That's one of the reasons I went for the SW Moto guards as the cross bar is positioned near the top of the rad.
Buy a bike with style and then adorn it with these contraptions. Personally I'd rather have a scratched side panel than have these things all over them
I agree with you. I can’t say I like them but they came on the bike and I’m kind of getting used to them. The real point is that I don’t think they’d protect much anyway in an off. Personally I’d rather not have a scratched side panel at all.
They are the OE supplied Touratech bars, supplied and fitted by Ducati, so no, not modified by me. As an aside, I stalled my bike outside Ducati Coventry, having to lay it down. Only damage was a slight scuff to the crash bars, mirror and a broken indicator guard. Certainly saved any damage to that no doubt expensive, aluminium side panel?
Thanks @nsm3, I've done a bit more digging. I don't recall it looking like that on the sales photos. I did find this thread from GunZenBomz though, that clearly shows the tube is flattened: https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/install-enduro-pack.48060/#post-849509 I agree with the comment earlier in the thread that the rear mudguard extender in some of those pictures is now incorrectly fitted. It has a couple of triangular bits on the sides that slot into grooves on the main mudguard. It looks like it has been pulled out of the slots, so would be worth unscrewing it and refitting correctly. I warn you though, it can be a b@st@rd to do, trying to get the hose to stay in the right place.
Having done it at the weekend, I’d say that extender would be easier to fit with the front wheel out. You might think that’s more trouble than it’s worth and I wouldn’t blame you. If you need me to take any pictures of mine just let me know. The Allen screws are obstructed by the brake hose, so a long extension makes life a little easier.
Having just done my extender I agree it's a pain in the arse (I was a bit cross the dealer didn't just fit it originally). I ended up lying on the floor!
I happened to find this Ducati document today. It was a service advisory on incorrect installation of the mudguard extension. While it's not necessarily relevant to the crash-guard problem, it does show very clearly how the extension should be installed.
