gonzo76
New Member
I have been doing some looking around for skid plates and would like to get some input. I am working within somewhat of a budget but really wanna get something on there to protect it. Thanks for any help
I think the first guy who builds a clever frame mount kit to convert one of the popular engine-mount skid plates is gonna be a hero.Ishirock said:I put on the SW-motech Skidder after putting a hole in my oil pan with the stock unit. I'm planning to remove the bolts where it mounts to the oil pan and cut the mounts off the motor. These seem to be the weak spot and break off very easily as I found out slow rolling over a curb. I also plan to beef up by running 2 small pieces of angle from the front up to the unused mount brackets on the front of the engine. What do guys think of my idea?
Totally agree here. I was starting to look at the idea of making an additional mounting bracket that would mount the factory skid plate to some other mounts rather than the sump.snakebitten said:I think the first guy who builds a clever frame mount kit to convert one of the popular engine-mount skid plates is gonna be a hero.
And thus, why there are so few solutions that will actually hold up well when you try to crush a rock, curb, or log with this big 1000lb Beast.~TABASCO~ said:It comes off the four attachment points on the frame.. Then comes back around to the front but has to miss the headers and give room for the compressing front tire.. Then comes down and attaches to the skid plate, then continues down and 'wraps' around the motor and connects to the rear using the skid plate hardware. You can also brace the bottom of the skid plate with this new structure.. It should be able to be taken off quickly with a few bolts.. Also, keep in mind on vertical loads at or near the front of the skid plate. This new 'cage' will have to be braced when it comes around toward the front of the motor. Other wise this is a week compression point and will fold up and crack or bend like a potato chip... But there are more factors involved here depending on material, square or round, thickness, type of welding or bending involved. These all have to be considered for the clearance that is offered and the amount of weight you are supporting or want to protect. For this application this is all about function, not bling...
This is what most people don't consider. You have a 650 pound bike, with 48 pounds of fuel, with the 200 pound rider, Etc.... Etc..... Etc..... 1/8 " sheet of aluminum called "your average skid plate" will be damaged off road with 1000Lbs pressing on it... And the 1000Lbs is static load.. If someone was moving and had the figure of suspension loading/unloading on a skid plate that 1000Lbs goes up in weight much higher fast!
This can quickly become a 'non-homemade' part. It needs some aluminum extruded 'legs' with cast aluminum fittings 'back bone' tig welded together. This will give you the strength in the tight confines of each of the skid plates and offer the best strength option for the space availiable..
Ive considered these to produce already that would look like a motocross bottom frame that would bolt right on.. Just cost to much money and no one would pay for the R&D and the price to produce it...
Anyone that takes this idea and goes and tries to make this... please understand the loads involved...
That's why we have our bomb proof skid plate, its made for the real application....
I got the SW-Motech. I feel it is comparable to the Altrider and Hepco-Becker units, and appropriate for most riders. Haven't really looked into the Rumbux. Jaxon's is overkill for me. Unless you are just looking to protect against thrown up debris, stay away from the Yamaha plate as it attaches to the rear boss and has been documented to tear out the sump on a number of bikes.gonzo76 said:I have been doing some looking around for skid plates and would like to get some input. I am working within somewhat of a budget but really wanna get something on there to protect it. Thanks for any help