GS skid plate on a R

[bransan]

This plate came off a 2007 GS. Basically bolted right on.
Had to trim the edge for the center stand, and get a longer bolt for the front mount,( to accomodate the Hepco Becker bars.).
Overall a perfect fit.

[MarkShelley]

Why would you want to fit this on an R?
Are you taking it off road?

[towerworker]

I reckon a person needs to be prepared. I took my first R off road many years ago and quickly realized I didn't have the tires for it. (My short trip was work related and unexpected)

My question is: How do you keep those SS header pipes so shiny?

[duegi]

Can you snap and post a pic of the crash bars as well? Who makes them and were they intended for the R1150R originally?

[MarkShelley]

All it will achieve is to make an oil change take more time.
I don`t even have mine fitted on my GS as I never take it off road.

[bransan]

First off, I live in Northern Minnesota and dirt roads are prevalent, Thus the need for rock protection.

Second, the crash bars are Hepco-Becker, and desinged for the "R". Here is a little better picture.


Here is a different look including the lights.



As far as keeping the header pipes so shiny. I take them off and polish them with a nylon strap and metal polish. Wrap the strap around the pipe and apply polish while pulling the strap back and forth. This will also work while attached to the bike. It's just that I usually have the bike torn down anyway and it's easier to put the pipes in a vise.

Last but not least, MarkShelley, I ride My "R" for transportation and it is strictly utilitarian. I don't wash and polish it so it looks good at the hamburger stand.
I ride the machine in all types of weather and terrain conditions, and like to be prepared for whatever comes My way. The skid plate could have come in handy in the past on other bikes. Now I have the opportunity, and I'm going to take it.


Better to be looking at it, than looking for it.

[Matts]

Have a skid plate on my '02 which was a stock GS plate. Fit no problem. I got it for the same reasons: dirt roads and flying rocks. No, not an off road bike but the exposed oil filter had me nervous and I do find myself on New England dirt roads. A little armor underneath doesn't hurt and what's the downside?

[bransan]

If the downside is taking a couple extra minutes for an oil change, I can live with that. The piece of mind I get from knowing I have a little protection is priceless. Last year in the U.P. I caught a rock and bent/broke one of the exhaust clamps. The skid plate wouldn't have prevented that injury, but if the rock had been 3" to the left, I could have had an issue with the oil pan.

[captaincable]

Hi Bransan,
Was wondering if the spring set up on your center stand is stock looks like the smaller spring in the center could help my 97 r850 return better as it sometimes will stick part of the way up. ( It has been taken apart and greased which helps most of the time)
I also use my bike for a commuter and frequent gravel roads. I had a f650gs with skid plate and engine guard and it was a royal pain in the @.. to change the oil, but then again it was anyway on that bike. Would like to have the engine guard as well as the lite set up on your bike, do they light up the road well ?
Ride Safe
Mike

[bransan]

Hi Bransan,
Was wondering if the spring set up on your center stand is stock looks like the smaller spring in the center could help my 97 r850 return better as it sometimes will stick part of the way up. ( It has been taken apart and greased which helps most of the time)
I also use my bike for a commuter and frequent gravel roads. I had a f650gs with skid plate and engine guard and it was a royal pain in the @.. to change the oil, but then again it was anyway on that bike. Would like to have the engine guard as well as the lite set up on your bike, do they light up the road well ?
Ride Safe
Mike

Mike, the spring is the original factory set-up. The engine guards are great, the only time they are a problem is at the annual inspection. Every year I take them off and clean everything. About every other year I do the spline shaft lube. The light's are farm implement housings with Cessna landing lamps fitted in place of the tractor light's. They are 100 watt's @ 12 volts, = 8.3 amp's. Light output is 100,000 candle power. These are the best night time riding lights I have had in 40 years of riding. However, they are taxing on the electrical system. I have experienced no issues yet , but am wary of using them when it's cold and I might want the grip warmers too. They typically last one season, as they are rated for 12 hours of continuous use. I have replaced them every season,@ $14 a piece, and only had them burn out twice while riding. They will light up the road for a long way, road signs in the distance will light up a couple miles away. I have ridden with other riders using led lights and there is NO comparison. I have a set of led Piaa's, but they don't even compare. So know I'm building My own led light's, We'll see if they are any better. I will keep you posted.