Fayedenicy Handguard Review: Budget Armor

Listen, I have spent enough time in the workshop to know that not every piece of plastic is created equal. When you look at the Fayedenicy handguard extenders for the CRF1100L, you are looking at a classic aftermarket solution. These are injection-molded ABS plastic units designed to bolt onto your existing setup. They are not going to save your levers if you drop a three-hundred-kilo bike on a rock, but that is not really their primary job. Their job is to keep the wind off your knuckles and the trail debris out of your grip, which they do perfectly fine for the price of a couple of pizzas.

The material itself is what you expect at this price point. It is not aerospace-grade carbon fiber, but it is flexible enough to take a light hit without shattering instantly. The surface finish is smooth enough to look decent on the bike, though if you look closely under the shop lights, you might spot a few molding marks from the factory process. It is not a dealbreaker for a part that is going to be covered in mud and road grime anyway, but do not expect premium showroom perfection.

Installation is straightforward if you have a basic socket set and some common sense. Most riders report that they use a mix of the provided hardware and a couple of original screws from the stock guards. I always recommend adding a tiny dab of thread locker on the bolts before you tighten them down. You do not want these vibrating loose on a washboard gravel road three hundred kilometers from the nearest hardware store. If you are one of those folks who likes to tinker, you will appreciate how quickly these go on.

I have seen some buyers mention that their packages arrived with missing hardware. That is annoying, sure, but it is the reality of the aftermarket game. If you get a set, check the bag the moment it arrives. If the screws are missing, get on the horn with the seller immediately. It is better to have everything laid out on your workbench before you start pulling the bike apart, or you will end up with a half-disassembled motorcycle and a bad attitude.

Ultimately, these are about utility. If you are the type of rider who wants to keep the cold air off your fingers during early morning rides or stop the occasional stone from smacking your knuckles, these do the trick. They are not meant for hardcore enduro racing where you are smashing into trees every five minutes. Keep your expectations aligned with the price tag, and you will find that these little bits of plastic serve their purpose well enough to keep them on the bike for the long haul.

What you see is what you get, which is exactly how I like it. You get a pair of ABS plastic shields, one for the left and one for the right, and a set of screws to keep them attached. The design is specifically for the CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports models from 2020 through 2023. They are shaped to integrate with the stock handguards, extending the profile to deflect more wind and rain away from your hands and your brake levers. It is a simple functional upgrade that adds a bit more protection without adding significant weight to your handlebars.

One thing that stands out is the flexibility. Because they are made from ABS, they have a bit of give. In my experience, rigidity is not always the best friend of a handguard. If a guard is too stiff, the energy from an impact goes straight into the handlebar mounts, which can bend your bars or snap your mounting hardware. These plastic extenders are designed to flex, which helps absorb some of that shock. While they won't act as a structural brace, they do a solid job of keeping the mud off your gear.

Compatibility seems to be the strongest selling point here. Buyers are reporting that they fit well on various setups, and even some folks with other models have managed to make them work with a little bit of ingenuity. The mounting holes align with the existing points on the stock guards, which is a major plus. You are not drilling into your bike's original parts, which keeps the mod reversible if you ever decide to sell the bike or return it to stock configuration.

If you are the type of Africa Twin owner who wants practical, budget-friendly protection for touring or light off-roading, these Fayedenicy extenders are a solid purchase that won't break the bank. They are not built for extreme abuse, so if you are planning on treating your bike like a professional rally machine, you should look for beefier aluminum alternatives. However, for the average rider who wants to keep their hands comfortable and their levers clean, these are a reliable, no-nonsense choice.