My Dakar has BMW heated grips installed on a ProTaper bar.

The wiring and diameter of the Protaper preclude the use of the stock hanguards and probably the Barkbuster style because they both required an insert and bolts that run into the end of the bar.

I have notice there is a style like used on the KLR that are unsupported on the ends. Has anyone tried using a handguard like this?

Good to keep branches from whacking your knuckles, and some guys like them cus they won;t break your wrist in a fall.

They have zero protection in a fall though imo

The GS style handguards offer no protection either, but I like them for keeping the elements off my mitts. If I rode more off road, then I'd look for the kind with an aluminium backbone.

I'm guessing some people don't ride when it is really cold outside. The handguards are very effective at decreasing the windchill factor. I am looking for protection from wind and cold, not branches.

There is a setup on the market you might want to look at that is called Hippo Hands for significant protection against the elements. Google it and it will show up for your review

Thanks, Tom. I have owned some HippoHands since the 70's I want some plastic wind breakers for when I don't need the HippoHands. The HippoHands are amazing BTW when it is really cold and wet however.

gnuse - I haven't tried the open-ended kind - like the stock Classic or Triumph Tiger handguards. I installed the GS kind that connect to the bar end. I then added the Touratech spoilers for added wind protection. That's all I use mine for. With the heated grips on high, I was riding to work using summer gloves with temps in the 30's.

Is there any way to get an internal expander to fit inside the Protaper that would allow you to use the GS guards?

Probably buy a cheap set of bar-end weights from the Jap bike shop - then throw away everything but the rubber expando plugs and bolts?