My only farkles planned

[roy]

I added my oem skidplate and oem panniers last night. I hated the use of security torx on the rack and lock sets. I still need to go back and snug them up properly once I get the correct bits. Skid plate was easy and will make oil changes about the same as without it. Don't like the rear mount but I don't have any log or curb jumping planned so it will work. It was cheap. Panniers hmm lets see hate the locks but a little assembly grease did help their operation. Whole thing just seems cheap made. Racks are sturdy but please get rid of those two security torx screws.

 

[3putt]

Looks good Roy. I will only need a minimal skid plate also.

 

[roy]

Looks good Roy. I will only need a minimal skid plate also.

Well the oem one works fine for that and the only reason for removal is for getting at the oil filter. It has a cutout for the forward drain bolt. Like I said I got it cheap $177.57 otd.

 

[colorider]

Looks good Roy. I will only need a minimal skid plate also.

I'm really leaning toward the OEM skid plate as well since I do not need the heavy duty features of the SWM, HB or Altrider plates. The OEM looks to be about $50 cheaper than the nearest competitor.

 

[rem]

Hopefully it will be black so you can class up your bike a little. R

 

[colorider]

Hopefully it will be black so you can class up your bike a little. R

The stock one is black. Just another reason to replace it.

 

[rem]

That would mean the other one is a "deeper" black ??? Good idea. You can't get enough black. If my bike weren't black, I'd sure be blue. R

 

[tomatocity]

I'm really leaning toward the OEM skid plate as well since I do not need the heavy duty features of the SWM, HB or Altrider plates. The OEM looks to be about $50 cheaper than the nearest competitor.

IMO the OEM Skid Plate is for looks only. It is very thin, does not protect the water pump. If you needed to use it it probably would not do the job. I was with you until I seen one mounted. I don't ride off road very much but want one that will do the job if the chance I do need it.