Tiger 800 900 Rally Pro Tank Protection Bars

Discussion in 'Tiger / Explorer' started by darata, Oct 6, 2020.

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  1. darata

    darata New Member

    Oct 6, 2020
    3
    3
    Bend, OR
    I recently purchase a 900 Rally Pro and added the upper tank protection bars. In a very slow speed "drop" in deep sand, the bars bent, denting the tank, breaking the right handguard and the pass/dimmer switch block. Needless to say, I'm a bit discouraged by the fragility of the bike in such a minor event. I don't mind the hand guard or switch block so much, but the dented tank is very discouraging. Has anyone had similar experience with weak factory "crash" bars on the 900?
     
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  2. Chakri Velvadapu

    Chakri Velvadapu New Member

    Nov 9, 2020
    18
    3
    Richmond, VA, USA

    I just picked up my Tiger 900 GT Pro over the weekend. I was planning on installing top and bottom crash bars, mainly to protect the tank. It's disappointing to know that the factory crash bars are weak. How did your repair work go? Has your opinion changed on crash bars now that it's been a month since the drop? Looking forward to hear your thoughts on crash bars.
     
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  3. Ricardodaforce

    Ricardodaforce Active Member

    Oct 30, 2020
    131
    33
    Cardiff
    2 days ago I had a very low speed (no more than 10mph) accident. The front wheel went on black ice and I went down instantly. It hurt so bad I went to hospital, and yes I have cracked ribs.
    Like you, I have upper and lower bars fitted, and like you I now have a dented tank.
     
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  4. darata

    darata New Member

    Oct 6, 2020
    3
    3
    Bend, OR
    Triumph was no help at all when I e-mailed them. I received a "blow off" e-mail stating that they have received no reports in regard to questionable metallurgy. Sooooo, Over $1000.00 and three months later, I'm still waiting for a seat panel. This after the many hundreds of dollars spent on aftermarket parts that are supposed to protect against this very thing! This is my first Triumph and likely last. It's not that I don't feel the bike is amazing, I definitely do. The manufacture support is s**t and I really don't want to support a company that manufactures and advertises parts that do not do their intended job and could not care less.
     
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  5. darata

    darata New Member

    Oct 6, 2020
    3
    3
    Bend, OR
    When I finish putting the bike back together, I'm considering leaving the upper bars off since they don't do anything except make the bike a bit wider and only look the part Maybe if I need a footrest...
     
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  6. Sprinter1050uk

    May 4, 2017
    57
    18
    Mansfield, Notts
    Not sure where you are based as I saw a $ sign in one thread but in the UK I would consider looking at the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and mentioning that in any correspondence. I am not a Solicitor but if they were factory fitted and cause damage they are “ not fit for purpose “ which is part of this legislation.
     
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  7. SaltineJenkins

    SaltineJenkins New Member

    Jan 22, 2021
    3
    3
    san francisco
    Hey Y'all. Here for the same reason, for fear that my upper crash bars are in fact counter-intuitive. I however have Touratech uppers. The one time i crashed. The upper bars pivoted in towards the gas tank, no damage, but certainly does not inspire confidence. I was thinking about installing a lock washer to avoid having the bars pivots on impact. Thoughts? Has anyone had any luck with other crash bars, it would be great to have something we could all just trust! Outback Motorek? Hepco And Becker ? Also does anyone have photos of the damage from the crash, i'm curious to look at how and why tanks were damaged. Is it because the stockers come up higher on the tank ? Refer to images touratech uppers vs stock uppers,

    IMG_3131.jpeg

    59EF2AF9-86FD-4C06-A932-C772E7074BC8-3576-00000198243ADF18_tmp.jpg

    IMG_3642.jpeg
     
  8. nikopm

    nikopm New Member

    May 1, 2021
    1
    3
    California, USA
    ive ordered the outback motortek - I can let you know once they're installed
     
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  9. TooTall

    TooTall New Member

    Oct 16, 2020
    8
    3
    Belgium
    If you look at the upper crashbars from Touratech, OEM Triumph, the original H&B V1's, they all feature;

    -One high attachment point (they join under the "beak") (X)
    -One low attachment point (usually clamped onto the lower OEM guards or 1 hardpoint at most) (Y)
    -A "triangle" of protection in the middle with a point right next to the pointy corner of the gastank (<=>)

    So like this;

    X-----<=>-----Y

    When a force is applied to any area of the "triangle", with only two attachment points at either end, it is going to pivot most likely. Hopefully in most cases the force will be just low enough that the triangle bends inwards a bit, but doesn't hit the tank. If the force is high enough, triangle pivots more, and as it happens with most of these style of bars they go up all the way to the part of the tank that is the widest.

