Great write up and photos, credit to the author.
Now for the questions. Many of the skid plates I have reviewed are at best lightweight poser units. Has anyone ever damaged a SW skid plate to point that the plate came in contact with the sump,sump damage? The brackets holding the plate in position leave an open area in front of the oil filter, the very item we are trying to protect. The rear bracket appears to be made out of thin stock and would deform if the weight of the bike came down on an hard object, be that rock or log.
What is the damage policy from the skid plate suppliers? I fully realize that conditions can not be controlled in every phase, but have the plate manufacturers been taken to task due to failure and resulting engine damage? Some of the suppliers list their plate thickness as if it is the ultimate, wrong 3mm is less than 1/8 inch and given the span between the brackets not very strong.
Don't get me wrong, I think everyone should have a choice of products for the bikes or anything else for that matter, I would just like to see some real world testing and comments.
I don't mind spending money, I don't like to waste it.