Hi Gang - My 2020 Tiger Rally came with the stock skidplate, which is definitely underwhelming. What's the consensus on aftermarket units? I've done enough research to have come across some accounts of issues with skidplates that mount to the bottom of the engine case. One unit that seems pretty stout and mounts independent of the engine is the T-Rex Racing plate - any positive or negative experiences with that one? I have Heed crashbars - don't think that is an issue with the T-Rex skidplate, however. In other newbie news, I'm in the throes of resetting the service overdue indicator using TuneECU, which has been a ton of fun so far...
Thank you, Joe! I actually posted a handful of pictures the other day in my newbie introduction post and they said they were awaiting moderation for a while, then disappeared! I will try again.
ahh, that’s a bash plate here. It’s to prevent stuff bashing the engine. We tend to skid using the tyres and either power sliding the back end or locking the brakes to skid.
I did get confused (easily done these days) as I had just been reading on another bike forum about someone looking for a new bash plate.
Very pleased to report that a Puig skid/bash plate will work - unmodified - with the Heed crashbars on a 2020 Tiger 900 Rally. The Puig mounting system is somewhat underwhelming in terms of protecting the oil sump from a really substantial hit from the bottom, but it provides adequate protection from crap thrown up by the front tire or a hit from an object on the road or trail. I bought one that was discounted by Cycle Gear because it had been previously mounted and it was about $200 with tax and I think it will meet my needs and be a decent value for the money.
It looks like the Touratech is sort of a two piece assembly: a base plate that attaches to two horizontal M6 screws on the left side of the bike and a single M10 bolt on the right rear and a larger main plate. The main plate attaches to the base plate using four M6 screws. Does that sound right? I'm assuming you can do an oil change by just removing the four M6 screws that attach the outer plate, right? Do you feel like it could take a pretty substantial hit on the bottom without damaging the oil sump? I'm basing this on the installation guide: https://www.touratech.com/pub/media/akeneo_connector/media_files/0/9/09_421_5140_0_0930.pdf
I've dropped mine twice, once at the ABR and another on local green lanes, no damage at all to the bike, i would purchase again if needed
Update on the Puig skidplate. Fits well, looks good, but man, this thing rings like a doggone bell. I went for a ride the other day and kept hearing this weird harmonic ringing tone. I always wear earplugs and the sound was audible (and annoying) even with them. I'm going to have to figure out if it's generated by engine vibration or air moving through the slots. Will probably try attaching some sound-deadening rubber and if that doesn't work will maybe tape the slots and if that works, weld them shut. It would be great if Acerbis made one of their heavy plastic skidplates for this bike. I have one on my DR-650 and it is both solid and utterly silent.