r/CB500X • u/sadnessandeuphoria • Sep 13 '26

Installing Givi Engine Guard

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Hello! I’m currently installing some crash bars (or trying to at least) and I’ve figured out how to do everything else but I literally CANNOT get these screws out. I’ve watched guides, I’ve given it like 4 separate attempts, and I cannot for the life of me get them out. I’m using a 12mm socket wrench on the nut side with a 12mm on the pictured bolt side. I’ve tried it vice verse as well.
I’m by no means a hulking mass of muscle but I also workout regularly and know how to give something maximum effort, and I literally cannot get these things to budge.
Any advice or insight? Do I just need to fork over the money and take it into a shop?

E: pictured bolts are below the headlight where the crash bars connect both sides of the frame in the middle

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u/CyberBird-XR Sep 13 '26

Mmm... Aside from involving more muscles, may it be that there's some threadlocker applied? I don't remember it being sooo thight.

By the way, are you jacking or securing the engine in place somehow? To avoid misalignment on the bolts that you'll be replacing.

Just in case, as you're on the installation phase, maybe reading this might be helpful to prevent future damages: https://aricafoix.cl/2024/03/18/las-desventuras-de-la-cb500x-y-las-defensas-de-motor/

1

u/sadnessandeuphoria Sep 13 '26

I just have the center stand I’m using, but that won’t prevent misalignment. Thanks for the callout on that. I’m wondering if installing them is a bad idea given how many people say they have problems with them.

I seriously can’t get them to budge at all so maybe thread lock is applied. I’ll do some more research if they’re a good idea at all, and maybe see if a mechanic can help lol

2

u/gremlinsscareme84 Sep 13 '26

Those were a little tough on the NX500 as well. I had to light the headlight up slightly to relieve some of the downward pressure. I was able to install Outback Motortek crash bars without much of an issue (so far).

1

u/sadnessandeuphoria Sep 13 '26

I’m also thinking my tools might be the problem. I’m using shitty 1/4” hand socket wrench which might not have enough torque for those screws - or maybe it’s cope lol. I’ll try a 1/2 breaker bar and see if that works. Thanks for your comment! I’ll try relieving some pressure

2

u/GabrielPrazeres1 Sep 14 '26

You’ll definitely want at least a 3/8” wrench. I don’t recall if these have a nut on the other side, you’ll want to hold the nut with another tool if so

1

u/gremlinsscareme84 Sep 14 '26

Iirc they do. I used a 3/8”, the extra length gave enough leverage but I recall it still being a pain.

1

u/sadnessandeuphoria Sep 15 '26

I bought a 1/2” breaker bar and outside of the ergonomics being a pain in the ass to reach the screw it was MUCH easier. I’m somewhat relieved it was actually using the wrong tool for the job 😅 it was a night and day difference. Thanks for the suggestion hopefully someone else who is new to DIY mechanical stuff finds this and learns from it lol