Difference between revisions of "Bull bar (nudge bar)"

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(Added info about a known aftermarket 3rd gen front bull bar manufacturer)
m (Switched the terminology from "bull bar" to "nudge bar")
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Bull bar / nudge bar (''terminology depends on a world region'') is a metal or plastic bar grid, which is mounted on vehicle's front or rear end.
+
Bull bar / nudge bar (''terminology depends on a world region'') is a metal or plastic bar grid, which is mounted on vehicle's front or rear end. This article will use the term "nudge bar".
  
 
There are various designs, and most are aftermarket products.
 
There are various designs, and most are aftermarket products.
  
 +
Front nudge bars (which mount in front of the front bumper) are much more common than rear nudge bars (which mount in front of the rear bumper).
  
Front bull bars (which mount in front of the front bumper) are much more common than rear bull bars (which mount in front of the rear bumper).
 
  
 +
Read more about nudge bars in this generic world Wikipedia article: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullbar '''"Bull bar"'''].
  
Read more about bull bars in this generic world Wikipedia article: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullbar '''"Bull bar"'''].
 
  
 +
The topic of fitting and using a front nudge bar is loosely associated with the topic of [[Front bumper issues|'''front bumper issues''']]. That wiki article also contains explanations on various Jimny plastic OEM bumper types.
  
The topic of fitting and using a front bull bar is loosely associated with the topic of [[Front bumper issues|'''front bumper issues''']]. That wiki article also contains explanations on various Jimny plastic OEM bumper types.
 
  
 +
{{note|The term "'''bull bar'''" is sometimes also applied to aftermarket-made metal "off-roader" front bumpers which entirely replace vehicle's OEM plastic bumper. This article does not deal with such bumpers.}}
  
{{note|The term "bull bar" is sometimes also applied to aftermarket-made metal "off-roader" front bumpers which entirely replace vehicle's OEM plastic bumper. This article does not deal with such bumpers.}}
+
{{warning|A nudge bar '''MUST NOT''' be used as an anchor when towing or recovering a stuck vehicle!! It will rip off very easily. Most nudge bars also can't handle the weight of an idiot jumping on them.}}
 
 
{{warning|A bull bar '''MUST NOT''' be used as an anchor when towing or recovering a stuck vehicle!! It will rip off very easily. Most bull bars also can't handle the weight of an idiot jumping on them.}}
 
  
  
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Bull bars are a popular accessory on many 4WD vehicles, as they are closely associated with vehicle's perceived "ruggedness".
+
Nudge bars are a popular accessory on many 4WD vehicles, as they are closely associated with vehicle's perceived "ruggedness".
 
 
 
 
In some areas of the world (like Australia, Africa, Scandinavia etc.) bull bars actually have utilitarian purpose of defending the vehicle in case of collision with wild animals, which commonly roam around. However, in most other cases they are just fashion accessories.
 
  
Most bull bars can be used as mounts for additional driving lamps, and that is very useful for Jimnys, as Jimny's factory plastic bumpers are useless on their own as mounting points for additional lamps.
 
  
 +
In some areas of the world (like Australia, Africa, Scandinavia etc.) nudge bars actually have utilitarian purpose of defending the vehicle in case of collision with wild animals, which commonly roam around. However, in most other cases they are just fashion accessories.
  
Contrary to popular belief or impression, bull bars are actually '''undesirable''' for off road use (in general case). Primary reason is that most bull bars mount onto the chassis below the bumper. That way, bull bars actually '''decrease''' vehicle's approach/departure angle and ground clearance. This issue is especially prominent in Jimnys with 2nd gen. front bumper, because that bumper already hangs quite low. A typical bull bar worsens this to the level of rendering the vehicle almost useless off road.
+
Most nudge bars can be used as mounts for additional driving lamps, and that is very useful for Jimnys, as Jimny's factory plastic bumpers are useless on their own as mounting points for additional lamps.
  
