7) For the places I ride, I also feel skidplate protection is a necessity. I've come to prefer plastic to aluminum- it slides along instead of sticking, and deflects rather than bends. I liked the stock KTM plate on the XC4, but the one on the new frames doesn't seem as sturdy. So I bought a Hyde Racing one, which was a bit of a PITA to install as the front hooks don't stay put.
To make it easier in the future, I cleaned the frame well, and smeared the hooks in silicone before installing. Maybe it'll keep them in position, time will tell.
I do like the coverage of the Hyde, fingers crossed there.
8) Every bike needs a
Doubletake Mirror! I love having a mirror, even on a bike I rarely use on the street- it's nice to be able to keep track of riding buddies, and the DTM folds out of the way so it has no drawback when not in use. OK, I'm biased, I invented them.
Here it is, folded, on my old 300:
