If you ride a CFMoto 800 MT, you already know it’s a capable adventure machine that handles both tarmac and trail with confidence. But the stock handlebar setup leaves your hands and controls exposed, which becomes a real problem the moment you drop the bike on a rocky trail or catch a branch on an open stretch of forest road. Handguards are one of the smartest, most cost-effective upgrades you can make to an adventure bike, and the 800 MT is a particularly good candidate for them. This guide answers the most common questions riders ask before making a purchase.
What are handguards and why do adventure riders need them?
Handguards are protective shields mounted to the handlebar that cover the rider’s hands and, more importantly, the brake and clutch levers. For adventure riders, they serve three critical functions: protecting levers from snapping off in a fall, deflecting wind and rain to reduce fatigue, and blocking branches and debris on off-road sections. Without them, a single low-speed tip-over can destroy a lever and end a trip.
For riders on the CFMoto 800 MT, the need is especially relevant. This is a bike built for mixed terrain, which means it regularly ends up in situations where falls happen, branches intrude, and weather changes without warning. A broken clutch lever in a remote location is not just inconvenient; it can be genuinely dangerous.
Beyond crash protection, handguards reduce wind blast on long motorway stretches, which meaningfully reduces hand and wrist fatigue over a full day of riding. Some models also integrate with heated grip systems to trap warm air around the hands, extending the riding season into colder months. For a touring-oriented adventure bike like the 800 MT, that is a practical benefit worth considering from the start.
What handguards fit the CFMoto 800 MT?
The CFMoto 800 MT uses a standard 22mm (7/8 inch) tapered handlebar with bar-end mounting points, which means it accepts most universal adventure-style handguards designed for that bar diameter. Popular options that fit well include the Barkbusters Storm and VPS, Touratech Rallye, SW-Motech Kobra, and Acerbis Rally Pro. These are all widely available and have been confirmed to fit the 800 MT’s bar setup.
When selecting a set, pay attention to the mounting system. The CFMoto 800 MT benefits from a dual-point mounting system, meaning the guard attaches both at the bar-end and at a clamp on the bar itself. This creates a rigid structure that stays in place under impact rather than spinning around the bar. Single-point bar-end-only mounts are lighter but offer less protection and less rigidity.
It is also worth noting that the 800 MT comes in several variants, including the Sport and Explorer versions, which may have slightly different handlebar accessories or control layouts. Always verify the specific bar diameter and available bar-end thread before ordering. Most reputable handguard manufacturers list compatibility by bar diameter rather than by bike model, so confirming your bar spec is the most reliable approach.
Recommended brands for the CFMoto 800 MT
- Barkbusters Storm: Full wrap-around aluminium backbone with plastic shell, excellent crash protection
- Barkbusters VPS: Lighter plastic-only option, good for trail riding and budget-conscious riders
- SW-Motech Kobra: Clean, universal fit with solid dual-point mounting hardware
- Touratech Rallye: Premium build quality, popular with long-distance adventure tourers
- Acerbis Rally Pro: Affordable and durable, widely used in enduro and adventure riding
What’s the difference between wrap-around and open handguards?
Wrap-around handguards feature a continuous aluminium or hard plastic backbone that completely encircles the hand area, connecting at both the bar-end and a secondary bar clamp. Open handguards, by contrast, are a single plastic or composite shield that mounts at one or two points but leaves the outer side of the hand exposed. Wrap-around guards offer significantly more structural protection in a crash; open guards are lighter and less intrusive on the bike’s appearance.
For CFMoto 800 MT riders who spend time on gravel tracks, forest roads, or any off-road terrain, wrap-around guards are the stronger choice. The aluminium backbone absorbs and redirects impact energy rather than shattering, and it keeps the lever protected even when the bike slides along the ground. Open guards work well for riders who primarily tour on tarmac and want wind and weather protection without the bulk.
There is also a middle ground: some guards use a wrap-around frame with a removable or replaceable plastic shell. This design gives you the crash protection of a full guard while allowing you to swap out a cracked shell without replacing the entire unit. For adventure touring where value and repairability matter, this is often the most practical option.
How do you install handguards on the CFMoto 800 MT?
Installing handguards on the CFMoto 800 MT is a straightforward process that most riders can complete with basic tools in under an hour. The general process involves removing the existing bar-end weights, attaching the inner bar clamp, routing the guard backbone, and securing the bar-end bolt through the guard into the handlebar.