  
{{warning|Having a bull bar on a vehicle is currently illegal in certain countries. The main reason is that most bull bars will adversely '''impact''' the fate of anything that collides with them.}}
+
Contrary to popular belief or impression, nudge bars are actually '''undesirable''' for off road use (in general case). Primary reason is that most nudge bars mount onto the chassis below the bumper. That way, nudge bars actually '''decrease''' vehicle's approach/departure angle and ground clearance. This issue is especially prominent in Jimnys with 2nd gen. front bumper, because that bumper already hangs quite low. A typical nudge bar worsens this to the level of rendering the vehicle almost useless off road.
  
  
== Front bull bars ==
+
{{warning|Having a nudge bar on a vehicle is currently illegal in certain countries. The main reason is that most nudge bars will adversely '''impact''' the fate of anything that collides with them.}}
  
  
=== OEM Suzuki front bull bars ===
+
== Front nudge bars ==
  
  
Suzuki even used to make 1st gen. and 2nd gen. front bumpers in special editions with integrated plastic bull bars. There have been no reported sightings of a 3rd gen. front bumper with an integrated plastic bull bar.
+
=== OEM Suzuki front nudge bars ===
  
  
The primary purpose of those plastic integrated front bull bars is fashion. They have hardly any practical function or use, except possibly as "bump stoppers" in very mild collisions.
+
* Suzuki even used to make 1st gen. and 2nd gen. front bumpers in special editions with integrated plastic nudge bars.
 +
* There have been no reported sightings of a 3rd gen. front bumper with an integrated plastic nudge bar.
  
The availability of those front bumpers depended on a country.
+
* The primary purpose of those plastic integrated front nudge bars is fashion.
 +
* They have hardly any practical function or use, except possibly as "bump stoppers" in very mild collisions.
  
 +
* The availability of those front bumpers with OEM plastic nudge bars depended on a country.
  
It isn't known if these OEM plastic bull bars can be transplanted from one front bumper to another. Maybe they are bolt on, or perhaps they are glued-on, or even die-cast as a single piece with the bumper?
+
* It isn't known if these OEM plastic nudge bars can be transplanted from one front bumper to another.
 +
* Perhaps they are bolt on, or perhaps they are glued-on, or even die-cast as a single piece with the bumper?
 +
* It appears that they are either bolt-on or glue-on on 1st gen. front bumper, while they appear to be die-cast as an inseparable part of a 2nd gen. front bumper.
  
  
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="OEM 1st gen. front bumper with integrated plastic bull bar - examples 1, 2 and 3">
+
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="OEM 1st gen. front bumper with integrated plastic nudge bar - examples 1, 2 and 3">
 
Suzuki Jimny front bumper, 1st gen, with integrated OEM bull bar - A01.jpg|Example 1
 
Suzuki Jimny front bumper, 1st gen, with integrated OEM bull bar - A01.jpg|Example 1
 
Suzuki Jimny front bumper, 1st gen, with integrated OEM bull bar - B01.jpg|Example 2
 
Suzuki Jimny front bumper, 1st gen, with integrated OEM bull bar - B01.jpg|Example 2
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<br clear=all>
 
<br clear=all>
  
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="OEM 1st gen. front bumper with integrated plastic bull bar - example 4">
+
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="OEM 1st gen. front bumper with integrated plastic nudge bar - example 4">
 
Suzuki Jimny front bumper, 1st gen, with integrated OEM bull bar - C01.jpg|Example 4 - view 1 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny front bumper, 1st gen, with integrated OEM bull bar - C01.jpg|Example 4 - view 1 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny front bumper, 1st gen, with integrated OEM bull bar - C02.jpg|Example 4 - view 2 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny front bumper, 1st gen, with integrated OEM bull bar - C02.jpg|Example 4 - view 2 of 3
Line 73: Line 74:
  
  
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="OEM 2nd gen. front bumper with integrated plastic bull bar - example 4">
+
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="OEM 2nd gen. front bumper with integrated plastic nudge bar - example 4">
 
