How to Install Acerbis Handguards with LED Turn Signals
I bought the parts quite a while ago, but have been putting this project off for some time. Maybe it was the thought of soldering… or the fact that I’d most likely be cutting into my stock wiring. It’s so permanent…you know. No matter…it’s done now. But I have to say… i’m very happy with the results. The Acerbis (it’s pronounced, uh chair’ bees) Dual Road Handguards have a clean look and match the style that I wanted for my naked supermoto style bike. The new handguards really cleaned up the lines and are very tight and tidy.
The Ducati Hypermotard 1100s has turn signals that are built into the stock handguards. There are no lights precariously dangling off the front forks or handlebar. The Acerbis Road Guards have LED lights built in and it turns out are very easy to install. The following installation steps are for a Ducati Hypermotard, but installation for most any bike would be similar.
Acerbis Dual Road handguards are available in Black or White. I like the look of the black model. By the way, choosing the black or white model only affects the center section where protection is provided. The extended wind and rain guard portion that you’ll get with either black or white models is made of smoke grey plastic and is a much thinner and lighter piece. The LED lights are bright white set in the center strip. Make sure to follow your local regulations for street legal turn signals.
Project Specifics
| Project Bike: | Ducati Hypermotard 1100s |
| Tools: | 4mm allen wrench, phillips screwdriver, electrical tape, soldering iron. |
| Parts List: | Dual Road Handguard: 2140450001-black ($135.00)Optional LED Strip (pair): 2140469999 ($29.95) |
| Other: | Some bikes require a mount kit. Make sure to check http://acerbis.com for fitment parts as needed |
The stock Ducati Hypermotard mirrors have bar-end mount that fold out when in use. In photos, you typically see them folded in, out of the way. But when folded out in the riding position, becomes very wide. For me… they had to go. When you see my bike with the Acerbis handguards installed, I think you’ll agree that I made the right decision to choose the Dual Roads.
Installation requires removing the stock handguards and lights.
A few screws, a couple of bolts and voila! Ready to go. The turn signals require some wiring which for me include cutting off the stock lights at the wires. Make sure to leave the wires as long as possible. The Ducati has push in wires for each turn signal under the front cowl. I’m leaving the existing wires in place (after cutting off the turn signal lights) and splicing them to the Acerbis LED light strips. I simply strip, twist, solder, and tape. Make sure to test everything before assembly to ensure it is wired correctly. Also, make sure to leave enough slack in the wire to allow for maintenance and servicing. If the wiring is too short, it can make it impossible to mount to the bar ends later. Too long can easily be resolved by using a couple of plastic pull ties to hold the excess wire tidy.
It is a good time to clean all of your stock parts after disassembly and before reassembly. A Sharpie Permanent Marker touched up a couple of nicks in the black paint on my handlebars. I also ‘painted’ the sides of the Acerbis mounting bolts that secure the handguards to the bar ends. There won’t be silver showing from underneath the bar end mount, just black. It’s just a nice little touch to make the end result look really clean.
Acerbis Dual Road Handguards with mounting bolts included.
Handguard and LED Light Strip.
First remove the stock handguards and lights. The wiring will be cut as close as possible to the stock lights.
Remove the three exposed Philips screws to disassemble the new handguards. One more screw underneath removes the center strip piece allowing the LED light strips to fit right in.
This is the strip that is removed to make room for the LED light strip.
