homemade Stelvio skid plate

[Billd]

Wanted a skid plate that was a bit more robust than the original as supplied on the bike. Made this out of 1/4" aluminum plate. 1/4" rubber matting glued to inside surface of skid plate and in contact with motor . Next project is replacement of front fender to gain more clearance between fender and wheel. If someone has already done a fender mod would like to hear about and see pictures of same.

 

[bobw]

Nice and stout. How is it for routine service access, and air flow +/-?

 

[Billd]

It uses the same mounting screw as original so no different in that respect. Considered the cooling question during construction and think it will be as good and perhaps better than original but only guessing on that one. Don't plan on running this full time, only on the Alaska trip were ambient temperature is lower. Primary purpose is to soak up stones!

 

[bobw]

Thanks! Very professional results and good luck with the trip.


Safe travels

Bob

 

[kwn306]

Nice looking piece.........maybe you need to start a manufacturing process for the rest of us in the USA. This could help fund your trip to the great white north :!: :!:

I was lucky enough to find a aluminum OEM unit on eBay before Xmas from a dealer that was throwing in the towel, I purchased it for 0.42 on the dollar, plus shipping.

BTW, If you add the factory crash bars your unit will work just fine

Another thought.........put a hole in the bottom where the oil filter resides, then add a cover plate held on by a few allen cap screws and the unit will never have to be removed for service (oil change).

 

[Billd]

Thats not a bad idea about the hole for the oil filter and a cover plate. Will give that some consideration, thanks.

 

[Bluntly]

I'm not generally envious of people in life...But I am of you guys who can just make things like that :mrgreen:

 

[RokonRon]

Thats not a bad idea about the hole for the oil filter and a cover plate. Will give that some consideration, thanks.

I think I'd stick with the easier to access screws on the side rather than blind, road grim cover screws on the bottom, but that's just me.

 

[Bob Bernstein]

My opinion, for what it's worth, is I agree with Ron, that a oil filter hole in the bottom, defeats the purpose of the plate.
If it were my luck, it would bash a hole in the oil filter! Plus one would get all the mud and muck up inside, possibly getting in the engine upon removal of the filter.

 

[kwn306]

Read the whole post.......

"Another thought.........put a hole in the bottom where the oil filter resides, then add a cover plate held on by a few allen cap screws and the unit will never have to be removed for service (oil change)."

The plastic stock piece doesn't hold up very well, I broke it on a rock while riding a WV highway through the mountains and poked a pin hole in the oil filter. Thankfully I was only 3 miles back in the woods and was able to get back to a hard surfaced road, park the bike and hitch hiked back to the Toy Hauler (125 miles / 5.5 hours). Came back with the truck and toy hauler and hauled the beast home. I have a stock MG aluminum piece now, but if Bill starts making these I would buy one and sell the stock unit. Bill's has more attachment points than the stock MG unit and looks a whole lot stronger.

 

[Billd]

The home made skid plate is removed the same way as the plastic plate, I even used the same pan head allan screws that came with the bike. If you look at the photos you can see them, goes on and off same as original. Thanks for all your comments guys!