Engine/Faring Guard

Now I don't care what anyone says at some point somewhere some how everyone will put a big done, some more often then others. When it happens we generally hope it is at low speed with no traffic somewhere on soft cushy grass but you can't always bed on that. An engine guard that extends over part of the faring however is a good option to limit the damage and protect yourself a little more...also its another spot to put those additional headlights that you keep telling your buddies all about but haven't gotten yet.
Now I run the OEM Suzuki ones on this count as well...most of my protection is OEM why? Because a local dealer got me a good deal on the package. Which only reminds you to not get blinded by the cool names but also look at the bottom line a bit shop around you never know maybe a local dealer is trying to get rid of some gear that you want and he can make you a deal.
Anyhow the Engine guard on a V-strom is also needed to install the skid plate. The Engine guard Suzuki vendors is pretty straight forward. It follows the bikes contours where it covers it protecting the lower part of the faring and a portion of the forward section of the engine. Suzuki did change the design for these and skid plates heavily for the following models. But the use remains the same and of course the price pretty much the same as well.

Some people claim that it give you some extra wind protection but unless you start mounting solid pieces on the engine guard I don't see that happening. This engine guard however does not get in your way and it sturdy enough to absorb some good abuse if God forbid you dropped it somewhere less desirable then the perfect grassy knoll. You can't see it well in the pictures but with the handle bar kicked in as it would be if you dropped your bike the engine guard is the first point of contact to the ground protecting the faring from hard surface impacts I could see on soft soil the guard sinking in a bid though and the faring taking some abuse.

Overall engine guards are about 250$ or thereabouts they are definitely worth the investment for the piece of mind in my opinion especially when looking at the cost of a new faring never mind having to deal with the damaged bike until you are at the next shop.