- Remove the bar-end weights: Unscrew the existing bar-end plugs or weights from both sides of the handlebar. Keep the hardware in case you need it later.
- Fit the inner clamp: Slide the inner mounting bracket onto the handlebar in the correct position, typically just inboard of the controls. Do not fully tighten yet.
- Attach the guard backbone: Connect the aluminium backbone or guard body to both the inner clamp and the bar-end bolt. Adjust the angle so the guard sits naturally around your hand position.
- Check lever clearance: Before tightening everything, squeeze both the brake and clutch levers through their full range of motion. The guard must not restrict lever travel at any point.
- Torque all fasteners: Tighten the inner clamp and bar-end bolt to the manufacturer’s specified torque. Over-tightening the bar-end can crack the handlebar over time.
- Test the steering lock: Turn the bars to full lock in both directions and confirm the guards do not contact the fuel tank, fairing, or any cables.
If your 800 MT has heated grips, remove the grip before fitting the inner clamp to avoid pinching any wiring. Most handguard kits include multiple clamp sizes to accommodate different bar diameters, so check which insert fits your specific bar before starting.
Will handguards interfere with heated grips or bar-end mirrors?
Handguards can interfere with both heated grips and bar-end mirrors, but this is manageable with the right approach. Heated grips are generally compatible with handguards as long as the inner mounting clamp does not sit directly over the grip’s wiring connector. Bar-end mirrors, however, typically cannot coexist with handguards that use bar-end mounting bolts, since both compete for the same attachment point.
For heated grips, the key is routing the wiring carefully during installation. Most OEM and aftermarket heated grip systems on the 800 MT have connectors located near the switchgear, well inboard of where the handguard inner clamp sits. As long as you position the clamp correctly and do not pinch any wiring, heated grips and handguards work together without issue. The added bonus is that wrap-around guards actually improve heated grip efficiency in cold weather by trapping warm air around the hand.
Bar-end mirrors present a more significant conflict. If you rely on bar-end mirrors for rearward visibility, you have a few options: switch to standard mirror mounts on the fairing or upper fork area, use a handguard system that integrates a bar-end mirror mount into the guard itself (some premium brands offer this), or accept that one accessory needs to give way to the other. For off-road-focused riding, handguards are generally the higher priority; for road-focused touring, mirrors may win out.
Which handguards offer the best protection for off-road and touring use?
For combined off-road and touring use on the CFMoto 800 MT, the best handguards are those with an aluminium backbone, dual-point mounting, and a replaceable plastic shell. This combination delivers the crash resistance needed on trails, the wind protection valued on long touring days, and the practical repairability that matters when you are far from a dealer. The Barkbusters Storm and Touratech Rallye consistently rank at the top for this use case.
If your riding leans more toward technical off-road, prioritise guards with a strong backbone and minimal protrusion, since bulk can catch on obstacles. If touring is your primary use, look for guards with a larger wind deflection surface and compatibility with hand warmers or heated grip integration.
Colour and finish matter less than construction quality, but it is worth choosing a guard with UV-resistant plastic if the bike lives outdoors. Faded, brittle shells crack more easily in cold weather and offer less reliable protection over time.
Key features to prioritise
- Aluminium backbone: Essential for genuine crash protection, not just wind deflection
- Dual-point mounting: Prevents the guard from rotating on impact
- Replaceable shell: Saves money after minor crashes without replacing the whole unit
- Lever clearance design: Guard shape should not restrict brake or clutch operation
- Universal bar compatibility: Confirm fit with a 22mm tapered bar before purchasing
How TFX Suspension Helps You Get More From Your CFMoto 800 MT
Handguards are a great starting point for making your CFMoto 800 MT more capable and comfortable, but they only address what happens at the handlebar. The bigger factor in how your bike handles mixed terrain, varying loads, and long days in the saddle is the suspension underneath you. That is exactly where we come in.
At TFX Suspension, we specialise in custom suspension systems built specifically for adventure bikes like the CFMoto 800 MT. Rather than offering a generic off-the-shelf shock, we tune every system to the individual rider, their weight, their load, and the terrain they ride most. Here is what that means in practice:
- Custom-tuned front and rear suspension that performs consistently whether you are loaded up for a multi-day tour or riding light on a day trip
- Models from our Traveler and Freelexer series designed specifically for adventure and dual-sport applications
- Full service and rebuild support so your suspension stays in optimal condition throughout its lifespan
- Expert advice on setup, settings, and upgrades tailored to how you actually ride
You can explore our full range in the TFX Suspension shop, learn about our suspension service and maintenance options, or read more riding and setup guides on our blog. If you want to talk through what your 800 MT needs, get in touch with us directly and we will help you find the right solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install handguards on the CFMoto 800 MT myself, or do I need a mechanic?
