Riders who use the Honda X-ADV 750 or CRF1100L Africa Twin for mixed-terrain riding quickly learn that the hands are the first thing to suffer in cold or unpredictable conditions. Hand guards solve two separate problems at once: they block wind chill on early morning rides and cold-weather commutes, and they protect the levers and controls from damage when the bike encounters branches, rocks or a low-speed tip-over off-road. For machines designed to go anywhere, hand guards are a near-essential addition.
Wind Protection in Cold Weather
The handlebar area on a naked adventure bike is fully exposed to airflow at any speed above 30 km/h. At 90 km/h on a 10 degree morning, the effective wind chill on unprotected hands is enough to cause numbness within 20 minutes, even with mid-weight gloves. Hand guards deflect the worst of this airflow away from the palm and back of the hand, extending comfortable riding temperature by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius.
For riders who commute through autumn and spring without heated grips, hand guards significantly extend the season before cold-weather gloves become mandatory.
Impact Protection Off-Road
In off-road situations, the brake and clutch levers are among the most vulnerable components on the motorcycle. A fall or a contact with a branch can bend or snap a lever, potentially leaving you unable to brake properly or engage the clutch. Hand guards wrap around the outer end of the handlebar and absorb the first impact, protecting the lever behind them.
The outer shell of these guards is made from high-impact polymer that flexes rather than shatters on contact. The inner bar-end insert is aluminium, which provides the structural rigidity needed to hold the guard in position under load.
Compatibility
Designed for the Honda X-ADV 750 and Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin. The mounting system uses the handlebar end and a secondary bracket that clamps to the lower handlebar clamp. No cutting of existing components is required. The guards can be removed completely for road-only use and refitted for off-road trips.
Installation
- Remove the original bar ends.
- Slide the inner aluminium insert into the open handlebar end and tighten the expansion bolt.
- Attach the lower clamp bracket around the handlebar at the specified position.
- Secure the guard outer shell to both mounting points using the supplied bolts.
- Repeat on the other side.
Installation time: 30 minutes. Standard Allen key set required.
What Changes on the Ride
Riders who fit hand guards to their X-ADV consistently report the same two improvements: warmer hands in cold conditions and noticeably more confidence when riding on loose or technical terrain. The psychological benefit of knowing the levers are protected is real. You ride with slightly less tension in the hands and arms, which reduces fatigue on longer technical sections.
Get Them at TwinsMoto
We stock hand guards for the Honda X-ADV and CRF1100L Africa Twin with fast delivery across Europe. Free shipping on orders above 75 EUR. Browse all Honda X-ADV accessories or contact our team for advice on the right setup for your riding style.
