GIVI TN3101 Crash Bars Review: Suzuki V-Strom 650XT
The GIVI TN3101 crash bars are a strong, well-fitting and relatively affordable protection option for the Suzuki V-Strom 650 and 650XT. Installation is straightforward once the factory mounting bolts are removed, and they work with the B&B Off Road bash plate fitted to my 2020 V-Strom 650XT.
Why I fitted crash bars to the V-Strom 650 Crash bars were always going to be part of my 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT build. The bike is gradually being set up as a practical, affordable touring and adventure bike for Australian day rides, longer road trips, gravel and forestry roads, and eventually overnight camping. I am not trying to turn it into a hardcore enduro bike. I just want enough protection that I am comfortable taking it away from the bitumen. After fitting the bash plate to protect the exposed oil filter, exhaust header and underside of the engine, the next obvious addition was protection higher up. For that, I fitted a set of GIVI TN3101 engine guards supplied by Ridge Living Australia. For the riding I have planned, crash bars are less about preparing for a major crash and more about limiting damage from the sort of low-speed drop that can happen on gravel, forestry tracks or simply manoeuvring a heavily loaded bike. The V-Strom 650XT is a relatively heavy adventure tourer. Once luggage starts going onto it, I would much rather have the crash bars make first contact with the ground than the bodywork or other more expensive parts of the bike. The GIVI TN3101 appealed because it is a well-established design, relatively affordable compared with some alternatives and doesn't overwhelm the bike visually. 🎥 Watch the full installation: GIVI TN3101 Crash Bars Install on Suzuki V-Strom 650XT Fit & Review First impressions of the GIVI TN3101 Ridge Living Australiawere friendly and easy to deal with, shipping was quick and the bars arrived extremely well protected. The first thing that struck me when I unpacked them was just how substantial they felt. The bars were heavily shrink-wrapped for transport and arrived without any damage to the finish. The welds looked good, the coating was consistent and all the required mounting hardware was included. Once fitted, they feel even more substantial. There is virtually no movement when you grab the bars and try to move them. They feel more like a small 4WD bull bar than something simply bolted…