As you requested I moved your post and related posts from the crash bar thread to the skidplate thread..
I took a piie of pictures when I installed my skidplate / bars. http://www.cafehusky.com/threads/skid-plate-options.28972/page-10#post-316555 There's a link to a gallery in the post.
I order mine.. SW Motech plate looks good . Could somebody that has installed give firts impressions , about noising, removing or disturbing any other parts.?
I wear earplugs, so I didn't notice the noise until a recent ride. It reflects, just like all of them seem too. Not a big deal for me, I can't hear any difference with the plugs in, if you ride without them you might coat it or otherwise put some sound deadening of some type in place. I don't see any issues relative to other parts, and it's a five minute job to pull it of you need to.
I'm told the Touratech uses the rear bolt was well. I lift it all the time, for tire work, chain lube, get it up a bit to work on it etc. If you look at my pics earlier in the thread you'll see that the brackets are significant. The bottom plate is 4mm, ricochet uses 5, motorsportz is massive by comparison. I think it's more than sufficient unless you are going to use it regularly to slide over stuff on the trail. (get the motosportz) Keep in mind you have to figure in the mounting points, mounting bracket, shape of the plate, etc. when considering strength.
I'm glad I got the SW-Motech. Thought there might be a noise issue but really way more noise coming from the OEM wind shield than any where else. All other plates are OK...But IMO the SW-M Plate and Guards looks like it belongs on the bike.
A little bit of engine noise reflected by the plate but honestly not enough to bother me in the slightest. No modifications to the bike are necessary to install the plate other than removing the left foot peg / kick stand temporarily to allow access to install the rear mounting bracket.
It is a little harder to install than designs like the Ricochet. However, it is solidly mounted. You'll have some trouble getting that left peg bolt out. Mine was covered in red Loctite. Other than that, install was easy peasy. it works great with the SW-Motech crash bars too.
Just received email from Altrider. They expect their skid plate to be in the week of August 5th. Let us hope there are no delays!
FWIW I threw a request at Hyde Racing to see if they would be making one. They made one for the 650X bikes. I like their plastic design for less noise/vibes and it tucks up nice and neat.
IMHO you need some real support under the motor as it has a huge oil line out the bottom and the oil drain plug both very EZ to destroy your motor with if ripped off. This is a 400 pound bike with scary critical oil stuff right on the bottom of it. You drag those over a rock and rip them off your bike is going in the dumpster.
