Tiger 800 Skidplates

Discussion in 'Tiger / Explorer' started by pbansen, Oct 28, 2025.

  1. pbansen

    pbansen Well-Known Member
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    Oct 22, 2025
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    Reno, Nevada
    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...
     
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  2. joe mc donald

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    Dec 26, 2014
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    @pbansen Welcome to the family. Do tap the upload a file button and show of your bike.
     
  3. pbansen

    pbansen Well-Known Member
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    Oct 22, 2025
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    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.
     
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  4. joe mc donald

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    Dec 26, 2014
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    @pbansen Perhaps they need resizing.
     
  5. pbansen

    pbansen Well-Known Member
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    Oct 22, 2025
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    I made another attempt and they're up now.
     
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  6. Glenn2926

    Glenn2926 First Class Member
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    Dec 21, 2021
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    Err, what’s a skid plate? I don’t think we have them in the U.K.
     
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  7. pbansen

    pbansen Well-Known Member
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    Oct 22, 2025
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    I know you've having me on, Glenn, but in the spirit of Tiger brotherhood...

    [​IMG]
     
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  8. Glenn2926

    Glenn2926 First Class Member
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    Dec 21, 2021
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    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.
     
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  9. pbansen

    pbansen Well-Known Member
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    Oct 22, 2025
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    Reno, Nevada
    Yeah, I can't account for why they're called that, but bash plate is certainly more descriptive.
     
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  10. Glenn2926

    Glenn2926 First Class Member
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    Dec 21, 2021
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    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.
     
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  11. pbansen

    pbansen Well-Known Member
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    Oct 22, 2025
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    Reno, Nevada
    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.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
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  12. Waterboy

    Waterboy New Member

    Aug 30, 2022
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    Cardiff
    I put a Touratec on my Tiger 900. awesome product, not cheap, but well worth the cost
     
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  13. pbansen

    pbansen Well-Known Member
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    Oct 22, 2025
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    Reno, Nevada
    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 fell 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
     
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