How necessary are aftermarket engine bars on the 660z? If you intend to take bike off road.

I like the look of the metal mule bars but they look like they add a few inches to the width of the bike and am wandering whether they are worth the bother?

I think a skid pan and headlight guard are essentials - but what else?

I like the idea of them to add extra protection should you drop it. I have Hepco and Becker ones which I ordered from Motoworks. I also had H&B ones on the GS and they worked well.

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Previous bikes:TS50 - RD125LC - XT250 - ZXR750L3 - BMW 650 Funduro - BMW 1100GS - XT660Z Tenere

I surfed my bike down the road at 45-50mph on tarmac with OE engine bars, they absolutely did their job, and are still on now. The grey plastic 'air scoops' on the tank were ok, but the road side did get worn through. I want to make some kevlar panels to go in their place as the tank is a pretty penny to replace.

so......

what protection would people say necessary for off road protection - skid pan and handguards?

Whats in my picture And it protects the water pump

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Previous bikes:TS50 - RD125LC - XT250 - ZXR750L3 - BMW 650 Funduro - BMW 1100GS - XT660Z Tenere