If you ride an Africa Twin 1100 Adventure Sports and are looking to install some proper protection then it is worth considering Garda . After weighing up several options from various manufacturers, I ordered the Garda crash bars and matching sump guard. Here is my honest experience, from ordering through to installation and first impressions.
Ordering, Delivery and Import Costs
The parts are manufactured in Poland, and as I am based in the UK delivery took a couple of weeks. That timeframe felt reasonable for an overseas order, but UK buyers should be aware of the additional costs involved.
Because the items are imported, I had to pay duty etc. before the parcel was released for delivery. Those charges can make a noticeable difference to the overall price, so it is important to factor them in when comparing against UK-based brands. Even with those added costs, the Garda kit remained competitively priced for what it offers.
The parts were well packaged and arrived in excellent condition. Communication from Garda throughout the process was clear and professional.
Installation Experience
The instructions supplied are decent. They are not flawless, but they are clear enough to guide you through the process without too much head scratching. The paperwork suggests that fitting is a two-person job. While I can see why that is recommended, I managed to complete the installation on my own with a bit of patience and some improvisation.
I used a combination of careful propping and a length of string to support the bars while lining up mounting points. It is perfectly doable solo, but you need to think ahead and take your time.
This is not a quick job. In total it took me a few hours. The most time-consuming part is fitting the various mounting brackets. They sit in fairly awkward positions, tucked away so they do not interfere with the rider, which naturally makes access tighter and more fiddly. Expect to spend time manoeuvring bolts into place and working in confined spaces.
Fitting the Crash Bars
Once the brackets were installed, fitting the main crash bars was comparatively straightforward. Most of the mounting points lined up well.
I did encounter one minor issue on the right-hand side below the seat. The bracket did not align perfectly with the crash bar, and I had to apply a little pressure to persuade everything into position before tightening it down. It was not a major problem, but worth mentioning for transparency.
During installation I managed to mark part of the coating with a ratchet. That was entirely down to my own lack of care rather than any fault with the finish. The coating itself appears robust, but as with any painted or powder-coated part, it pays to protect the surface while working around it.
Sump Guard Installation and Design
I also ordered the matching sump guard. This proved another slightly fiddly task, though it took around an hour rather than several.
Compared to the original equipment skid plate, the Garda sump guard does not extend as far over the exhaust. That said, one aspect I prefer is that it is not mounted directly to the exhaust system or other sensitive engine components. In my view, that is a sensible design choice as it reduces the likelihood of impacts transferring force into vulnerable areas.
There is a small section of exhaust that remains more exposed than with the standard guard. I am considering fabricating a small extension using part of the original cover to close that gap, but that is a personal tweak rather than a criticism of the overall design.
Build Quality and Finish
Overall quality is very good. The welds are tidy, the brackets feel substantial and once everything is torqued down the setup feels solid. Nothing rattles, and there is no sense of flex where there should not be.
The crash bars strike a good balance between strength and weight. They feel capable of handling the sort of drops and knocks that are inevitable when riding off road, without appearing excessively bulky.
Value for Money
When you combine the quality of construction, thoughtful design and proper packaging with good customer service, the Garda crash bars and sump guard represent strong value for money. UK buyers do need to account for import charges, but even so the overall package stands up well against more expensive alternatives.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking to protect your Africa Twin 1100 Adventure Sports for real-world use, this setup is well worth considering. Installation takes time and patience, especially if working alone, but the end result is a sturdy and confidence-inspiring addition to the bike.
Based on my experience, I would happily recommend Garda’s crash bars and sump guard to other owners who want solid protection without paying top-tier brand prices.
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