Suzuki Jimny front bumper, 2nd gen, with integrated OEM bull bar - A01.jpg|Example 1 - view 1 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny front bumper, 2nd gen, with integrated OEM bull bar - A01.jpg|Example 1 - view 1 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny front bumper, 2nd gen, with integrated OEM bull bar - A02.jpg|Example 1 - view 2 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny front bumper, 2nd gen, with integrated OEM bull bar - A02.jpg|Example 1 - view 2 of 3
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=== Aftermarket-made front bull bars ===
+
=== Aftermarket-made front nudge bars ===
  
  
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There are various designs of aftermarket-made front bull bars for Jimnys. Most are made of stainless steel, while some are made of ordinary painted steel.
+
There are various designs of aftermarket-made front nudge bars for Jimnys. Most are made of stainless steel, while some are made of ordinary painted steel.
  
It is assumed (but not tried) that a certain aftermarket-made bull bar can only be used with a certain OEM plastic bumper generation. The assumption is based on the fact that the vertical length (depth) of 1st gen, 2nd gen and 3rd gen OEM plastic front bumpers differs significantly. So, an aftermarket-made front bull bar for 1st gen. OEM front bumper would probably collide with the bottom of the 2nd gen. OEM front bumper, because that bumper reaches much lower towards the ground than the 1st gen. front bumper. In the opposite case, the bull bar would probably fit, but its bottom would hang too low compared to the bumper.
+
It is assumed (but not tried) that a certain aftermarket-made nudge bar can only be used with a certain OEM plastic bumper generation. The assumption is based on the fact that the vertical length (depth) of 1st gen, 2nd gen and 3rd gen OEM plastic front bumpers differs significantly. So, an aftermarket-made front nudge bar for 1st gen. OEM front bumper would probably collide with the bottom of the 2nd gen. OEM front bumper, because that bumper reaches much lower towards the ground than the 1st gen. front bumper. In the opposite case, the nudge bar would probably fit, but its bottom would hang too low compared to the bumper.
  
  
[[File:Suzuki Jimny front bull bar, demounted - A01.jpg|320px|thumbnail|left|Stainless steel front bull bar]]
+
[[File:Suzuki Jimny front bull bar, demounted - A01.jpg|320px|thumbnail|left|Stainless steel front nudge bar]]
* Here is an example of a demounted aftermarket-made front bull bar for Jimny's 1st gen front bumper.
+
* Here is an example of a demounted aftermarket-made front nudge bar for Jimny's 1st gen front bumper.
  
 
<br clear=all>
 
<br clear=all>
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Aftermarket-made front bull bars for 1st gen. front bumpers are the most common, as they are the oldest, before the laws and regulations regarding bull bars were "tightened".
+
Aftermarket-made front nudge bars for 1st gen. front bumpers are the most common, as they are the oldest, before the laws and regulations regarding nudge bars were "tightened".
  
  
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="Aftermarket-made front bull bar in front of 1st gen. front bumper - examples 1, 2 and 3">
+
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="Aftermarket-made front nudge bar in front of 1st gen. front bumper - examples 1, 2 and 3">
 
Suzuki Jimny front bull bar, over 1st gen front bumper - A01.jpg|Example 1
 
Suzuki Jimny front bull bar, over 1st gen front bumper - A01.jpg|Example 1
 
Suzuki Jimny front bull bar, over 1st gen front bumper - B01.jpg|Example 2
 
Suzuki Jimny front bull bar, over 1st gen front bumper - B01.jpg|Example 2
Line 111: Line 112:
 
<br clear=all>
 
<br clear=all>
  
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="Aftermarket-made front bull bar in front of 1st gen. front bumper - example 4">
+
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="Aftermarket-made front nudge bar in front of 1st gen. front bumper - example 4">
 
Suzuki Jimny front bull bar, over 1st gen front bumper - D01.jpg|Example 4 - view 1 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny front bull bar, over 1st gen front bumper - D01.jpg|Example 4 - view 1 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny front bull bar, over 1st gen front bumper - D02.jpg|Example 4 - view 2 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny front bull bar, over 1st gen front bumper - D02.jpg|Example 4 - view 2 of 3
Line 118: Line 119:
 
