I've always said, crash bars have their place, and they do a great job at keeping the bike safe from some incidents.

A good bash plate will do a similar job, but for different incidents (actually the ABS one that comes as standard is as good as any, I know I've jumped up and down on mine).

For instance, riding a tight trail, with vegitation, I woulnd't want crash bars. I've seen branches get caught in them and take the bike and rider down. By contrast, if you wash out on a fire-road then crash bars do a better job than a bash plate. Horse for courses.

I think I'm tending to agree with Dave, this is a very unlucky impact, I wouldn't be making sweeping statements about something's suitability based on one incident. No-one else has suffered this, despite many many miles of rough riding by others. I appriciate you are p!$$ed off at the incident, who wouldn't be, it was a long walk!!

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.