Hepco & Becker skidplate and crashbars

[dcstrom]

Well the early(ish) delivery of the S10 forced me to a make a decision on skidplate and crash bars. But I think I'm ready for it... so - it's H&B.

It was a difficult choice between them and the SW-Motech equivalents. As far as the skidplates go, I think the HB is clearly stronger, gives more coverage, and has better mounting system. It's also a LOT more expensive. But what the hell - if it comes to the "crunch" I don't want to be kicking myself and wishing I'd spent the extra $130.

The crash bars are about the same price. The SW-Motech has more coverage of the side panel, but the HB mounting seems like it would distribute loads better. Also SW-M is a bit of a hassle to remove side panels, no problem with the HB. The sidepanels stand more chance of damage in a crash with the HB, but that's only cosmetics and the important stuff will be protected. Lastly the HB's are a bit lighter.

Full installation write up will be at http://supertenere1200.com/2011/07/30/picked-up-my-hepco-becker-parts-today/ next week once fitted to the bike.

I got this stuff from Capital Cycle in North VA.

Trevor

 

[adventorider76]

DC,

Who did you order the Hepco Becker stuff from?

 

[dcstrom]

http://secure.capitalcycle.com/searchprods.asp?searchstring=4531&pagenumber=1&val=1

 

[sportrider]

I am thinking of going the same route.

 

[Rynn Storm]

So did anyone install the H & B crashbars? Pictures? Ease of removing the side panels with them on?

 

[3putt]

I got the same skid plate yesterday, going to put it on after lunch. HEAVY! 11 lbs for plate and hardware.

 

[dcstrom]

So did anyone install the H & B crashbars? Pictures? Ease of removing the side panels with them on?

Removing panels? Easy peasy...

may not be enough protection up top for some, but I reckon it will do OK in 90% of cases.

 

[3putt]

Skid plate went on pretty easy. Nice instructions. Did not say to remove the front mount that holds the OEM protector on, but I did. Hardest part is positioning the 10 lbs plate while you get some screws started. Just 5 to hold it on. 2 in front, 2 on right side by brake pedal (bracket mounts to motor mount, and 1 on left side under the gearshift, (bracket mounts behind the kickstand mount with OEM 2 bolts).

 

[SpeedStar]

Removing panels? Easy peasy...

may not be enough protection up top for some, but I reckon it will do OK in 90% of cases.

dcstrom, the more I see those H&B bars, the more I like them. Easy access to the panels, not too obtrusive and still offers good protection.

Could you post a few more pics from different angles? Thanks.

 

[Jim]

Looks like that the 11lbs of weight for that skidplate would make the bike handle even better. Can the oil filter be changed without removing it?

 

[dcstrom]

Looks like that the 11lbs of weight for that skidplate would make the bike handle even better. Can the oil filter be changed without removing it?

Well it lowers the C of G even more

Need to remove to change oil and filter - I timed it when I did the oil change a couple of days ago - 3 mins for removal, 5 mins to reinstall.