Aftermarket skid plate

[bryanchurch06]

Front Skid Plate Engine Mud Guard... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCW6QH2B?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
My skid plate arrived today, seems very well made, much thicker and more coverage than the original. I fully intended to install it today but I went to Hatch for lunch and had a large green chili stew and 1/4 rack of ribs and there just ain't no way to install it without projectile vomiting besides I need some loctite. Definitely do it tomorrow probably.

 

[m in sc]

looks good, similar to my zeta but at less expensive. I dig it, good find.

 

[dmonkey]

That's what I was thinking. Based on the specs, it's a bit thicker than the Zeta one. Nice of them to include some anti-vibration padding tape as well!

 

[bryanchurch06]

That's what I was thinking. Based on the specs, it's a bit thicker than the Zeta one. Nice of them to include some anti-vibration padding tape as well!

Since you bought it up, where does the tape go?

 

[dmonkey]

What, no instructions?
Personally I would put it between the engine guard tubes and the skid plate around where the fasteners install. Would adhere it on the engine guard side of things so if dirt or sand gets trapped and is going to rub on something, it rubs on the inside of the skid plate and not on the engine guard tubes. I've had the plate on and off of mine quite a bit and for installing it, I start the two top bolts first so they're just in there loose, then do the bottom ones. I've found that easier than trying to start from the bottom two. Either way you need a hand or a prop holding the plate up until you get the fasteners started.

 

[bryanchurch06]

What, no instructions?
Personally I would put it between the engine guard tubes and the skid plate around where the fasteners install. Would adhere it on the engine guard side of things so if dirt or sand gets trapped and is going to rub on something, it rubs on the inside of the skid plate and not on the engine guard tubes. I've had the plate on and off of mine quite a bit and for installing it, I start the two top bolts first so they're just in there loose, then do the bottom ones. I've found that easier than trying to start from the bottom two. Either way you need a hand or a prop holding the plate up until you get the fasteners started.

Thanks, that's what I thought, always good to hear from someone who has already done it. What is this thing called instructions you refer to?

 

[BaldRider]

Hit it with a hammer until it fits. Works most of the time. How much does it weigh? I am currently too tired to click the link to see if it is in the listing

 

[dmonkey]

What is this thing called instructions you refer to?

I have a license plate that suggests how I feel about that.

 

[m in sc]

well, grade of aluminum matters as well. id be curious to the 80 dollar one vs the zeta. im sure its no real difference that would -really- matter. IF that other option was out when i bought mine, i prob would have gone that way. I can say, i'm super happy w the zeta. curious as to how this other one holds up (im sure its fine)

 

[dmonkey]

Looks like they have different cut outs for airflow. Doubt that Amazon one will cause cooling issues, but if it did some speed holes could be drilled in the top panel that shields the exhaust valve cover.

 

[bryanchurch06]

It's my understanding that the zeta plate is no longer available? I may be wrong but this was the only option I could find easily available. I post pics after a few rock hits, I have a very rocky section I want to try

 

[dmonkey]

It appears so. Discontinued.

ZETA : Engine Protection Skid Plate [ZE55-8130]

It was only listed for the JA55, but that's likely just because it came out before the JA65 unless it's an exhaust clearance difference. The OEM skid plate part number seems to be the same (64150-K2E-T00ZA) between the JA55 and JA65 even though the engine guards ("cover pipes" as Honda calls them) changed, so that's a good sign for interchanging aftermarket skid plates.

 

[bryanchurch06]

Hit it with a hammer until it fits. Works most of the time. How much does it weigh? I am currently too tired to click the link to see if it is in the listing

Listed weight is 2.2 pounds, I haven't checked that with a scale. I'm fine with a little added weight to protect my under bits.

 

[m in sc]

its not going to affect cooling any more than the stock one did

 

[BaldRider]

Listed weight is 2.2 pounds, I haven't checked that with a scale. I'm fine with a little added weight to protect my under bits.

I think I'm going to start requiring that I lose weight off my body to match any weight gain on the bike. So, I have to start weighing farkles in oreos instead of pounds.

 

[m in sc]

as a side note... id def avoid the red one because you know its going to be pink in a year. lol.

 

[bryanchurch06]

Installed today, little tight almost touching the bolts on the exhaust port, a little hammer work will solve the problem

 

[Farmer Mike]

Rustoleum High Temp Engine Primer, and Semi Gloss Black Engine paint for those exhaust covers does wonders for the look of those little green donkey's. I'm super happy with how that turned out on mine.

 

[bryanchurch06]

Just changed oil, here's a pic of the skidplate after 3 very rocky rides, appears to have no damage. Either I've gotten better at dodging rocks or the skid plate is made from unobtainium

 

[bryanchurch06]

This is all the damage to my skidplate after hitting the rock hard enough to stop the bike and knock me over, you can see it if you skip to the last 10 seconds of the video, I'm very impressed with this plate for the price. I estimate I was doing 5mph or less when I hit, very steep uphill section