Skid plate for a 2015 HM?

Hi All,

I know a few on here have taken these bikes off-road. I'm planning to do something stupid (participate in a local dual sport clinic) later this month and the event organizer has recommended a skid plate, though he notes that they have had the odd sport bike / cruiser join in the past.

I don't think there are many options for the bike, and the SW Motech skid plate only seems to claim fitment up to 2014. I don't *think* anything changed between 2014 and 2015 in regards to the engine though. Has anyone had luck fitting this, or another available skid plate onto a 2015 821?

Alternatively, having the extra clearance afforded by the Motard, and knowing that I won't be doing anything that aggressive on an expensive bike with street tires (mostly just want to get more experience in loose conditions). Do I really need to bother with a skid plate which I likely won't leave installed?

-- Nathan

kuksul08 said:

The Motech should also fit the 2015. I'm not sure if it fits the hyperstrada due to the center stand.

If you look on the bottom of the bike you've got the oil pan and the oil filter. They are surprisingly stout, but it's up to you if you want to risk it. The oil pan is built into the engine cases, so you're pretty much hosed if you puncture that. If you're just going to be in grated dirt or gravel it's no problem, but big rocks could hurt.

Click to expand...

Thanks, it's probably cheap insurance to have the skid plate, I suppose it wouldn't take much suspension movement to cause an impact.