Bumper Guards on Saddles
 

I notice that some beach cruiser seats have what are termed "bumper guards". Were these used for something at some point or have they always been just for looks? I know they aren't useful for protecting the bike if you back up because you have a wheel behind you...so the only thing I could think of is that it would be some kind of protection for if the bike falls over?

I think that all they do is give a small amount of scuff protection for the seat if the bike falls over. Plus, it's one more thing that can be chromed.

I think it's meant to imitate the seat rail on old motorcycle "buddy seats".

Precisely. Otherwise, it is just eye candy.

-Kurt

when we were kids and you gave your buddy a ride on the back of your bike it looked a lot better if he was holding on to the rail on the back of the seat instead of having his arms around your waist.now if you were giving a girl a lift on your bike it was better if she wrapped her arms around your waist.

Except for the fact that all the rails I've seen in the past would easily bend if subjected to downwards stress.

-Kurt