Hepco & Becker Skid Plate Install Problem?

[SoCalADVRider]

Hey folks I am trying to install a Hepco & Becker skid plate on my 2017 SuperT and hit a wall. The cross brace on the front is obstructed by the headers. I bought the skid plate for my year but did not think the headers would be an issue. I noticed earlier bikes have a different header config with a cross over pipe mine does not. I hate to imagine my headers are bent they look pristine so either it's a fitment issue for my year or my headers are bent no idea.

If anyone else has a 2017 that can confirm this bolt location is not obstructed by your headers, please share the pic. Can I swap headers from an earlier year will that cause issues with engine I have no idea looking for solutions?

 

[magic]

I have the Hepco Becker skid plate on my 2013 with the cross over pipe. A couple things come to mind. The long bolt has to be inserted from the left side of the bike as you sit on the bike. I recall taping the nut to an open end wrench to hold it in place and fishing it in between the 2 header pipes to get it started. Your first picture shows the bolt hole partially covered by the outside header pipe, just like mine, but there was room for the nut. When you get it together, do not over tighten this long bolt and nut. Good luck!

 

[SoCalADVRider]

I have the Hepco Becker skid plate on my 2013 with the cross over pipe. A couple things come to mind. The long bolt has to be inserted from the left side of the bike as you sit on the bike. I recall taping the nut to an open end wrench to hold it in place and fishing it in between the 2 header pipes to get it started. Your first picture shows the bolt hole partially covered by the outside header pipe, just like mine, but there was room for the nut. When you get it together, do not over tighten this long bolt and nut. Good luck!

I know these fit the 2013 and earlier it's an issue with 2014 and up. The headers on the current gen are different the beds obscure the through hole on the right side. It makes no difference which side you put the nut on, and I am following the directions. I was able to assemble the skid pan, but I had to loosen the header bolts to get some wiggle and align everything. Only thing is the cross brace does still touch the header pipe once all tightened down. I am just going to let it be if it wears a hole in the header pipe so be it. I will just buy a arrow header at that point they are more flexible being held together by spring tension only.

 

[BadNews]

My Outback Motortech crash bars are bolted there on my 2017 and it’s a PITA to get that fastener on and tightened.

 

[Cycledude]

I would just return it, explain why it doesn’t fit and get a 100% refund . There are plenty of other brands available that fit just fine.

 

[SoCalADVRider]

My Outback Motortech crash bars are bolted there on my 2017 and it’s a PITA to get that fastener on and tightened.

Does you faster bracket rub against the header pipe when installed?

 

[SoCalADVRider]

I would just return it, explain why it doesn’t fit and get a 100% refund . There are plenty of other brands available that fit just fine.

Nah worst case I can slightly mash the pipe.

 

[BadNews]

Does you faster bracket rub against the header pipe when installed?

The crash bar has a tab that the bolt goes through, no bracket. It just barely clears the header.

 

[SoCalADVRider]

Here is the issue it rubs but I am going to relieve a bit of the bracket tube by sanding it through. This should give me a hair thickness of clearance and not affect much of anything. Will post the results tomorrow.

 

[SoCalADVRider]

All right I worked out a fix and no need to return my expensive skid pan all is working fine now no interference. So, for any of you looking to add the Hepco & Becker skid pan to 2014 and up models you will need to relieve a section of the cross tube for the through bolt. I used a Dremel with a cut off wheel and did some surgery. I also had to do a bit of filing and deburring nothing crazy just a little elbow grease. This is for 2014 and up SuperT's with the non-cross pipe headers. I have not tested this with the arrow headers as I do not currently have any. I did repaint the bare metal with some rust oleum and treat with Fluid Film as this area collects dirt, moisture and will see a lot of heat radiating from the headers. Doing my best to slow the rusting down here with this mod.