Well, that was a sexy way to end a video..... djizes 🙈Another great one Bret 👏🏼i have to admit, i actually like you better without the whole production team. It looks so much more honest and on our level. Thank you! I did go for the bashplate from AdventureSpec in England. Keep up the great work. Cheers from Norway
Local boy here. Have ridden the basin three time on a 950 and truly appreciate the comments. Gotta say, this is my fav Paul and Brett vid so far. I had a great time appreciating the obstacles you showed and will now rethink my formerly negative attitude towards bolting on a Martha and Kurt plate - in an attempt to keep the weight down.
It's not hard to see which manufacturer has the experience of modern day Dakar! It was interesting to hear you comparing the bikes and how with modern day plastics being so light weight, durable and flexible, the KTM really excelled. Especially with such a low centre of gravity with the fuel cell at engine level. Great video, really interesting!
Avoid skidplates that rivet together, busted all the rivets on a SW Motech skidplate. Now have a B & B offroad skidplate, much stronger and well made. Great video guys. Thanks for sharing
I went with the SW-Motech skid for my 790 R. It's a beast to install and a beast of a skid plate. Don't regret it though. It has taken some serious beatings.
Hiya guys, great topic!! So I have a Low Chassis 2018 GSA, which came with said “Dinner Plate”, but I purchased the BMW OEM Adventure Skid Plate (Because I didn’t know better at the time)... Same material but slightly longer coverage!! Well I recently changed my exhaust headers and noticed that the skid plate had taken some hits and the mounting brackets underneath were also very bent.... So after some research I found the AltRider Skid Plate which actually uses the engine crash bars as a mounting point and the plate is extremely thick!! So far only a few underside scrapes but no real damage!! In my opinion this is the one to go for by far!! Great video and keep’ erm coming :-)
I have the Black Dog on my 690R. I bought it because it extends to cover the rear linkage and brake master as well a mounting to the frame. Brett is right, it is almost heavy duty to a fault, I have zero worries of it bending or breaking.
How timely! About two weeks late =D Ride a 2006 R1200GS. Was in NorCal Buttes area with friends end of June. Navigating the roughest trail I have ever been on...rocky, steep, with a sheer drop on one side...when I hit a shelf hard and heard a "tink" sound. I managed to find a reasonably secure spot to stop a dozen yards down, looked back up the trail and saw my factory bash plate laying there. Not being one to leave trash behind, I strapped it to the back of the bike and gingerly continued down the mountain. Fortunately, that had been the worst part of the trail. Day after I arrived home I ordered a Black Dog. They are not that much more expensive than some of the other well known brands, and offer far more protection. Your IED comment made me smile as I told my friends my bike now looks like a MRAP.
Good factual info presented in a relaxed style. Highly enjoyable and Paul sounds like he could be an entertaining guy. That must have been a heck of a ride .
I have used several aluminium bash plates over the years, and depending on where they mount they’re quite good. I’ve changed to plates made from 8mm HDPE which have performed better for me, although as with aluminium plates it depends on the shape, clearance, and mounting. The HDPE flexes more and absorbs impacts much better, but the design needs to have adequate clearance for deflection. The other big advantage of HDPE is that it’s super slippery over rocks and logs. So far it’s been very durable over similar rough, rocky terrain.
Bret kind of commented some about this when he talked about the protection for the fuel tank. I was a little surprised they didn't talk more about this since he has learned some other tricks from whitewater boaters. Whitewater canoes and kayaks are made of plastics or composites not aluminum. This is because they are stronger per weight, spring back into shape better and slide over rocks and obstacles much better. Whitewater canoes and kayaking hit far more rocks than the skid plate on a motorcycle. The things that they are protecting is parts of a human body. Yes motorcycle weights are greater than a whitewater boat and boater. But that doesn't mean that the forces are smaller. Imagine the amount of force it would take to fold a canoe so it ends are touching. In a different incident a friend of mine hyperextended both knees when the force of the moving water bent the kayaks he was in at a 90 degree angle at the location of his knees. And these are whitewater boats. They are far stronger than the recreational boats that are carried by sporting goods stores due to these risk. Just agreeing with your point. And adding some comments to support it.
Jimena Gulia: Not kidding, I have no idea what HDPE means, which is why I'm asking, and in this environment of expert information and mutual sharing of experience being made generously available, I'd be interested in your informed, intelligent, helpful contribution.
Very informative, thank you! I'm contemplating between several skidplates for my 790 R and BDCW is one of them so this helps. The music at the beginning and end provided by Paul added a special touch that makes this a 5/5-star video review!
Another great video. I borrowed your little trick from a previous video with the angled aluminum for the "makeshift center stand" and it worked beautifully! Thank you for all you do and for sharing your insight.
