Cycra Probend CRM Handguard Review

Cycra has introduced redesigned handguards called the Probend Center Reach Mount (CRM). These aluminum guards have two new features that make them stand out compared to the older units. First is the mounting clamp. Cycra has designed the CNC machined 6061 billet aluminum bar length to allow for the clamps to move closer to the center of the handlebars. This means they attach squarely to the bar, not where the bar starts to bend or taper. The old system would rotate on hard impacts and then refused to budge when trying to straighten them by hand, requiring tools to readjust. The new clamp is a four-bolt system on each guard that is extremely rigid and secure. It has yet to move on us. The second feature is a special bend in the aluminum wrap-around that allows extra space for the brake and clutch cables. We used to wrap our cables in heavy tape in order to prevent rubbing through, but the new design eliminates the need.

Cycra offers clamps for 7/8” or 1-1/8” handlebars and the Powergrip alloy bar ends work with either size. Installation with the new clamps is much easier. The shields are replaceable in case of damage, and our experience shows the Cycra handguard plastics hold up well, only starting to break after we’d had them on a bike for about six months or so. Eight different colors mean you can match whatever design scheme your bike has going, and black sliders on the bar ends add extra glancing protection. The bar pack can be ordered separately for $80 without the mount kit.

I bolted on a set for a couple days of riding in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and it was a lifesaver. The forests are dense up north and I bounced off plenty of thick trees that could have caused bodily injury or damage to levers, but the wrap-around aluminum bars kept them at bay. The same goes for the plastic flag shields which pushed aside brake-grabbing brush, plus I didn’t have to worry about crash damage. Fingers and levers always had plenty of room and I never noticed them until they did their job. Next I switched them to our other Honda project bike and raced the Dick Jagow Memorial GP. The 90-minute mudder saw every inch of my front side covered in goop, but my hands stayed protected from the slinging roost.

I’ve always liked Cycra handguards, but the two points of contention were the mounting weakness and the constant rubbing on cables. With those items addressed, the new Probend CRM units give Cycra riders nothing to complain about. Now that they are so easy to install, extra secure and almost unnoticeable, these are going to see plenty of action on whatever bike I happen to be riding.

The Cycra Proframe CRM handguards are available at Motorcycle Superstore.
MSRP: $125