Most riders with basic mechanical confidence can install handguards on the CFMoto 800 MT at home using common tools — typically a set of hex keys, a torque wrench, and a screwdriver. The process takes under an hour for most dual-point kits, and the installation steps are straightforward enough that a first-timer can manage them successfully. That said, if your bike has aftermarket controls, heated grips with complex wiring, or bar-end accessories that need relocating, it is worth taking an extra 20 minutes to plan the installation before you start rather than discovering a conflict mid-way through.
What is the most common mistake riders make when fitting handguards?
The most frequent mistake is failing to check full lever travel and steering lock before final tightening. Riders often position the guard, tighten everything down, and only then discover that the brake lever is partially obstructed or the guard contacts the fuel tank at full lock — both of which are safety issues. Always do a full range-of-motion check with everything loosely fitted first, then torque the fasteners once you are satisfied with the positioning. Over-tightening the bar-end bolt is a close second mistake; it can crack or deform the handlebar over time, so always follow the manufacturer’s torque specification.
Will adding handguards affect the look of my CFMoto 800 MT significantly?
It depends on the style you choose. Full wrap-around guards with large plastic shells do add visual bulk to the front end, though many riders feel they give the bike a more purposeful adventure aesthetic. Slim-profile options like the SW-Motech Kobra or lighter Barkbusters VPS are considerably less intrusive and integrate cleanly with the 800 MT’s existing lines. If aesthetics matter to you, look for guards offered in a colour that matches or complements your bike’s trim, and avoid oversized motocross-style guards that are designed for a very different type of machine.
How do I know when my handguards need to be replaced or serviced after a crash?
After any impact, inspect both the plastic shell and the aluminium backbone separately. A cracked or shattered shell can usually be replaced on its own without touching the backbone, which is one of the key advantages of guards with a replaceable shell design. The backbone itself should be checked for bends, deformation, or any movement at the mounting points — if the backbone is bent or the clamps have shifted, the structural integrity of the guard is compromised and it should be replaced before riding again. Even if a guard looks intact after a fall, re-check all fastener torque values, since impacts can loosen hardware that was previously correctly tightened.
Do handguards work with the CFMoto 800 MT's stock switchgear and control layout?
Yes, in the vast majority of cases. The 800 MT uses a fairly conventional control layout, and the inner clamp on most dual-point handguard kits is designed to sit inboard of the switchgear without interfering with it. The main thing to verify is that the inner clamp does not sit directly over any wiring connectors or restrict the movement of the switch cluster. If you have added aftermarket controls or a GPS mount that extends toward the bar-end, measure the available bar space before purchasing to confirm you have enough room for both the inner clamp and your existing accessories.
Are there any handguards specifically designed for the CFMoto 800 MT, or are all options universal fit?
At the time of writing, there are no handguards manufactured exclusively for the CFMoto 800 MT by major brands, but this is not a disadvantage in practice. The bike’s standard 22mm tapered handlebar is one of the most common bar specifications in the adventure segment, meaning virtually every reputable handguard brand produces kits that fit it directly. Brands like Barkbusters, SW-Motech, and Touratech design their mounting hardware to cover a wide range of bar diameters and include multiple clamp inserts in each kit, so compatibility is rarely an issue as long as you confirm your bar diameter before ordering.
Can handguards help reduce hand fatigue on long motorway sections, and how significant is the difference?
Yes, and the difference is more noticeable than many riders expect, particularly at speeds above 80 km/h. Wrap-around guards with a solid wind deflection surface redirect airflow away from the hands and wrists, reducing the constant muscular effort required to hold the bars steady against wind pressure. On a full day of mixed motorway and B-road riding, this can meaningfully reduce fatigue in the hands, forearms, and shoulders by the end of the day. The effect is most pronounced in cold or wet weather, where wind chill compounds physical fatigue — and in those conditions, the thermal benefit of trapping warm air around the hand adds an additional layer of comfort that is hard to replicate with gloves alone.
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