<br clear=all>
 
<br clear=all>
  
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="Aftermarket-made front bull bar in front of 1st gen. front bumper - example 5">
+
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="Aftermarket-made front nudge bar in front of 1st gen. front bumper - example 5">
 
Suzuki Jimny front bull bar, over 1st gen front bumper - E01.jpg|Example 5 - view 1 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny front bull bar, over 1st gen front bumper - E01.jpg|Example 5 - view 1 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny front bull bar, over 1st gen front bumper - E02.jpg|Example 5 - view 2 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny front bull bar, over 1st gen front bumper - E02.jpg|Example 5 - view 2 of 3
Line 125: Line 126:
 
<br clear=all>
 
<br clear=all>
  
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="Aftermarket-made front bull bar in front of 1st gen. front bumper - example 6">
+
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="Aftermarket-made front nudge bar in front of 1st gen. front bumper - example 6">
 
Suzuki Jimny front bull bar, over 1st gen front bumper - F01.jpg|Example 6 - view 1 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny front bull bar, over 1st gen front bumper - F01.jpg|Example 6 - view 1 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny front bull bar, over 1st gen front bumper - F02.jpg|Example 6 - view 2 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny front bull bar, over 1st gen front bumper - F02.jpg|Example 6 - view 2 of 3
Line 132: Line 133:
 
<br clear=all>
 
<br clear=all>
  
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="Aftermarket-made front bull bar in front of 1st gen. front bumper - example 7">
+
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="Aftermarket-made front nudge bar in front of 1st gen. front bumper - example 7">
 
Suzuki Jimny front bull bar, over 1st gen front bumper - G01.jpg|Example 7 - view 1 of 2
 
Suzuki Jimny front bull bar, over 1st gen front bumper - G01.jpg|Example 7 - view 1 of 2
 
Suzuki Jimny front bull bar, over 1st gen front bumper - G02.jpg|Example 7 - view 2 of 2
 
Suzuki Jimny front bull bar, over 1st gen front bumper - G02.jpg|Example 7 - view 2 of 2
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Aftermarket-made front bull bars for 2nd gen. front bumpers are not so common, as the laws and regulations regarding bull bars became "tighter" during this era.
+
Aftermarket-made front nudge bars for 2nd gen. front bumpers are not so common, as the laws and regulations regarding nudge bars became "tighter" during this era.
  
  
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="Aftermarket-made front bull bar in front of 2nd gen. front bumper - examples 1, 2 and 3">
+
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="Aftermarket-made front nudge bar in front of 2nd gen. front bumper - examples 1, 2 and 3">
 
Suzuki Jimny - front bull bar, over 2nd gen front bumper - A01.jpg|Example 1
 
Suzuki Jimny - front bull bar, over 2nd gen front bumper - A01.jpg|Example 1
 
Suzuki Jimny - front bull bar, over 2nd gen front bumper - B01.jpg|Example 2
 
Suzuki Jimny - front bull bar, over 2nd gen front bumper - B01.jpg|Example 2
Line 153: Line 154:
  
  
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="Aftermarket-made front bull bar in front of 2nd gen. front bumper - example 4">
+
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="Aftermarket-made front nudge bar in front of 2nd gen. front bumper - example 4">
 
Suzuki Jimny - front bull bar, over 2nd gen front bumper - D01.jpg|Example 4 - view 1 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny - front bull bar, over 2nd gen front bumper - D01.jpg|Example 4 - view 1 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny - front bull bar, over 2nd gen front bumper - D02.jpg|Example 4 - view 2 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny - front bull bar, over 2nd gen front bumper - D02.jpg|Example 4 - view 2 of 3
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Aftermarket-made bull bars for 3rd gen. front bumper are quite rare (at least in Europe). The reason is probably that EU laws and regulations are got so strict by the time when 3rd gen front bumper was introduced in 2012, that bull bars became (almost) entirely illegal as new installations.
+
Aftermarket-made nudge bars for 3rd gen. front bumper are quite rare (at least in Europe). The reason could be that probably the EU laws and regulations are got so strict by the time when 3rd gen front bumper was introduced in 2012, that nudge bars became (almost) entirely illegal as new installations.
  
