Powerbronze Rear Huggers: Complete Installation Guide and Technical Features

Powerbronze rear huggers are among the most appreciated aftermarket accessories by motorcyclists looking for a perfect blend of racing aesthetics, effective protection and premium build quality. In this comprehensive guide you'll discover everything you need to know about Powerbronze huggers: technical specifications, advantages, detailed installation procedure and essential preliminary operations.

What Are Powerbronze Rear Huggers

Powerbronze rear huggers are components made of high-impact ABS designed to replace the motorcycle's original chain guard, completely embracing the rear wheel. Designed in Great Britain, where rainy weather conditions are the norm, these accessories have become a worldwide reference point for those seeking:

• Superior protection: Shield swingarm, shock absorber, engine and lower part of the bike from mud, water, stones and road debris
• Racing aesthetics: Give the motorcycle a sporty and clean look, typical of competition bikes
• Easy maintenance: Drastically reduce dirt accumulation on the swingarm and rear components
• Practicality: Many models integrate the chain guard, eliminating the need for the original component

Technical Features of Powerbronze Huggers

Materials and Construction

All Powerbronze rear huggers are made of high-impact ABS plastic, a material that offers:

• Exceptional resistance: Withstands impacts, vibrations and stress without cracking
• Smooth internal finish: Prevents tire damage in case of contact
• Rolled edges: For safety and professional appearance
• "Posi-Flex" system: Steel mounting points with rubber insert that absorb vibrations and prevent stress cracking

Available Finishes

Powerbronze offers its rear huggers in different finishes:

• Gloss black: Standard finish, unpainted but ready to use with glossy and scratch-resistant surface
• Carbon Look: Carbon effect (available at extra cost), made with adhesive film applied on the ABS hugger
• Real carbon: Some models are available in true carbon fiber, handmade in Powerbronze's dedicated facility and lacquered for weather protection

Important note: The gloss black finish is already UV-protected and resistant to sunlight. If you wish to paint the hugger in a custom color, the surface is ready to be sanded and painted without issues.

Advanced Features

The latest Powerbronze hugger models include additional features:

• Vented air intakes: Some models feature openings with anodized metal mesh (gold or silver) that improve aesthetics and ventilation
• Integrated chain guard: Where design permits, the hugger already includes the chain cover, eliminating the original one
• Brake light provision: All Powerbronze huggers can be fitted with an auxiliary brake light mounted on the upper rear edge for increased safety and visibility
• TÜV approval: All Powerbronze huggers have TÜV type approval, ensuring compliance with European standards

Essential Preliminary Operations Before Installation

Before proceeding with the installation of your new Powerbronze hugger, it is essential to perform some preliminary operations to ensure optimal and lasting results.

1. Protective Film Removal

WARNING: Critical Operation! All Powerbronze huggers arrive protected by a transparent film applied to the external surface. This film serves to protect the component during transport and storage.

It is absolutely necessary to completely remove this film BEFORE installation for the following reasons:

• If exposed to UV rays and weather, the film degrades and becomes impossible to remove after a few weeks
• The degraded film leaves sticky residues that are extremely difficult to clean
• The aesthetic appearance of the hugger is completely ruined
• It may be necessary to sand the surface to remove residues, damaging the finish

How to correctly remove the film:

1. Find a corner of the film (usually present on an edge)
2. Gently lift the corner with your fingernail or a plastic pick
3. Pull the film slowly at a low angle to avoid tearing
4. If the film tears, start again from another point
5. Verify that the entire surface is completely free of film residues
6. Clean the surface with a microfiber cloth and mild detergent

2. Kit Components Check

Before starting installation, verify that the kit includes all necessary components:

• Powerbronze rear hugger
• Mounting bracket specific for your motorcycle model
• Complete hardware kit (M6 screws, nuts, washers, spacers)
• Special brake caliper bolts (with threaded hole in the head, if applicable)
• Detailed installation instructions

3. Tools Preparation

For correct installation you will need:

• Allen keys (complete set, typically 4mm, 5mm, 6mm)
• Combination wrenches (typically 10mm, 12mm)
• Torque wrench (recommended but not essential for experienced users)
• Degreaser or detergent
• Microfiber cloth
• Optional electrical tape (to protect contact areas)

Step-by-Step Installation Procedure

Installing a Powerbronze hugger is designed to be simple and straightforward, without the need for bike modifications, cutting or drilling. The typical procedure takes about 30-45 minutes for a user with basic mechanical experience.

