Dropping
Bob, know what you mean. In my on/off time of riding since 1970, I've dropped two of mine. The first was in 1993, about 5 months, right after retiring (the day I got my first phone call from KBR...to work in Somalia), I pulled into a gas station, with my 1984 Yamaha 1200 Venture Royale, rear tire didn't have as much thread as it should have, and I hit water, oil and loose gravel all at the same time, the engine guards minimized the damage on that one...but it was used anyway.
The second was the day I picked up my brand new Kawasaki 1500 Vulcan Nomad and I went into my brother-in-laws house to "show it off", parked it on a downgrade with the kickstand down, but engine running. Went up to ring the doorbell and heard a crash, turned to look at my new ride...on it's side...that hurt. Same thing the engine and luggage guards saved it, just a little scratch on the bottom elbow of the guards.
Bottom line I know what you mean, and I may have to think about getting the rear "dresser bars" for at least the luggage. Just wish there was a stronger engine guard available...not too impressed with reviews on the Triumph and Rivco ones.
Dennis