I am thinking about installing crash bars (engine guards) on a 06 street bob. Dothey really help in a crash or are they just for looks?
Sssshhhhhh! Don't call them Crash Bars !! You'll get told off .
We call them Crash Bars in UK but most of the good folks on this site prefer to call them Engine Bars or Highway Bars. As Glider says it's probably a misnomer as they won't save a whole lot in a crash but they can protect important bits (including legs) in a low speed fall or ground-kiss.