Barkbusters: an Aussie icon

There’s no real need to introduce Barkbusters; they’re an icon in the dirtbike industry. Anyone who’s ridden for a while will know they’re not just the best hand protection in the game, but they last for ages too. Honda obviously agrees with that sentiment, as it fits Barkbusters as standard to its CRF range. But before we get in-depth about Barkbusters itself, we’ll give you some history.

Barkbusters was started by Ted Goddard in 1984. He ran the show as a one-man, part-time operation until 1998, when he sold it to Mathew Philpot. Mathew saw potential in Barkbusters and backed his ability to promote the brand, rapidly setting about making it bigger and brighter.

Barkbusters is now a thriving small business employing 11 staff and selling into more than 20 countries. And to top it all off, Mathew is proof that successful businessmen can also be nice blokes too.

The formula for success has been quite simple: make a product from good materials and make it properly. To achieve this, a lot of money has been invested in having the right tools for the job. Within the factory you’ll find a CNC milling machine, two purpose-built bending machines and a host of mills, drills and cutting machines.

The Barkbusters range has developed considerably from the early days when it comprised one product – an aluminium rail that wrapped around your hands and levers. While the backbone has remained unchanged (and can still be bought in its original design), the range has expanded.

HOME ON THE RANGE
The staple of the range, MX hand guards aside, is still an aircraft-grade aluminium rail that wraps around the levers from the ends of the bars. The ‘Ego’ range hugs the levers and has compact plastic brush guards to protect your digits from fast-moving foliage. These are for riders that like to get dirty among the trees.

The ‘VPS’ line has a more expansive frame and larger plastic guards that offer increased wind protection. Somewhere in between lies the original Barkbusters. Over the last eight years, yours truly has personally crash tested all three models and I can vouch that they are all as tough as nails and do what they’re meant to. Believe me; I’ve given them a serious workover!

The intricacies of Barkbusters design hasn’t stood still over time. There have been two upgrades to the bar-end mounts, a change to the handlebar clamps, and the introduction of triple-clamp mounts (not suitable for all bikes). This is all part of Mathew’s ideology of continuous improvement to keep his product at the top.

We haven’t tested the ‘MX’ guards or the ‘Storm’ hand guards (the roadbike line), but they’re made with the same materials and the same focus on quality.

THE LITTLE THINGS
An added bonus is that all the components of Barkbusters can be purchased individually. Whether you want to freshen up tatty guards, want a colour change or you’ve stripped a thread, you only have to buy what you need. That’s a big bonus because I won’t kid you – these are not cheap pieces of gear. You won’t get much change from $200.

But anyone that rides without hand protection is only asking for trouble, and may subsequently experience the hospital system making large gouges in his or her wallet too. I’m talking the talk but this is a product that walks the walk.

Click the following link for more information on Barkbusters.