F650 GS Skidplate recommendation

I need a skidplate to go on my new F650GS. I just bought a new set of Alt Rider crash bars, so they need to go with those. My criteria are:

1. aluminum painted black
2. as little compromise as possible on ground clearance, the 650 is already low
3. covers the Cat and oil cooler
4. sturdy, I will be using it
5. has to work with the Altrider bars

what is the latest thoughts on the best way to go? I like the looks of the Altrider plate but it loses a fair amount of ground clearance and doesn't cover the Cat. The OEM looks like the one that fits my needs, any input on their durability?

Thanks for your help

This is what I used on my F8GS: http://utahsportcycle.com/store/f800pic.htm
It covers the oil filter and doesn't interfere with the HB crash bars. I doubt it would interfere with others.

Moto Overland (MOD) V2 skid plate. Not positive it works with the Altrider bars, but I think it will... You can always ask Dave (toowheels on here) and he can let you know about fitment. He's very active on the forum, and makes great products.

Hands down the MOD. I've beat the living crap out of that thing and it's still going strong. i've got a nice big dent on it that would have almost certainly trashed my engine with almost any other plate.

The MOD is thicker than most with awesome coverage (back far enough to cover the cat.) and no extra BS for posers.

good luck gathering all your info and making the choice that's right for you.

cheers,
Mark

One word MOD get ahold of Dave great guys and stand behind there product.

MOD v2, it is awesome and one of the few with outstanding coverage back to the CAT.

MOD will work w/ the AltRider crashbars. It's a great skidplate.

I've got the ricochet on my bike. i dig it. sturdy aluminum. goes pretty far back and definitely covers the cat. don't know if it'll work w/ your AltRider crash bars though...
(i have the SW Motech crash bars and it doesn't interfere w/ them)

oh - and - it's 1/2 the cost of the MOD - only $130...
http://www.utahsportcycle.com/store/page279.html
.

A skid plate isn't a part that I'd be looking to save money on. But that's me.... I like my engine.

another vote for Moto Overland and Dave. Awesome design and great protection with easy oil changes to boot. You can check his posts in the Vendors section or the post he has going on in this forum for a plate mounted tool box.

The Index is rather helpful to most people...

the MOD is 4mm thick and the Ricochet is 3/16" thick, which i believe converts to 4.7625 mm, which would make the Ricochet thicker i believe, therefore - just as sturdy, if not a little more so.

the MOD does come up more on the sides, which seems to be the main visible difference. although, my thinking there is that rocks don't come flying at the bottom of your bike from the sides.

just my 2¢.
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Adventure Spec

http://www.adventure-spec.com/defau...t-technology-bashplate-bmw-f650gs-f800gs.html

I take it you've never had a moto on some really technical rocky trails? The rocks don't come flying up from the sides - your bike smashes into them or falls over and hits one, etc. All rocks are not made equal, some have odd shapes and those shapes might clear the botton but have a section that carves out a chunk of steel from the side of your cases. There are any number of situations where having bash protection on the sides is useful, unless of course you never ride or plan to ride around rocks / ruts / etc.

I have an Altrider plate. its thick and covers a good amount on the front and sides. its the only thing from Altrider i endorse.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68113294@N06/6662011925/" title="Untitled by casejeep, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6662011925_d7a5ac8629_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt=""></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68113294@N06/6663185793/" title="Untitled by casejeep, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6663185793_b0b786fda4_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt=""></a>

Aluminum is not aluminum, so it would be worth taking the grade into consideration as well.

But at almost 5mm it will probably be strong enough, unlike the BMW and SW-Motech plates.

Altrider!!! I love it~

I use Adventure Spec. Love them. I have seen a demo plate soon so come from Black Dog CW, I do not know price but I liked the system attachments, very creative. The coverage is excellent. Hope to buy soon! Adv-Spec is awesome for most riders but the BDCW is hardcore off road

go for the MOD. I have one on my 658 and have "used" it many times. Money well spent .