    When I read about the issues with the OEM uppers I originally ordered the H&B V1 style bars. I quickly realised they have the same flaws. 1. Only two attachment points and 2. the triangle is right next to the widest part of the tank. When H&B released their "solid" version of their crashbars (those have a crossbar in front of the radiator) I decided to return my uninstalled V1's and get the Outback Motortek ones. I installed those this week and I can really recommend them. They feel way stronger compared to OEM or H&B, they don't mount only on 2 points, they don't sit right at the widest part of the tank but below, and they have a crossbar in front of the radiator.

    Ofcourse there are also posts of bikes with Outback bars that have tank damage...in one case the bike slid, then dug in and rolled...no bar is going to protect from that. Crashes have lots of variables, but in my personal opinion this is the best protection:

    1. Ride conservatively within your limits
    2. Keep your eyes open
    3. Outback Motortek bars
    4. Barkbuster handguards.

    I don't get crashbars to protect me from a massive accident at speed. I get crashbars to prevent doing massive damage when accidentally dropping the bike in my garage or on the driveway, or when maneuvering at very low speed like when I'm getting gas. And I think Outback+Barkbuster give me the best chance of avoiding damaging the bike in that case.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
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  10. The Black Lancer

    The Black Lancer New Member

    Apr 15, 2021
    8
    3
    Dorset
    The same has happened to me. Low speed (10mph) drop on the left side, in a soft muddy rut. The tank bars have absorbed the impact (although my broken tib and fib would say otherwise). The bar has compressed towards the tank and scratched it. In these circumstances on soft ground, I would say they are not fit for purpose. Triumph website states;

    "Satin polished fuel tank protection bars made from stainless steel give added protection and functionality as they fit in conjunction with lower engine protection bars and also house the auxiliary LED lamp kit if fitted. These are a must-have accessory for the serious adventure rider looking for that increased level of protection."

    Question is, should I contact Triumph and ask them if there is anything to be done about and how do I go about it? Register a complaint based on a misleading sales pitch, or complain about them being weak. In this case with a scratch on the tank, they haven't done the job. Any advice welcome. I need something to do while I'm laid up!
     
  11. Radrek

    Radrek New Member

    Jun 1, 2021
    0
    1
    UK
     
  12. Radrek

    Radrek New Member

    Jun 1, 2021
    0
    1
    UK
    Hi all, new to forum. Recently had a low speed drop with my 900 GT, hepco & becker tank bars fitted. They bent and some damage to side panel , but main concern is that the front subframe under the beak where the bars are bolted has cracked through on one side. I am interested in contact with anyone who has had similar damage with H&B, Touratech or OEM as all use this mounting. I would also urge anyone who has had even a minor spill to check this part for damage. Photo attached.

    5DAD14C7-1461-4EFD-B39B-DE2C36BB1906.jpeg
     
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  13. The Black Lancer

    The Black Lancer New Member

    Apr 15, 2021
    8
    3
    Dorset
    UPDATE: My dealer looked at the issue and sent it all off to Triumph - no deal! Apparently, the bars are working within tolerances. His advice was to raise a complaint to Triumph after-sales and see what they say. This is based on his experience whereby a complaint will have more weight attached to it than a request. I've emailed a letter of complaint, listed the advertising blurb of the upper bars 'advanced protection' (my arse) and also the consumer rights act. I'll let you know what the outcome is, if I get nowhere, it'll leave a sour taste in my mouth, but I'm expecting sod all so it wont be a surprise.
     
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  14. Ricardodaforce

    Ricardodaforce Active Member

    Oct 30, 2020
    131
    33
    Cardiff

    I got nowhere doing that. Consumer rights is something you use against the retailer, not the manufacturer.
     