Phase 1: Original Chain Guard Removal

1. Position the bike on the center stand or use a rear stand
2. Identify the fixing points of the original chain guard (usually 3-4 screws)
3. Remove the screws and keep them (they might be needed in the future)
4. Carefully remove the original chain guard
5. Thoroughly clean the mounting area on the swingarm

Phase 2: Bracket Installation

1. Identify the mounting bracket included in the Powerbronze kit
2. Position the bracket on the swingarm anchor points (non-chain side)
3. If necessary, replace the brake caliper bolts with those supplied in the kit
4. The special Powerbronze bolts have a threaded hole in the head to accommodate the M6 fixing screws
5. Tighten the caliper bolts to the recommended torque (typically 24 Nm, check your bike's manual)

Pro Tip: Some users apply electrical tape or protective strips under the bracket to protect the swingarm's paint from possible scratches or abrasions.

Phase 3: Hugger Installation

1. Present the hugger to the bracket without final tightening
2. Check alignment and distance from the wheel (minimum 10-15mm)
3. Insert the M6 screws in the pre-drilled mounting points
4. Initially tighten the screws "finger-tight" to allow adjustments
5. Check that the hugger is perfectly aligned and centered relative to the wheel
6. Finally tighten all screws with moderate torque (6-8 Nm)

Caution: Do not over-tighten the screws at the rubber "Posi-Flex" mounting points. The system is designed to absorb vibrations; excessive tightening could compromise this function.

Phase 4: Final Checks

Before considering the installation complete:

• Manually rotate the rear wheel to verify there is no contact with the hugger
• Check that all screws are properly tightened
• Verify that steering is free and there are no interferences
• Move the rear suspension in compression and extension to verify minimum clearances
• Clean any fingerprints or residues with a microfiber cloth

Powerbronze Hugger Maintenance

To keep your Powerbronze hugger in perfect condition:

• Regular cleaning: Wash the hugger with water and neutral soap after every ride in rain or mud conditions
• Avoid aggressive detergents: Do not use solvents, gasoline or acetone-based products
• Periodic check: Check the tightening of fixing screws every 1000 km
• UV protection: If parking outdoors, consider a bike cover to prolong the finish's durability
• Stone removal: Periodically check that no small stones have become lodged between hugger and tire

Real Advantages in Daily Use

Based on experiences of thousands of motorcyclists using Powerbronze huggers:

Effective Protection

The Powerbronze rear hugger drastically reduces the amount of dirt, water and debris reaching:

• Rear shock absorber (increasing its lifespan and reducing maintenance)
• Swingarm (keeping paint intact longer)
• Engine and underseat area (hard-to-clean areas)
• Rider and passenger (less spray on the back in rain)

Improved Aesthetics

The wraparound racing design of the Powerbronze hugger transforms the appearance of the motorcycle's rear area, giving a cleaner, sportier and more refined look compared to the original chain guard.

Easy Cleaning

With the hugger installed, post-ride cleaning becomes much quicker. The smooth surface of the hugger cleans easily, while swingarm and shock absorber remain clean.

Compatibility and Available Models

Powerbronze produces rear huggers for over 40 different motorcycle models, covering:

• Naked bikes: Yamaha MT-07, MT-09, Kawasaki Z900, Honda CB1000R
• Sport bikes: Yamaha R1, R6, Suzuki GSX-R, Honda CBR
• Touring: BMW R1200GS, Honda VFR, Kawasaki Versys
• Adventure: Honda X-ADV, Suzuki V-Strom
• Classic: Triumph Street Triple, Kawasaki ZRX

Important: Always verify specific compatibility with your bike's model, year and version. Some models (like Swiss, Australian or German versions) have slightly different swingarms requiring specific hugger variants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a torque wrench necessary for installation?

Not strictly necessary for experienced users who know the right "feel" for tightening. However, it's recommended for brake caliper bolts (typically 24 Nm) to ensure safety and precision.

Can the hugger be painted?

Yes, the gloss black ABS finish can be sanded and painted with plastic paints after proper surface preparation.

Are bike modifications needed to install the hugger?

No, all Powerbronze huggers are bolt-on, meaning they install using the bike's original mounting points without need for drilling, cutting or modifications.

Does the hugger completely eliminate spray?

The hugger drastically reduces (80-90%) spray on the rear of the bike and rider, but doesn't eliminate it completely. Some lateral spray is inevitable with any type of hugger.

How long does a Powerbronze hugger last?

With proper maintenance, a Powerbronze hugger can easily last 5-10 years or more. The ABS material is extremely resistant to aging, weather and impacts.

Conclusions

Powerbronze rear huggers represent a smart investment for any motorcyclist who wants to effectively protect their bike, improve its aesthetics and simplify daily maintenance. British build quality, ease of installation and specific compatibility for each model make them the preferred choice of thousands of motorcyclists in Europe and worldwide.

Always remember to remove the protective film before installation and carefully follow the specific instructions for your motorcycle model. With proper care and attention during installation, your Powerbronze hugger will accompany you for many thousands of miles, keeping your bike clean, protected and with an enviable racing look.

Have questions about installation or compatibility with your motorcycle model? Contact us at info@mlmoto.com – our team will be happy to help you choose the perfect Powerbronze hugger for your bike!