[rdguy]

I'm considering a Hyde Racing skidplate.

It's cheap and lightweight, and I'm not planning any Dakar level rides. I mostly want some improved oil cooler and filter protection.

Apparently this clamps to the pipe. I thought that sounded a bit chancy, but my owner's manual suggests jacking on the pipe for front wheel removal... I might farkle an extra mount if it makes me really nervous.

Comments?

Glenn

 

[mike884]

If you just want to keep crud off the bottom of the bike and add a some protection to the cooler and filter than it is great... if you want to plow into rocks with this thing, I'm sure if it would save you pipe or not. It is surely not the best looking piece, but it does do the job. I highly recommend finding some header wrap and mounting it around that, the mounting hardware gets scorching hot and smoked, and I feared it would burn through eventually. Other than that, works great.

 

[Red dust]

I used it on many dirt roads and forest tracks and quite a few bumps with it and no problemo.
The fit is very good and I can recommend it!

 

[chicago]

I used it on many dirt roads and forest tracks and quite a few bumps with it and no problemo.
The fit is very good and I can recommend it!

Me too (need 10 characters though)

 

[bikefree]

The Hyde doesn't affect ground clearance or add extra weight to the bike, protects the underbelly, looks pretty good, is cheap and is easy to remove for oil changes. If you aren't hittin' the goat paths, then get it.

 

[rdguy]

OK, thanks guys.

It sounds like a case of getting what you pay for, and that's fine with me. I'll order one next week.

Glenn

 

[s boy]

i been thinking of going this route too... i don't see me doing goat trails.

 

[DirtyD]

I'm considering a Hyde Racing skidplate.

It's cheap and lightweight, and I'm not planning any Dakar level rides. I mostly want some improved oil cooler and filter protection.

Apparently this clamps to the pipe. I thought that sounded a bit chancy, but my owner's manual suggests jacking on the pipe for front wheel removal... I might farkle an extra mount if it makes me really nervous.

Comments?

Glenn

I've got it. I like it. No complaints at all. It is lightweight and easy to drop down for an oil change. I've banged this thing on topes(speed bumps) through Mexico, taken it off road and gouged the hell out of it while bottoming out on rocks/river bottoms and have had no issues what so ever.

This thing will take abuse. It's different from a typical metal skid, when this takes a large hit it has more give and spreads the impact as opposed to metal which absorbs and transfers this energy right to your bike. At least that's what I'm told.

 

[midlife_madness]

One was on mine when I bought it, but I didn't like it. Perhaps the original owner didn't install it right, but it was a major pain to remove and I didn't like that it attached to the forward exhaust pipe. I ended up making my own a year ago using the idea that Honest Bob posted here. It turned out great and attaches to my Givi bars on top and thus with two bolts on the bottom drops out of the way for oil changes. Plus it provides better protection than the Hyde one in my opinion. My total cost was just under $90 which included welding and powder-coating. YMMV.

 

[rdguy]

So, here's what I did about that weird pipe mount on the front:

I've got it. I like it. No complaints at all. It is lightweight and easy to drop down for an oil change. I've banged this thing on topes(speed bumps) through Mexico, taken it off road and gouged the hell out of it while bottoming out on rocks/river bottoms and have had no issues what so ever.

This thing will take abuse. It's different from a typical metal skid, when this takes a large hit it has more give and spreads the impact as opposed to metal which absorbs and transfers this energy right to your bike. At least that's what I'm told.

Thanks, that's good news. Yes, it is apparently intended to spread the load rather than add a layer of armor. I'm hoping I don't need armor...

Hyde should put better mounting instructions on their website. Once I saw the other mounting locations, I was a bunch more relaxed about the whole thing.

... I ended up making my own a year ago using the idea that Honest Bob posted here.

I'm glad I hadn't seen this before I bought the Hyde. I really don't need to be spending more time in the shop in the summer. But we've got a long boring winter ahead.

Glenn

 

[TOScootz]

Rdguy, thanks for posting that photo of your set-up. I'm planning on getting a Hyde Racing skid plate, and I have the same set of engine guards. Looks like it's time to grab some aluminium plate and fire up the bandsaw.:thumbup:

 

[rdguy]

Rdguy, thanks for posting that photo of your set-up. I'm planning on getting a Hyde Racing skid plate, and I have the same set of engine guards. Looks like it's time to grab some aluminium plate and fire up the bandsaw.:thumbup:

Only too happy to help (plus I'm still trying to get up to the twenty post requirement so's I can play in the adverts )

For reference: 60mm between guard mount holes, 105mm guard to plate mount on the right side, 115mm on the left side. Yes, it is offset. The mount at the guard needs to be bent to fit - you're on your own.

Don't forget the large holes. They're vital to... um... OK, I was playing in the shop.

Glenn

 

[TOScootz]

Don't worry, I have a little bending jig that fits onto my vise. And those lightening hole have to be good for 0.25 seconds in the quarter mile.:biggrinjester:

 

[HSL]

+1 for the Hyde -- I think it's the best match for the typical V-Strom usage profile:

• More sturdy than it looks (about the same properties as the good old Samsonite suitcases which you could use for bobsledding).
• The only design out there that does not significantly reduce cornering clearance (being lifted out of a corner in tight twisties by a "sturdy" skid plate will be more damaging to your health than a bump in your exhaust).
• While it looks ugly in hand, it pretty much disappears under the bike.

I was still agonizing over the decision for a while because of the obvious design flaws:

• Replaced the ridiculous front exhaust attachment with a stainless steel mount.
• Replaced the primitive wall anchor on the left with a floating through bolt. (Can you believe that the thing comes with an non-metric bolt from Home Depot -- for an all-metric bike?)
• Cut out some plastic on the left side and added a stainless steel mount to allow proper tightening of the pipe mounting bolt unter the brake pedal and to avoid chafing with crankcase and drain tubes.

Saw some rough territory and bottomed out on a log on my very first trip with it. No worries at all -- except that it lost most of the little rubber bumpers. I hope they'll send me new ones. Their responsiveness is not great.

 

[chicago]

Lost some rubber thingys too. What function would they perform?

 

[HSL]

Lost some rubber thingys too. What function would they perform?

That's anyone's guess, as it's hard to get any answers from Hyde. But I think the idea is that a real hard bump from below could push the skid plate against the exhaust (given that the material is somewhat flexible) so those rubber bumpers would provide a little extra protection for the pipe.

I'm sure they are none too critical for anything, but since they went through the trouble of drilling all those holes, I feel that they need to be filled.

 

[lordneeko]

I hate to hear that Hyde's customer service isn't any good. I like this skid plate and would love one for my 2012...but they don't appear to be making them anymore. I emailed and asked if they plan on making them...but from your comments I'm probably not likely to receive a response.

 

[TOScootz]

A Vicious Cycle in Canada still lists them. Hyde Racing-Skidplate (Suzuki DL650 2004-2011) - Aviciouscycle.ca

 

[Azrael]

Talked with Jake at Hyde and they will have another batch for the DL650 in about 30 days.

 

[nelson177]

Put one on my wife's Wee a few weeks ago and like it just fine. Basic protection from road debris and gravel is all we were looking for and it works well for that.