The more I look I don't see anyway Honda ever thought about guards. I guess the bumpers guards would be about the only way to protect at least from a parking lot fall. Honda was so close to making a excellent middle weight touring bike. Yep the the NT is very very close, it one of the finest motorcycles I've ridden.
My first experience with riding was at age 15 pushing a old Harley to a go for a ride. This had the shift on the tank, and foot clutch. I should of died, but made the trip down a curvy road and back home. I felt addicted to 2 wheels ever since.