OES Sliders Install on an 07 R6

Well my order from OES Accessories came in, and I finally had time to install it! Very quickly too. I placed it on October 25 and it arrived on the 28th.

 

Here's my order, very nicely wrapped:

Consists of: two frame sliders, two spool sliders and two handlebar ends, and one 10 ML container of the blue Vibra-tite (I love this stuff - I had to use it on my replacement footpeg earlier today)

 

Well, I started with the handle bars. Here's a comparison of the OEM ones and the OES ones:

The OEM is on the right. As you can see, the OES one is much longer so it should provide better protection. Unfortunately, it's also much lighter. The OEM one is significantly heavier.

I've read that heavier handlebar ends provide better resistance to vibrations on your hands. I drove a bit on the highway and it wasn't too bad but there was a slight bit of vibration more than normal. I guess the biggest indicator will be on longer trips to see if it makes a difference.

 

Installation is pretty easy. Just use a hex bolt to remove the old one, and insert the new handlebar ends as supplied. Very easy, and simple. No issues here except for the weight difference. Here's a visual comparison:

OEM

OES

 

Next we have the spool sliders. I'm a big fan of before and after pictures, so here's my previous ones:

They were small, plain, and provided no protection. I think they were also sadly expensive but I needed some immediately at the time of purchase.

Now, for the spool sliders I put some of the Vibra-tite (blue) on the screws. This should help prevent the spools from twisting if the rear stand turns the spools too much upon lifting up the rear. These are 6 MM, and installation is just unscrew/screw in new ones.

You only need a little bit but I tend to apply things excessively. You can see, however, from this photo how much bigger they are.

Let's look at an action shot!

Very nice, and large spools sliders. Due to their size, my bike actually lifts up a bit further in the rear, which works better for me.

 

Okay, last but certainly not least, the all important frame sliders!

I bought my bike pre-owned, and it actually had a salvaged/restored title. I plan to buy new fairings but first made the investment in these sliders. Here's how the old ones looked when I bought the bike:

Right hand side, you can see some damage and how bent it is.

Left hand side, look at how badly scraped this one is. I removed the left fairing for access here to take off the adapter/plate.

 

Installation again is easy on these. However note you will need an 8 MM hex tool. I bought T-Handle hex keys for this. I didn't think an 8 mm hex bit for a ratchet would fit. I follow the directions off of OES' website, and they were very specific. I was content with the instructions that helped explain the left fairing and bracket. Even better was that the packaging for the left bracket/slider was already assembled to prevent confusion on which bolt goes where. My only problem was that the instructions suggested adding motor oil to the screws but didn't elaborate on why. (I love knowing how things work and details) I did so anyway, I assume it has to do with making them easier to remove if they bend in a collision.

My left bracket was also bent, as well as both bolts. Whatever the previous owner did was pretty harsh it seems. Anyway, after much wrestling I pull off the old bracket then replace it with the OES one. It went in smoothly.

The OES instructions say to line up your fairing piece, to check for clearance and then tighten it. However I had no alignment issues, the OES pieces are nicely designed. Here's the money shots:

Right side! You can see the previous slider rubbed a bit on the fairing.

Left side. Very nice fitment.

 

Finally, here's a shot of the left side showing all 3 sliders.

 

And that's it! I wish I could explain more on "how to" replace frame sliders but it's a simple matter of unscrewing a bolt and screwing in the replacement. For anyone confused, their instructinos should clarify the rest.

 

The OES parts were of very good quality. I hope to never have to test them out by dropping my bike, but if it happens I'm glad I bought these.

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