Rider Magazine
Review
The following article is reprinted
with permission:
Magazine or Publication: Rider Magazine
Issue: July 2002
Article written by: Ken Freund
ARTICLE CONTENTS:
Although it sounds
like some kind of treatment center program, BarEnders is
actually a product for securing your helmet to the end of your
bike's handlebar when parked. Most original-equipment helmet locks
are mounted toward the rear of the bike, and some (including mine)
are positioned just above the hot muffler, so you either have
to stand there until it cools down, or carry your lid with you.
Quite a few stock helmet locks also require you to remove the
seat, fiddle with a cheesy cable or hook, and try to fumble the
seat back on-which can be quite a chore in the dark. Access to
some locks is blocked when the saddlebags are installed, and plenty
of bikes only have one lock, or none at all. So that leaves a
pretty big niche for aftermarket helmet-lock merchants.
BarEnders replace
the original handlebar end cap or weight with an attractive replacement
that contains a sturdy removable end-cap lock within. Twisting
the key releases a pin so that the locking bar end can be detached.
The helmet's D-ring is slipped over the smaller-diameter shaft
that's exposed, then the lock assembly is reinstalled. The lock
uses a barrel-type key, which offers high security and is almost
impossible to pick (or have a duplicate key copy made). So be
sure to write down the key number and keep it where you can find
it later, along with the phone number for BarEnder.
You can get BarEnders
in several configurations: the lock assembly and shaft only, a
single lock and shaft plus matching bar-end weight for the other
side, or a pair of locks for both bar ends, which can be keyed
alike, or keyed separately for each lock. BarEnders come
in three different sizes to accommodate 7/8-inch- or 1-inch-diameter
handlebars, plus bars that have a 6mm nut inside the ends to retain
each end cap. They're all made in the United States from satin-finish
stainless steel.
Installation only takes
a few minutes with a minimum of hand tools. Once you remove the
original end cap, you simply slip the BarEnder into place
and tighten the bolt or nut, depending on the application. A quality
silicone-rubber sleeve expands tightly to fit the inside of the
handlebar, and a pair of O-rings keep out water and crud. Approximately
3/16-inch is required between the end of the bar and the end weight,
so that the helmet's D-ring can fit. In some cases you may need
to add a washer to increase clearance.
Besides holding your
helmet, you can also slide a sleeve of your riding jacket over
the handlebar first, then attach the helmet, thus securing both.
I tried the BarEnders on a Suzuki
V-Strom DL1000 (which comes with bar-end weights),
so I didn't notice either an increase or decrease in the vibration
level at the handgrips, though you may feel some difference on
a bike that doesn't come with them stock. The BarEnder
locking system assumes that your helmet(s) have the conventional
double D-ring fastening system. If your helmets have any other
type, you probably won't be able to attach them. Many European-made
helmets use quick-release buckles instead of double D-rings.
BarEnders come
with a five-year limited warranty. Prices range from $42 for the
lowest-priced 6mm lock and shaft for one side, to $96.50 for a
matching pair of keyed-alike locks for a 1-inch diameter handlebar.
We found the BarEnders to be very well designed, made of
high-quality materials and nicely finished. In fact, the parts
look like they are manufactured to aircraft-quality specs-plus
they work as claimed. What more can you ask?
BarEnder
1800 Lake Park Drive, Suite 100
Smyrna, Georgia 30080
(404) 250-6288
Ken Freund
The solution to your problem is the BarEnder lock
by Wilhosch, LLC. Now you can securely lock your helmet to your
handlebar.
or call us at 1-404-250-6288
"This is one of the best accessories
you could possibly buy for
added convenience to your riding experience."
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