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Cycra Stealth MX Handshields
Option or Necessity
By: ATV Source Freelance Writer - Mark Wilson
 Used by such names in pro SX motorcycle racing as Mike
LaRocco, Kevin Windham, and quad pro rider, Tim Farr; Cycra
Stealth MX Handshields are taking the motocross scene by storm.
Based off the popular Enduro model hand guards which are popular
in GNCC off-road racing, the Stealth’s are more compact and
smaller for the demands of motocross. They fit in a manner so
that a rider’s controls are not interrupted, nor do they
interfere with rider comfort. Fitting nearly all off-road
vehicle handlebars with their unique alloy bar mounts which will
work with factory 7/8in bars and even the 1 1/8in fat bars which
were used in this test, the retail price is $54.95 for the
Stealth’s. They come in an array of colors and a wide
arrangement of adjustment that can be done in a snap. They even
work with aftermarket perches and levers.
Cycra mounting kit and shields
Cycra mounting kit assembled
Cycra shields installed on bars |
Tools Needed
Installation on the Cycra Stealth hand shields is probably one
of if not the easiest modification a rider can make.
Installation can be done in less than 5 minutes which gives you
more time to ride, rather than put on parts. Any novice mechanic
can easily get them on in a flash. The only parts needed are an
Allen wrench and a Philips screwdriver. Cycra sends the mounting
kit in the package with the shields which consists of the
following: eight (8) mounting bolts, four (4) bolt washers, two
(2) mounting brackets, two (2) mounting bracket clamps, and
finally the two (2) handshields.
Step-By-Step Installation
Step one is to gather the four smaller Allen head bolts and the
four washers to install onto the shields. Place the shields on
the mounts where the holes are showing and then put in the four
screws. (Two on each shield.)
Step two is to then place the two clamps on the underside of
the handlebars between the grips and your lever perches. You may
have to loosen and move you clutch and throttle perches over
slightly to fit them on. For our test on our 05 ATK450, nothing
was needed to be moved, but all models and setups vary. Next
place the mounting brackets over the tops of the handlebars
above the clamps. Line up the mounting holes, insert screws, and
tighten until moderately tight.
Step three is the final and probably the longest step, but
still easy. While the bolts on the clamps aren’t fully
tightened, adjust the brackets so that the shields cover the
required and wanted area. They can be raised or lowered to a
certain degree to each rider’s preference. Once preference is
obtained,
tighten the clamp bolts with a Philips screwdriver and you’re
done.
First Impressions/Complaints
The entire kit from Cycra is built very well and has been proven
to hold up to the tough abuse of motocross racing for all
off-road racing. The mounting brackets are one example of
Cycra’s unique quality in their equipment. Our test rider has
used them in a total of three races so far with great success.
One happened to be a mud fest in which the handgrips stayed over
90% clean. Complaints? We haven’t been able to find anything to
complain about. Cycra has made a very nice product with great
customer service. There should be no hesitation in a decision on
purchasing from Cycra in our opinion.
Summed Up
To sum it up, Cycra gets two thumbs up on the Stealth
MX handshields. And for our woods racing friends, Cycra offers the
Enduro series guards which provide a much wider degree of
coverage and wrap-around mounting brackets. We were very
impressed with the Stealth’s and recommend all riders to go down
to their local dealer and pick up a set, or call Cycra directly
at their toll free number listed below. Option or necessity? We
think necessity. One ride and you’ll be hooked.
Contact Information:
Cycra
Racing
Phone: (800) 770-2259
Fax: (740) 929-0197
Email:
sales@cycraracing.com
Web Site:
http://www.cycraracing.com
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