Regarding OldWingIt's question about why add the crash bars - Not all roads are smooth and flat. I dropped my bike at a stop sign with the handlebars turned full lock to the left. There were more potholes and patched holes (bumps) than a camel has fleas - and bygdogs crash bars worked just fine. I got a bit of a scrape on the low side's bar. No other damage than a scuff on the bottom of Honda's plastic guard. With two points of contact and support you are better protected if one of those ends up in a pothole. If you look at the bike when tipped and resting on Honda's crash bar alone, there is not much clearance between the saddlebag and the ground.
How do you tell which is stronger, MCL's or Bygdawgs? Neither is designed to save the bike in the event of dropping it at speed - both say as much. Both brands do what they are supposed to do, as attested by many people in other threads. In the end it comes down to which style you prefer (based on appearance), availability, cost, and probably the phase of the moon. I really don't think it matters much which one you use - as long as you have it on before you need it.
How do you tell which is stronger, MCL's or Bygdawgs? Neither is designed to save the bike in the event of dropping it at speed - both say as much. Both brands do what they are supposed to do, as attested by many people in other threads. In the end it comes down to which style you prefer (based on appearance), availability, cost, and probably the phase of the moon. I really don't think it matters much which one you use - as long as you have it on before you need it.