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  15. darata

    darata New Member

    Oct 6, 2020
    3
    3
    Bend, OR
    I’m pulling off the Triumph POS bars and thinking about installing the Outback Motortek variants. I’ve already spent over $1000 on repairs and that’s on top of the cost for Triumph’s stupidly designed tank damaging upper bars and fog light relocation kit. I’ve got such a sour taste from this entire experience, I’m considering selling the bike and going to a light weight dual sport.
     
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  16. The Black Lancer

    The Black Lancer New Member

    Apr 15, 2021
    8
    3
    Dorset
    Its a shame - Triumph is very quiet on the matter. I've sent my email/letter twice with no reply. It's ironic that I may have to send a letter of complaint because nobody answered my letter of complaint...

    In update though Darren in Christchurch Triumph got back to me as I CC'd him into the emails to Triumph After sales and he said that its pretty rude of them not to answer and to bring the bike in and he will see what he can do to help - top man.
     
  17. darata

    darata New Member

    Oct 6, 2020
    3
    3
    Bend, OR
    Below is the response from Triumph. I'm done with them. I was really hoping for an enjoyable experience with the 900 Rally Pro, but que sera sera.

    Hello-

    I am on my third attempt at seeking resolution for a misrepresented part. I am going to attempt to ask one more time for my request to be elevated to management before seeking council as I am incredibly disheartened by Triumph's lack of attentiveness. Twice I have inquired respectfully and have been met with what I would consider a less than cordial response. The following was the most recent response:

    Dear ,

    A member of our staff has responded to your request
    Subject: (Tiger 900 Rally Pro upper engine bar caused damage).

    Our response:
    Hey Dave,
    I am sorry to hear of the unfortunate incident and I greatly apologize for any inconvenience.

    I have not personally heard of any issues with these before. The bars are stress tested for falls against asphalt then inspected for metal fatigue.

    You can check any safety recalls from our consumer website at:

    https://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/owners/recalls

    Please let me know how I can be of any further assistance.

    Please see the following post regarding the multiple failures of the upper bars. This is just one of many different forum posts. I understand that not all posts are focused on just the Triumph bars, but there is more than enough proof to raise suspicion. Please no longer ignore what is an obvious problem. I will continue to pursue whatever path is necessary in order to seek resolution. Please reread my original request. I am only asking for a refund for parts purchased which 100% did not perform as advertised and have multiple other customers willing to come forward to share their similar experiences. And, I am more than happy to return the parts as they have been removed from the motorcycle.

    Dave,
    Triumph takes each negative experience and consumer complaint such as yours seriously. This data is compiled and analyzed to determine larger issues that could be addressed in the form of a service bulletin or safety recall. As of today neither a service bulletin or safety recall have been issued with regards to your accessory tank protection bars.

    Triumphs products are tested and engineered with the highest quality in mind but in any tip over situation there are variables that can not be duplicated or planned for.
     
  18. The Black Lancer

    The Black Lancer New Member

    Apr 15, 2021
    8
    3
    Dorset
    Thansk for the update, sorry you arent getting anywhere. Im forwarding my forwarded emails once a week to the aftersales team at Triumph, who do go to at a higher level? The issue clearly isnt getting through - perhaps MCN or Ride Mag could help...
     
  19. Matt Talbott

    Matt Talbott New Member

    Feb 23, 2021
    2
    3
    Los Angeles
    Will the Outback Motortek Bars protect the tank if bike falls in garage ect? Looks like they do not come up close to the tank.
     
  20. The Black Lancer

    The Black Lancer New Member

    Apr 15, 2021
    8
    3
    Dorset
    Update. Triumph replied after 4 forwarded emails. Same answer from the technical dept - all testing has been positive blah blah. Carl from Triumph UK has assisted after I explained the problem and he and Darren at Christchurch Triumph have sorted it. The bar had moved with no damage and pressed the back of the foglight against the plastic fairing. So bars have been moved to symmetry again and the panel replaced under warranty. Took a while but very happy with the outcome. Darren at Christchurch has been a star!
     
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