotational play in the rear sprocket and I wonder if I need to replace the cush drive rubbers. How much rotational play is normal? Les

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. fj_stuart21 February 2016 at 03:09

      Les,

      The screen was on the bike when I bought it. It's marked F Fabbri. I find the CBF pretty comfortable and have done a few "all day" rides on it. At its usual cruising speed of 60-65 mph I don't notice much turbulence.

      There is something funny with the CBF's cush drive. Mine had movement so I replaced the rubbers - and there was still movement. I glued aluminium pads (about 3mm thick cut from a road sign) onto the vanes of the hub to take out this movement.

      Delete
  3. Anonymous21 February 2016 at 05:24

    Thanks for your swift reply. My last bike was a CB250 Nighthawk in which I sat a bit lower, and I think that is why the CBF250 buffeting is feeling worse. Thanks for the info on the screen, and the cush drive (which I will fix when I get a new rear tyre in a couple of months). I will continue to tap into your wisdom, but is this the best blog page, or do you have a maintenance page? I won't be doing the valve clearances myself since I don't have the facilities, but I will be doing everything else. The owner's handbook shows oil + filter changes every 4000 miles, but I am thinking every 3000 will be better, although I guess the oil cooler will extend the oil life. Les

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. fj_stuart21 February 2016 at 05:57

      Les,

      I intended the blog to be mostly about bike riding rather than mechanics (but I do include some of that) so this is it. Feel free to ask me for advice. My handbook says oil change & filter at 8,000 miles - but that seems a lot. I change the oil at 4,000 mls and filter at 8,000 mls. I use Halfords fully synthetic.

      Delete
  4. Commuter6 January 2017 at 07:04

    Hello,
    I've just bought a CBF 250 and would like to put some handguards on for winter riding. The ones you have seem just the ticket and I'll probably get those. I am, however, not terribly practical. I wonder if you'd be willing to clarify one or two things for me?
    Firstly, M6 x 50 hex head bolts. Are these fully threaded? Are they just called 'hex head' or are they also called button or flanged or anything else?
    Secondly, extending the right hand bracket. I'm unclear as to what you mean exactly. Does the 'small plate' you used fit onto the bar end like a type of washer, effectively extending the length of the bar and keeping the handguard further out from the centre of the bar? If not, what? If so, how thick was your plate/washer? Did you buy it or make it yourself?
    Sorry if I sound a bit thick but I'd like to fit them myself if possible, as I already have to shell out for maintenance etc. and money's tight. So, if you could help I'd be grateful.
    Thanks very much,
    Tom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. fj_stuart6 January 2017 at 07:57

      See posting for further info.

      Delete
    2. Commuter12 January 2017 at 13:45

      Hello Stuart,
      I missed your response, initially.
      Thanks for the helpful update.
      I'll let you know how my ten thumbs manage it all.
      Cheers,
      Tom

      Delete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)