741 Crash Guard

[JTR249]

I wanted to post a question about the 741 crash guard. Other parts have proven that multiple versions and styles existed for this model from '41-'43 and so I wanted to know if these photos are accurate because the OMM shows drilled holes for the crash guard in the tubes. The u-bolts on the 741 fit around the frame tube and you should see holes drilled into the two tubes that fit together at the top center of the guard. Also, in the OMM I don't see a crash guard plate used. Was there a change over time in production?
Which version is correct? Both? I have already wasted money on two crash guards I thought were correct, though neither one have holes drilled like those in photo 31.
Can someone post a correct set of photos?
-JR 741 Crash Guard Online 1.jpg 741 Crash Guard Online.jpg 741 Crash Guard Fitment O7.jpg

[JTR249]

The OMM is not that clear in some of its photos either. The only image appears to be the same as from the 1942 parts manual.
741 Crash Guard Image.jpg -JR

[FLFD7]

JR,

The correct 741 crash bar has the holes drilled in the crash bar tubing for the u-bolt. Thats the setup I had on my 741. I don't think the Sport Scout bars will work because the top mounting plate will interfere with the horn.

Joe

[JTR249]

Thanks, Joe. I do have a set hanging in the barn that look like they had the holes filled with metal. Do you know dimensions?
Would that help me identify a correct set? I can always have a shop re-drill the holes.
Was the use of the crash guard plate a later idea or was it discarded?
-JR

[JTR249]

Here's mine. Needs the bar straightened and the leg welded, though still salvageable. However, what do you think--are they even 741 to begin with?
-JR SAM_1606.JPG SAM_1601.JPG SAM_1607.JPG

[FLFD7]

JR,
hate to break it to you bro but those are not 741 bars, they are Chief bars.

IMG_3997.jpeg

Chief bars get clamped to the frame tube with a u bolt, hence the two holes on the end.

IMG_3996.jpeg IMG_3995.jpeg

Sport Scout and 741 bars fit over the hex rod that mounts the floor boards, so only one big hole.

Joe

[FLFD7]

Here is the 741 I used to own, just one u bolt clamping it to the single down tube

IMG_3994.jpeg

Here is a picture off of Greer site, one u bolt

IMG_3993.jpeg

Notice where the u bolt is, above the horizontal tube under the gas tank. Now compare this to how the Sport Scout mounts…

IMG_3992.jpeg

The u bolt is below the horizontal tube, but because the plate is above it the crash bar is about even with that tube. You’d have to get a measurement to see if Sport Scout bars will work if you just drill the holes for the top u bolt. I know the distance from the engine mount to the bottom of the tank is shorter on a 741 vs a Sport Scout (which is why you can’t fit Sport Scout cylinders in a 741 frame). But how much shorter I don’t know.

You can mock up the front frame section if you get some Sport Scout crash bars, front engine plates and a hex rod, see where the top of the crash bar falls. Make sure you use one of the flattened u bolts so you don’t crease the frame.

[JTR249]

Well at least I know now and can look for the correct ones. I saw Jim Parker posted two years ago a set he called "early" in a FB sale. Here's that photo. So initially there were no holes and three u-bolts? I will keep looking for a set. Was the mounting plate for a 741 a late development as well? Thank you for the help.
-JR
741 Early Crash Guard.jpg

[FLFD7]

JR,

I don't know the answer to that. I was always under the assumption that the 741 used the one u bolt thru the crash bars. I don't know about them using a mounting plate shown in your photo. I will make this observation, the height of the plate shown in your picture appears to be much shorter (distance between the horizontal u bolt and the vertical u bolts) then the mounting plate on my Sport Scout (see the bottom picture my last post). So maybe they did go to a mounting plate, I don't know. As long as it clears the horn I guess you are good.

Joe

[PaulCDF]

JR
Here is what Geers shows it should look like:


741 CRASH BAR Geers.jpeg

[pisten-bully]

I don't know about you guys, or 741's for that matter, BUT I've found Greer's absolutely does their research and will only designate something as "correct" for bike and year but only if they've found it to be so. I've found 101 Scout parts on other bike listings in Greer's that are correct and good for the 101 but don't show in Greer's 101 Scout listings...it's part of the fun in searching for parts!

[JTR249]

I agree with you, Harry. I have noticed that sometimes the schematics are reversed for some reason, like on the 741 gas lines, but I have gone to that book so many times to try and find things and just to learn fitment or details about a part.
I found your answer Joe! The crash guard plate, like in Jim parker's reference photo above, is from 1941. Here's the photo. Lower right corner.
-JR
1941 Crash Guard for 741.jpg

[FLFD7]

JR,

I think you got that from this manual….
IMG_4002.jpeg

That covers 741s with serial numbers 5601 and up.

I find the same thing in this parts list….

IMG_4007.jpeg

for serial numbers 101 to 5600, no picture but the parts list has the plate

IMG_4006.jpeg

So it appears the early 741s had the plate.

[FLFD7]

However, in this manual…

IMG_4001.jpeg
which covers 741s serial numbers 32037 to 35157 it shows this crash bar…

IMG_3999.jpeg

and other pictures in the manual do not show the plate

IMG_4003.jpeg IMG_4004.jpeg

So somewhere between serial numbers 5601 and 32037 they switched from the plate style to the single u bolt style.

So either one will work.

Joe

[PaulCDF]

Any information on the dimensions? Width, Height, distance between mounting points?