  
There is currently one known aftermarket manufacturer of bull bars for 3rd gen. Jimny front bumpers. Here is their commercial:
+
There is currently one known aftermarket manufacturer of nudge bars for 3rd gen. Jimny front bumpers. Here is their commercial:
  
 
<youtube>fsLpZ4WrzVo</youtube>
 
<youtube>fsLpZ4WrzVo</youtube>
  
  
=== DIY-made front bull bars ===
+
=== DIY-made front nudge bars ===
  
  
[[File:Suzuki Jimny front DIY bull bar, over 1st gen front bumper - A01.jpg|320px|thumbnail|left|DIY front bull bar]]
+
[[File:Suzuki Jimny front DIY bull bar, over 1st gen front bumper - A01.jpg|320px|thumbnail|left|DIY front nudge bar]]
  
* This is a (not too pretty) DIY-made front bull bar on a 1st gen. front bumper.
+
* This is a (not too pretty) DIY-made front nudge bar on a 1st gen. front bumper.
 
<br clear=all>
 
<br clear=all>
  
  
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="DIY-made front bull bar in front of 3rd gen. front bumper - example 1">>
+
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="DIY-made front nudge bar in front of 3rd gen. front bumper - example 1">>
 
Suzuki Jimny - front bull bar, over 3rd gen front bumper - A01.jpg|Picture 1 of 8
 
Suzuki Jimny - front bull bar, over 3rd gen front bumper - A01.jpg|Picture 1 of 8
 
Suzuki Jimny - front bull bar, over 3rd gen front bumper - A02.jpg|Picture 2 of 8
 
Suzuki Jimny - front bull bar, over 3rd gen front bumper - A02.jpg|Picture 2 of 8
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== Rear bull bars ==
+
== Rear nudge bars ==
  
  
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Since all Jimnys use the same rear bumper (exceptions are some Japanese domestic models and some Brazilian models), any rear bull bar which was made for Jimnys should be compatible with any Jimny.
+
Since all Jimnys use the same rear bumper (exceptions are some Japanese domestic models and some Brazilian models), any rear nudge bar which was made for Jimnys should be compatible with any Jimny.
  
  
Note that most rear bull bars collide with the tow bar (specifically, with the tow neck and/or the tow ball). Therefore, most rear bull bars can not be used if the tow bar is already fitted, and vice versa. But there are always exceptions, like in one of the pictures below.
+
Note that most rear nudge bars collide with the tow bar (specifically, with the tow neck and/or the tow ball). Therefore, most rear nudge bars can not be used if the tow bar is already fitted, and vice versa. But there are always exceptions, like in one of the pictures below.
  
  
=== OEM Suzuki rear bull bars ===
+
=== OEM Suzuki rear nudge bars ===
  
  
As far as it is known, Suzuki has not produced an edition of the rear plastic bumper with an integrated plastic bull bar.
+
As far as it is known, Suzuki has not produced an edition of the rear plastic bumper with an integrated plastic nudge bar.
  
However, Suzuki did offer a rear bull bar made of metal tubes, very similar to aftermarket-made models. It was probably one such model which was endorsed by Suzuki. The model offered by Suzuki had a disclaimer in Suzuki's accessories catalogues that it can't be fitted together with a tow bar.
+
However, Suzuki did offer a rear nudge bar made of metal tubes, very similar to aftermarket-made models. It was probably one such model which was endorsed by Suzuki. The model offered by Suzuki had a disclaimer in Suzuki's accessories catalogues that it can't be fitted together with a tow bar.
  
