MSR Hawkins Handguards

On the advice of Nobrakes, I purchased the MSR Hawkins Handguards for my bike. I got them from MonkeyButt Parts (Black - 7/8" Standard P/N 34-0735 $89.99)

Note where I drew the red arrow.  This piece extends from the handlebar clamp to the main aluminum guard.  I found that length of this piece is too short and you end up forcing the guard to "bend over" to it. This puts undue stress in the system that's just waiting to pop.

Additionally, this ended up with the guard riding right on top of the banjo bolt for the front brake master cylinder.  This bothers me because I need to remove or reposition the hand guard if I want to fiddle with the front brake line. (I discovered this when I replaced the stock brake line with a Bill Blue stainless steel line).

Another problem with this riding to close is that since I replaced the front brake lever with an ASV lever, the brake light function was lost. I got a K&S pressure switch but had not yet installed it due to this issue.

A couple of rides ago, a crash ended up ripping the bolt right out of the extension piece and also tore off the plastic guard. Now I have to fix it.

I got some stock 5/8" x 5/8" square rod and cut, drilled, tapped and milled it (the original piece is 1/2" x 5/8", so I milled off a bit off the top and bottom where is mated with the handlebar clamp). I also made it long enough so that it will have clearance around the K&S brake light switch and take the stress out of the mounting.

Although it looks like it in this photo, the wires from the switch aren't touching the guard.

No, it's not leaking brake fluid. That's just some left over fluid after bleeding the brakes that has collected some trail dust.

I also replaced the self tapping screws which mount the plastic guard with small bolts. I drilled out the holes and tapped in threads. I think that they will hold better.

I only have redone the right side so far. I guess I'll need wipeout on the left side to prompt me to take care of that side.