In a galaxy not that far ago, on a bike not much unlike this one I returned from one of my first off-road forays. As pulling the clutch in just seemed to simple, I would often give the bike a big ghostie as things started going awry. Seemed kinda bad to do that, but bikes can be replaced and I lived to tell another fishing tale. In this case, the bike often ended up coming to stop often 'parked' vertically. You wouldn't think that the move was able to be replicated, but I assure it is!
Nonetheless, the top case had a rough go for the first year. Soon enough, I got 'better' and began anihiliating skiplates. I clean ripped off an OEM plastic one, mashed the mounting points beyond salvage on a second as it punctured my oil pan, and a third skidplate lives to see today. To say that I am hard on the belly of any bike is a understatement. The problem is further exacerbated by my short inseam and lowered suspension sleds.
Basically, I know I need skid plate protection...and a lot of it!
This is probably the only thing I ended up needing to 'exchange' on the bike. It came with an EVOTECH Performance skidplate. While technically the manufacturer touts it as a "sump pump plate", the plastic OEM ears will not survive long.
Nonetheless, the top case had a rough go for the first year. Soon enough, I got 'better' and began anihiliating skiplates. I clean ripped off an OEM plastic one, mashed the mounting points beyond salvage on a second as it punctured my oil pan, and a third skidplate lives to see today. To say that I am hard on the belly of any bike is a understatement. The problem is further exacerbated by my short inseam and lowered suspension sleds.
Basically, I know I need skid plate protection...and a lot of it!
This is probably the only thing I ended up needing to 'exchange' on the bike. It came with an EVOTECH Performance skidplate. While technically the manufacturer touts it as a "sump pump plate", the plastic OEM ears will not survive long.
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There are probably 2 or 3 contenders for skidplates. Flatland Racing, B & B Off Road (Australian), and Ricochet Off Road. Admittedly, I probably should have looked a bit more into this before I leapt. While there may have B&B dealer stateside, I didn't easily locate one. I didn't feel like waiting (nor funding) international postage. Flatland seems to have lovers and haters. So, I settled on the Ricochet.
For a the cost of a Benjamin Franklin, I was able to get get the Ricochet. Installation couldn't be easier as it comes with the four M6x20 hardware. They used the OEM mounting points. What I like about this design is that the wings provide a degree of front impact protection to the engine side cases.
For a the cost of a Benjamin Franklin, I was able to get get the Ricochet. Installation couldn't be easier as it comes with the four M6x20 hardware. They used the OEM mounting points. What I like about this design is that the wings provide a degree of front impact protection to the engine side cases.
As a strange aside, I've seen a huge increase of folks trying to skinny down their dry weight of the bike. One thing that they are (erroneously) doing is comprising protection by using Carbon Fiber. Of the few instantiations of Carbon Fiber in the moto world, I would never recommend it for impact protection.
To the left, is a buddies KTM 2-stroke expansion pipe. You'll notice that he was chasing a World Class Enduro rider through a Novice single track course, and piled into a large, immovable tree. The resultant force, smashed his expansion pipe to the point of needing to be replaced, all while the carbon fiber shield deformed (then popped) right back out. The carbon fiber shield was "good" as new though!
To the left, is a buddies KTM 2-stroke expansion pipe. You'll notice that he was chasing a World Class Enduro rider through a Novice single track course, and piled into a large, immovable tree. The resultant force, smashed his expansion pipe to the point of needing to be replaced, all while the carbon fiber shield deformed (then popped) right back out. The carbon fiber shield was "good" as new though!