  
=== Aftermarket-made rear bull bars ===
+
=== Aftermarket-made rear nudge bars ===
  
  
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="Aftermarket-made rear bull bar in front of rear bumper - example 1">
+
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="Aftermarket-made rear nudge bar in front of rear bumper - example 1">
 
Suzuki Jimny - rear bull bar - B01.jpg|Example 1 - view 1 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny - rear bull bar - B01.jpg|Example 1 - view 1 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny - rear bull bar - B02.jpg|Example 1 - view 1 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny - rear bull bar - B02.jpg|Example 1 - view 1 of 3
Line 223: Line 224:
 
<br clear=all>
 
<br clear=all>
  
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="Aftermarket-made rear bull bar in front of rear bumper - example 2">
+
<gallery class=center widths=320 heights=240 caption="Aftermarket-made rear nudge bar in front of rear bumper - example 2">
 
Suzuki Jimny - rear bull bar - C01.jpg|Example 2 - view 1 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny - rear bull bar - C01.jpg|Example 2 - view 1 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny - rear bull bar - C02.jpg|Example 2 - view 1 of 3
 
Suzuki Jimny - rear bull bar - C02.jpg|Example 2 - view 1 of 3
Line 230: Line 231:
 
<br clear=all>
 
<br clear=all>
  
[[File:Suzuki Jimny - rear bull bar - A01.jpg|320px|thumbnail|left|Aftermarket-made rear bull bar '''AND''' a tow bar]]
+
[[File:Suzuki Jimny - rear bull bar - A01.jpg|320px|thumbnail|left|Aftermarket-made rear nudge bar '''AND''' a tow bar]]
  
* Here is an exception to the rule. Tow bar together with a rear bull bar. It was probably a tight match.
+
* Here is an exception to the rule. Tow bar together with a rear nudge bar. It was probably a tight match.
 
<br clear=all>
 
<br clear=all>
  
  
=== DIY-made rear bull bars ===
+
=== DIY-made rear nudge bars ===
  
  
Add pictures of a DIY rear bull bar here if you have them.
+
Add pictures of a DIY rear nudge bar here if you have them.
  
  

Revision as of 15:31, 21 February 2017

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Introduction

Bull bar / nudge bar (terminology depends on a world region) is a metal or plastic bar grid, which is mounted on vehicle's front or rear end. This article will use the term "nudge bar".

There are various designs, and most are aftermarket products.

Front nudge bars (which mount in front of the front bumper) are much more common than rear nudge bars (which mount in front of the rear bumper).


Read more about nudge bars in this generic world Wikipedia article: "Bull bar".


The topic of fitting and using a front nudge bar is loosely associated with the topic of front bumper issues. That wiki article also contains explanations on various Jimny plastic OEM bumper types.


Note Icon.pngThe term "bull bar" is sometimes also applied to aftermarket-made metal "off-roader" front bumpers which entirely replace vehicle's OEM plastic bumper. This article does not deal with such bumpers.


Warning Icon.pngA nudge bar MUST NOT be used as an anchor when towing or recovering a stuck vehicle!! It will rip off very easily. Most nudge bars also can't handle the weight of an idiot jumping on them.



Uses and purposes

Nudge bars are a popular accessory on many 4WD vehicles, as they are closely associated with vehicle's perceived "ruggedness".


In some areas of the world (like Australia, Africa, Scandinavia etc.) nudge bars actually have utilitarian purpose of defending the vehicle in case of collision with wild animals, which commonly roam around. However, in most other cases they are just fashion accessories.

Most nudge bars can be used as mounts for additional driving lamps, and that is very useful for Jimnys, as Jimny's factory plastic bumpers are useless on their own as mounting points for additional lamps.


Contrary to popular belief or impression, nudge bars are actually undesirable for off road use (in general case). Primary reason is that most nudge bars mount onto the chassis below the bumper. That way, nudge bars actually decrease vehicle's approach/departure angle and ground clearance. This issue is especially prominent in Jimnys with 2nd gen. front bumper, because that bumper already hangs quite low. A typical nudge bar worsens this to the level of rendering the vehicle almost useless off road.


Warning Icon.pngHaving a nudge bar on a vehicle is currently illegal in certain countries. The main reason is that most nudge bars will adversely impact the fate of anything that collides with them.



