Review: KTM LC4adv CF skidplate

[meat popsicle]

Part I: Product appearance and installation
(Part II: field testing to occur after my bike is repaired... (soon))

Background
Andrew of www.adventurersworkshop.com asked me to test a product he is considering carrying: a Carbon Fiber Skidplate for the KTM LC4 (640) Adventure manufactured by Carbon Performance in Europe. (If you haven't noticed the "schwag" link at the bottom of the page replaces the "Gear" link that used to have a little pic at the top of the page.)

If you need something check his website out or tell him your needs; he is a very helpful guy and may be able to help you even if you don’t see it listed on his site. The same manufacturer (Carbon Performance) that made this skidplate is also designing a set of tankguards for the LC4adv at Andrew's behest Here's to Andrew!

The product



You've got mail!
So the skidplate arrived very well packaged (good job Andrew).


Something very sexy about CF, especially when it's shiney Here's some preliminary looks:





Inside not shiney (like the bottom of your engine is gonna care )


Comparsion
So how do the two skidplates visually compare? Here are a few shots off and on the bike:


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Front Right:


Underside:


Front Left:




Installation
My bike is a 2003; you will need to ask Andrew if this product will fit your model year. It does not attach at the same points as the stock aluminum skidplate. The stocker attaches with one bolt in the front and four on the bottom as you saw above. The CF skidplate does not bolt to the bottom, rather it’s shape hooks onto the frame in the back so that there is no openings on the bottom and nothing to snag




Here is a close up. Note the CF peeking out in the middle; that is the formed lip that catches the frame in back. A nice design idea as there are no openings or snags (bolt heads) on the bottom. We'll see how it holds up soon.

Didn't see it? Keep looking - Waldo's in there...

The installation will require the one top bolt, two sheet metal clip nuts, and two of the bolts from the bottom. I wonder if rubber grommets would be a good idea?



by this time my assistant was already sleeping on the job… boy is it hard to get good help these days!



More Mounted Pics:



Field testing to come soon (as soon as my bike is repaired and I can beat on it! )