direct mounts to the engine?

robson

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Wonder if anybody had problem with this design where they bolt skid plate and side stand directly to the engine.
I know it's not an off-road bike but many take it there and I have seen many pictures with engine case broken when stone hit the
side stand mounted like that. Mostly on KTM 1290, 1190, 1090 adventure.
 

RCinNC

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I don't have a problem with a debris guard that mounts to the engine, as long as you stay cognizant of what the guard is capable of. It's definitely not a skid plate, so if you're rolling over baby head rocks or trying to huck over a fallen tree, you're asking for trouble. For riding on dirt or gravel roads, it gives me peace of mind that the oil filter has some protection from things being flung up from the front wheel. I have a few dings in the front of mine that make me glad it's there.

A true skidplate like a Rumbux would be overkill for the kind of riding I do. I've never seen a sidestand that bolts to the engine, but it doesn't seem like a good idea. That would put a lot of constant stress on an engine case that it probably wasn't designed for.
 

Sierra1

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I tend to agree that mounting a "skid plate" to the engine block, might not be the most durable method. But, I've been told that the mounting points are quite strong. I was also told that if you break the case at one of those points, you likely have other significant damage to the bike. Like RC, I want(ed) something to protect the filter and bottom of the block from minor impacts. The biggest obstacles I run into (and over) are curbs, and parking stops.
 

EricV

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Wonder if anybody had problem with this design where they bolt skid plate and side stand directly to the engine.
I know it's not an off-road bike but many take it there and I have seen many pictures with engine case broken when stone hit the
side stand mounted like that. Mostly on KTM 1290, 1190, 1090 adventure.
Yes, it's a problem with the skid plate mounted to the cast aluminum sump. Even a hit that doesn't damage the skid plate can crack the sump, or worse, tear the entire mount out of the sump creating catastrophic oil loss. The Yamaha 'skid plate' is prone to this at the rear mount.

The KTM design flaw does not exist on the Super Tenere. The side stand is mounted to a nice strong plate, that is mounted to the frame very solidly.

KTM owners either add a side stand relocation kit or buy a crashbar/skid plate system that protects that area well.

At the end of the day, it's about how you use your motorcycle. That will determine your need for protection and comfort level in how good of protection you buy for your bike.
 

OldRider

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I in the same boat as RCinNC. I'm not going off road and jumping any stumps so the Moose plate bolted to the engine will protect everything from rocks thrown up by the front wheel and that's all I need.
 

steve68steve

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I think I've seen not one, but two separate MC magazine "best ADV bike shoot outs" where the ST drops out because of a smashed oil pan. I guess the GS is always going to win anyway, but still.

That being the case, I opted for an ACD which is frame-mounted. It's heavy, it reflects noise and heat at me, and oil changes are a complete PITA. I only mount it when I'm going someplace to ride - rallies, vacay - when I'm fully planning on bouncing around off pavement.

Every. single. time. I've removed it upon returning from a trip, I've had to beat it back into shape with a 5 lb sledge hammer. The amount of deep gashes and dents it acquires is especially surprising given how NOT aggressive/ talented of an off-roader I am. You just need to hit one big rock, or drop off of one little shelf, or bottom out unexpectedly over some unforeseen whoop and you oil pan is gone.
I've heard they're relatively cheap and easy to replace, but having to do so at the beginning of an epic trip with vacation time burning is worth the preventive cost of a real skid plate, IMO.

The VAST majority of my riding time is in FL, which is flat and paved. So the vast majority of the time the skidder is not installed, which cuts down on weight, heat, noise, and makes oil changes easier.
 

robson

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That ACD skid plate is huge! covers everything, great. I guess I would have to go with something like that then, good it's possible to mount to the frame only. So side stand is fine, I didn't see correctly probably.

 

EricV

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Do some searches here. There are other frame mounted skid plates too. T-Rex, Ride On ADV and Ravetech.
 

thughes317

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I've got the ACD, it is a monster but I picked it because it covers a lot of vital organs (sump, exhaust headers, water pump, O2 sensors, CAT, etc.). The downside is described as above by steve68steve but I happily accept those in trade for the protection. Oil change is a PITA but eased somewhat by replacing the upper mounting bolts with studs.

If I had to do it over again, I think I would go with the T-Rex.....almost the same coverage but a removable access plate to change oil filter without necessitating removal of the entire skid plate. If $ is no object, splurge on the Rumbux system and be done with it.
 

steve68steve

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That ACD skid plate is huge! covers everything, great. I guess I would have to go with something like that then, good it's possible to mount to the frame only. So side stand is fine, I didn't see correctly probably.

Note that in that installation video, the bike is suspended in mid-air... at a comfortable working height.

Try getting at those bolts when they're 7" off the ground, and the bike on the side stand (to keep it's weight off the center stand bolts). Not impossible, just fiddly and annoying.
 

thughes317

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Note that in that installation video, the bike is suspended in mid-air... at a comfortable working height.

Try getting at those bolts when they're 7" off the ground, and the bike on the side stand (to keep it's weight off the center stand bolts). Not impossible, just fiddly and annoying.
Fortunately it only has to be done once. I just popped the spring off the centerstand, that made pulling the bolts and installing the bushings a piece of cake. Once the bushing are installed, the bike can be left on the centerstand when removing/installing the skid plate during oil changes and other future maintenance.

Getting the centerstand spring off and back on again is simple if you have any experience with old school automotive drum brakes. ;)

 
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