Warning! AltRider skid plate kit on 2014

[EdOnS10]

:exclaim: Warning! To anyone setting up the altrider skid plate - there is a recipe for disaster!
The problem seems to have lurked around in small batches before http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=6847.msg118259#msg118259

But this was on the new 2014 kit I was trying on my ES.

Basically the kickstand bolts that come with the kit are M10-40-1.5. They should be M10-40-1.25!
You're not normally tempted to keep trying to thread bolts that feel stiff... But with the amount of factory thread lock you just broke through to get out the OEMs, you might be tempted and jack the frame threads!

Luckily my OCD kept me from trying... But I wanted to post a heads up!

I love the other Altrider gear I got (engine bars and universal joint guard) so I don't want to steer anyone away - just a warning. I am sure they will get me sorted and I'll post an update when they do!

 

[EdOnS10]

::012:: and there was much rejoicing!
Hey gang, just to put follow up on this one... I was in contact with Altrider, and they are getting me fixed up. They don't normally have loose extras, but were able to find some and are priority shipping them out to me.
As a backup, you may already know - but they pointed me to https://www.fastenal.com/web/products/details/0142073
which has a much better selection than my local stores. Those of you who just re-used the shorter OEM bolts may want to upgrade to the longer 40mm version when it's convenient.
hopefully my last post on the topic -so if it goes silent you can take that as a good sign!

 

[TimLaw]

My question is simple; If Altrider knew of this problem last year, how the hell can these still be shipped out without someone saying, "hey man, make sure it's correct"?

I've heard many good things about Altrider, but this doesn't make any sense.

 

[DryRider]

Thanks for the heads up...I just ordered mine, I will be very careful...not good good AltRider...they even posted a new part number for the 2014? Whats up with that? Wrong bolts again? ::005::

 

[EdOnS10]

My understanding is there is no difference for the 2013- and 2014+ for the plate or hardware kit. The only difference is the rear bracket that now has a cutout to provide more clearance for the catalytic converter which I guess sticks a touch lower than on the 2013. The 2013 is a straight bar across the bottom.

I actually ordered mine from Paul at AdvDepot. At the time, they did not list the new part number but he was helpful at answering my questions and making sure my order was processed so that I received the 2014 kit. It came from Altrider and said 2014 on the bag.

It sounds like Altrider uses a supplier, so I can understand mistakes happening here and there. Sometimes suppliers intentionally or not make substitutions they don't think will be a problem. It takes constant checks to make sure they don't swap anything for a given batch and this might be hard to catch without trying the install...

Anyway.. What I can say is the armour I did get on is awesome! The engine bars are strong and have good coverage while being reasonably good looking. The universal joint gaurd does what I wanted - covers better than the oem without risk of getting my pant leg caught. I think the skid plate will be exactly what I wanted for my level of back gravel roads and trail riding. I'll give it a report once I've had it on a while...

 

[Grndlb]

I installed mine without issue in late September ordered direct from AltRider.

 

[EdOnS10]

Quick update - New bolts came in as promised and fit perfectly. So All's well that ends well... Overall the install with the right set was pretty easy - so it is really just a heads up to check when you review your hardware kit... I'm sure it's not all of them. Anyway, the plate looks great and serve me well.

 

[DryRider]

Quick update - New bolts came in as promised and fit perfectly. So All's well that ends well... Overall the install with the right set was pretty easy - so it is really just a heads up to check when you review your hardware kit... I'm sure it's not all of them. Anyway, the plate looks great and serve me well.

thank ::012:: you for looking out for us