Pulled the trigger on R3 Storm GT yesterday...Not too impressed with dealer about options to add.

[StuNZ]

I opted to keep the existing bar ends, (they come with their own) and used an alternative mounting bracket from Amazon (see image) as I didn't like the looks of the bracket going over the top of each reservoir.

They do well for deflecting wind around the hands...sonsome warmth in cooler weather, but when it's cold, I just throw on my hippo hands and enjoy the heated grips!

The thing I like the most is not getting pelted with rocks and bugs in the hands. Hand a few good thwacks over the years and one broken finger from a passing logging truck pitching a rock.

I have Barkbusters on my adventure bike and have typically replaced the factory ones on various bikes I've owned in the past 10 years. I learnt from a Vstrom that fell over all by itself on my driveway ( I suspect combination of vibrations and the stamped pattern concrete) , I digress....Anyway the factory handguards did sweet FA in protecting the bike. I kid you not - that drop was a $4000 repair for the insurance co. I was going to wear the cost if it was under $1000. (I do have a copy of it kicking around somewhere) Anyway, that resulted in buying Barkbusters ever since and they have proven their worth several times. In saying that I don't really feel the R3 suits the look in my opinion, but i hear you about debris being thrown up by trucks etc.

 

[509GT]

100% agree with everything you said about barkbusters. On my 89' TransAlp they have been life savers. The Rocket is an odd creature in looks and performance. It's a hyper cruiser that looks retro and futuristic at the same time.

I bought mine after a lifetime of Superbikes, hyperlinks, road racing and other fun things as a retirement present of old-school fun. I don't need to go likeybhair is on fire, but I appreciate pure performance. The guards are that meh type mod, but one that works if that's what you want.

Still doing things to change bikes is half the funny making them uniquely ours isn't it?

 

[Kiwicol]

It's great to see so many Kiwi's in this thread.

 

[Tal]

I opted to keep the existing bar ends, (they come with their own) and used an alternative mounting bracket from Amazon (see image) as I didn't like the looks of the bracket going over the top of each reservoir.

They do well for deflecting wind around the hands...sonsome warmth in cooler weather, but when it's cold, I just throw on my hippo hands and enjoy the heated grips!

The thing I like the most is not getting pelted with rocks and bugs in the hands. Hand a few good thwacks over the years and one broken finger from a passing logging truck pitching a rock.

...ive used these exact brackets too....they work well..

 

[Mike188]

Welcome from South Australia.

 

[blackrocket]

Gidday from a new owner in NZ. Still to take delivery of it and looking at what items I want to put on the bike.

I wanted something that was going to give me abuzz every time I go fro a ride and also has the comfort factor for regular two up riding.

I think this will tick that box.

At this stage just the small rack on the rear has been selected.

it wasn't until I got home and decided that I should take the plunge and put the side panniers on to.

I wanted to check the hardware visual appearance when the bags aren't on.

Finally found a a couple of photos and the fitting hardware looks okay.

I'm not sure if the bags are any good hard to tell from a photo if the are well made or not. They are expensive for what they are.

I can't seem to find any decent alternatives with appropriate mounting hardware.

Givi has nothing on their web site.

Next item I discovered and no mention at all from the dealer on any of these I might add. There is a module for the connectivity also available . My immediate thought is why isn't it fitted as standard? Then of course I know the reason. Is it actually worth doing or is it a gimmick.

Is there something that I really should consider adding before I pick it up?

Looking forward to getting some rides in and hopefully meeting some new fellow riders.

Anyway , that's my kick off post and please to be here.

Stu

Congratulations - I'm sure you will enjoy. Not so sure about comfort for two up riding though.