Spyderpops SkidPlate

[DRTSB]

I just received my Skid plate from Syderpops for my RT today and a couple of hours later it's installed, there was an option of installing another 2 bolts at the rear of the skid plate but this requires drilling 2 holes into the frame, of coarse I installed them because I could see the benefit of a solid fastening point on the frame, all the other points are into the plastic, has anyone exercised not installing the bolts and has it effected the ride in any way?

Dave

[SpyderAnn01]

Are they in the middle at the rear of the plate? I think I remember seeing 2 holes without screws so if that is where they are then I don't have them and I haven't had any problems.

[Blue Star]

I just received my Skid plate from Syderpops for my RT today and a couple of hours later it's installed, there was an option of installing another 2 bolts at the rear of the skid plate but this requires drilling 2 holes into the frame, of coarse I installed them because I could see the benefit of a solid fastening point on the frame, all the other points are into the plastic, has anyone exercised not installing the bolts and has it effected the ride in any way?

Dave

Mine only had four bolt/holes in the back of the plate, I did have to use the holes on the plate as a template for drilling holes (I think for the front), but do not remember any going into the frame. Either way, I have had no problem with no bolts being in the frame.

[vrodrjs]

It said "optional" in the instructions and I didn't want to drill the frame. I haven't noticed any negative effects.

[EllijaySpyder]

It said "optional" in the instructions and I didn't want to drill the frame. I haven't noticed any negative effects.

I installed the skidplate last week and I did add the extra 2 bolts through the frame. I have not noticed any affect on the bike.

Jerry

[flybuddy]

I just installed one also. I drilled them also. IMO, they are VERY necessary. The remainder of the screws are pretty much plastic to plastic. The skid plate is strong and if you hit something you'd transfer the energy to your tupperware. Attaching this strong plate to metal gives some value in minor bumps.

[DRTSB]

I just installed one also. I drilled them also. IMO, they are VERY necessary. The remainder of the screws are pretty much plastic to plastic. The skid plate is strong and if you hit something you'd transfer the energy to your tupperware. Attaching this strong plate to metal gives some value in minor bumps.

Yes, that's my feelings also, that's why I used them and drilled the holes, the frame is much stronger then the tupperware, I wonder why Spyderpops don't emphasize that in the instructions?

Dave

[NancysToy]

I personally would rather pass any forces on to the replaceable body, rather than have to total the Spyder due to a damaged frame because I hit a curb. The stock skid plate does not attach to the frame, does it? This isn't the same as a dirt bike. JMHO

[Cruzr Joe]

I am with Nancystoy on this one, don't attach it to the frame, I would think the frame would take a harder jolt than the tupperware but not sure i want a harder jolt on the frame. just my .02 worth. There is a good argument on each side of this.

Cruzr Joe

[flybuddy]

Good points but I'm of the opinion that this is the way to go for minor bumps to save plastic. Probably a moot point on a major hit BUT even with that I would think the skid would give out before the frame. Either way it an addl item to absorb energy before it makes it's way to the rider. Thankfully, insurance on these things is cheap.

[DRTSB]

The rear bolts at the rear section of the skidplate attach with the same split type bolts that come with the skidplate you drill into the part of the frame that joins together not the meaty part of the frame and slip the bolts over to cover the hole, if you have a medium to hard jolt on the plate the bolt would most likely shear through the side of the frame where the rear bolts are, the frame would still be intact, you just would not have any more holes for the bolts but more importantly it would save the plastic and all the other bolts would remain intact, 10 in total, if you were to have the same impact without the rear bolts , I would imagine some tupperware would need to be replaced.

Dave

[DodgingRain]

Just curious, but what are you guys hitting that you need a bigger skip plate for in the first place? I've never had it bottom out and it has plenty of clearance for speed bumps, etc.

[NancysToy]

Just curious, but what are you guys hitting that you need a bigger skip plate for in the first place? I've never had it bottom out and it has plenty of clearance for speed bumps, etc.

It happens! you should see the OEM skid plates SpyderPops replaces if you don't think so. For that matter you should see the scars on my Critter Splitter (BumpSkid). It had some pretty deep gouges and an amazing amount of scrapes. Road debris, speed bumps, uneven ground, or loading into a trailer can all take their toll. I bought my BumpSkid because I liked the looks, but it has served me well as both a bumper and a skid plate ever since...and I have the scars to prove it.

[shrubs]

I finally ordered on and it's on it's way. I was in a PGR honor escort and scrapped a little when I turned in the funeral home's parking lot.

[Cruzr Joe]

SEE, i told you, good points from both sides of the discussion.

Cruzr Joe

[Can-Am Poogs]

The reality is that it is not a bumper, in that it is intended to take a direct force impact. It is an amazing beefed up skid plate. The intended design appears to be to protect the margins of the front of the bike, by ensuring objects low to the ground you may strike or come in contact with stay under the bike and don't do any damage to the painted surfaces around the edges closest to the front. And low and behold, it works. My preference was to not bolt anything to the frame. It's not a cattle pusher its a skid plate.

Realistically, I don't think either way is right or wrong better. It's personal preference. Some people may be comfortable drilling a hole in the frame, some wont.

Have a great weekend.

[shrubs]

Installed mine yesteday. Quick and simple to install. The hardest part of the whole installation was removing all the staples in the package it was shipped in. Very well packed!

I didn't do the frame bolts only because I don't think they will fit. There's somekind of a flange dohicky (technical term) that's above the frame where the bolds would go through. It's about 1/4 inch above the frame. I couldn't really tell what it was as the Spyder was only on car ramps so my POV wasn't the greatest.

I am happy with the results!

[cyclelover63]

I had one installed at Spyderfest,and it paid dividends right away..I bottomed out leaving the gas pump..There was a dip in the lot that I didn't notice,and I scraped and clunked very hard on the fill cap the truckers use to fill the stations tanks up.....Big scrape on the bump skid..

[Spyderfitz]

The skid plate was one of my first farkles. It definitely saves the paint.

[MrLooney]

My experience, one day shortly after I got my Roadster; As I entered an Auto Parts Story I pulled up to the Tire Bump Curb before the sidewalk.. ( I was thinking my bike is shorter than a car and no need to stop at the Tire Bump and not realizing the nose was as long as it is on the roadster) I stopped, jumped off and as a PROUD OWNER of a ROADSTER, I looked back at my new TOY.... noticing it is only an inch from the Tire Bump WOW am I lucky I stopped when I did..... That could have been an embarrassing moment