Front nudge bars

OEM Suzuki front nudge bars

  • Suzuki even used to make 1st gen. and 2nd gen. front bumpers in special editions with integrated plastic nudge bars.
  • There have been no reported sightings of a 3rd gen. front bumper with an integrated plastic nudge bar.
  • The primary purpose of those plastic integrated front nudge bars is fashion.
  • They have hardly any practical function or use, except possibly as "bump stoppers" in very mild collisions.
  • The availability of those front bumpers with OEM plastic nudge bars depended on a country.
  • It isn't known if these OEM plastic nudge bars can be transplanted from one front bumper to another.
  • Perhaps they are bolt on, or perhaps they are glued-on, or even die-cast as a single piece with the bumper?
  • It appears that they are either bolt-on or glue-on on 1st gen. front bumper, while they appear to be die-cast as an inseparable part of a 2nd gen. front bumper.







Aftermarket-made front nudge bars

Introduction

There are various designs of aftermarket-made front nudge bars for Jimnys. Most are made of stainless steel, while some are made of ordinary painted steel.

It is assumed (but not tried) that a certain aftermarket-made nudge bar can only be used with a certain OEM plastic bumper generation. The assumption is based on the fact that the vertical length (depth) of 1st gen, 2nd gen and 3rd gen OEM plastic front bumpers differs significantly. So, an aftermarket-made front nudge bar for 1st gen. OEM front bumper would probably collide with the bottom of the 2nd gen. OEM front bumper, because that bumper reaches much lower towards the ground than the 1st gen. front bumper. In the opposite case, the nudge bar would probably fit, but its bottom would hang too low compared to the bumper.


  • Here is an example of a demounted aftermarket-made front nudge bar for Jimny's 1st gen front bumper.



Examples with 1st gen front bumper

Aftermarket-made front nudge bars for 1st gen. front bumpers are the most common, as they are the oldest, before the laws and regulations regarding nudge bars were "tightened".








Examples with 2nd gen front bumper

Aftermarket-made front nudge bars for 2nd gen. front bumpers are not so common, as the laws and regulations regarding nudge bars became "tighter" during this era.






Examples with 3rd gen front bumper

Aftermarket-made nudge bars for 3rd gen. front bumper are quite rare (at least in Europe). The reason could be that probably the EU laws and regulations are got so strict by the time when 3rd gen front bumper was introduced in 2012, that nudge bars became (almost) entirely illegal as new installations.


There is currently one known aftermarket manufacturer of nudge bars for 3rd gen. Jimny front bumpers. Here is their commercial:


DIY-made front nudge bars

  • This is a (not too pretty) DIY-made front nudge bar on a 1st gen. front bumper.




Rear nudge bars

Introduction

Since all Jimnys use the same rear bumper (exceptions are some Japanese domestic models and some Brazilian models), any rear nudge bar which was made for Jimnys should be compatible with any Jimny.


Note that most rear nudge bars collide with the tow bar (specifically, with the tow neck and/or the tow ball). Therefore, most rear nudge bars can not be used if the tow bar is already fitted, and vice versa. But there are always exceptions, like in one of the pictures below.


OEM Suzuki rear nudge bars

As far as it is known, Suzuki has not produced an edition of the rear plastic bumper with an integrated plastic nudge bar.

However, Suzuki did offer a rear nudge bar made of metal tubes, very similar to aftermarket-made models. It was probably one such model which was endorsed by Suzuki. The model offered by Suzuki had a disclaimer in Suzuki's accessories catalogues that it can't be fitted together with a tow bar.


Aftermarket-made rear nudge bars



File:Suzuki Jimny - rear bull bar - A01.jpg
Aftermarket-made rear nudge bar AND a tow bar
  • Here is an exception to the rule. Tow bar together with a rear nudge bar. It was probably a tight match.



DIY-made rear nudge bars

Add pictures of a DIY rear nudge bar here if you have them.



Page last edited on 21/02/2017 by user Bosanek