I have a 2020 BMW GSA that I bought a few months ago, primarily for on-road touring, plus I like the utilitarian/work horse functionality of the bike. Nevertheless, I went with the Touratech Rallyform because I liked the better coverage and the way it integrates with the rest of the bike.
Had a Givi bash plate on my V-Strom 1000, about as much use as a chocolate fire gaurd. Swopped it for an SW-Motech one as it fitted to the OEM crash bars. The bash plate stood up well to the abuse it recieved green laning in the Peak district (UK) taking some serious hits due to the strom only having 6mm of ground clearance. I know have an F800 GSA which I think has the OEM heavy duty skid plate, so far it's doing the job, just not keen on it mounting to the engine. Another great video Bret. Watching your videos over the past year has improved my riding no end.
Geoff: Ever had any issues with the mounting brackets? I've got an SW on my v-strom 650, pretty new off roader, haven't really tested it yet. Those brackets look like the weak link to me. What do you think?
Fantastic bit of content here Bret. For you being seemingly a one man show now, you're doing great work. The banter between y'all just adds do it! I recently plopped a big steel skid that mounts directly against the double cradle of my bike's frame. If you're in rocks, it seems like aluminum is just a bad idea - good to see the black dog did well.
Bret, you and Paul are animals! I went through that trail years ago in a well built Jeep and it was a rough 8-10 hour day, I could not even imagine going through there on a bike not to mention the fact that you started the day in Colorado Springs.
Week ago me was thinking about how crazy Bret and Paul are and how I probably don't need a skid plate because I ride pretty tame trails compared to what these guys do. Today me is wishing I would have put a skid plate on before I cracked the case on my KLR650 when I was out riding yesterday :(
Hi there! Crazy rocks riding after sunset! You are the brave ones! Not sure I would continue riding at such situation. More likely that I’d consider set up a tent and wait the sun.
Great video! There’s no good way to describe ridding Lockhart on a big bike, loaded bike to anyone. When people as me I just say “It’s absolutely Brutal, but fun”. I use the Tusk skid plate and a low pro drain plug on my KLR, one of the main reasons I like it because it mounts to the frame and has a good inch between it and the engine and it is quite heavy too. Also like you I have some major dents from that trip. It definitely saved my bacon. Protected my bikes oil pan and water pump beautifully. Thanks for the video.
I went the T-Rex racing route with mi Triumph. Big, solid and well constructed skid plate that covers all, including the upper parts of the exhaust, so, some less to worry in very rocky tracks.
I'm waiting for the bdcw tenere 700 skid plate design to make my choice. Many of thoses avalaible doesn't cover the rear shock link except the hdpe one from axp. I'm pretty sure they will have something greatly design . I love the bdcw for my GS as they cover the headers all the way down..
Great video just picked up my new 790 Adventure R Can’t wait want to go off-road but I also want to protect my expensive machine and replace my stock diner plate. Was looking at 4 plates AXP,, SW Motech, Tourtech and BDCW. After watching your video I think I will go with BDCW as I want least amount of direct engine contacts, prefer the frame: I am also considering crash bars was looking at SW Motech as they fit with BDCW plate without adapters. Are crash bars useful on 790R or just added weight ? Unfortunately yes I do tip over on occasions: also considering crash bars protection for use in a spill on the road Opinions please?
Nice glad to see you are really getting those karoo 3s best mileage out of them I have a "twitchy " right wrist and wore mine down at 4000 just replaced them today with a set of motoz tractionator dessert ht tiree set front is tubeless version while the back is tubed ...I threw an ultra heavy duty tube in both of them and I feel very confident on them (on road) but cannot wait to take them on some real trails....I have noticed that they are way better at slow speed maneuvers like no foot down at stop signs kind of good lol I am loving them on the road so far not much is different as far as handling goes little more squirm especially in ruts and potholes but I only ride on nobbies all the time and actually feel comforted by that feeling ...I know very weird but I like the squirm they provide ...talk tread for the dirt can't wait to see how they wear also...
If you don't have a lower cradle frame/subframe, you need the most robust skid plate, that mounts to the frame, that you can get. Period. Plastic or lighter duty plates will work on bikes with lower cradle frame/subframes, but when the plate has to span the whole distance, front to rear, get the most robust plate you can get.
I would need the skid plate less if I ate less pies, and didn't flatten the suspension so much. But I love pies. Great vlog. Loving the new output. Happy travels
I have a Givi Trekker mounted on my V-Strom as well. Had the same problems Paul did. We don't get to much stuff here on Chile but I'll definitely will be getting custom made skid plates on all future bikes, and probably on this one when the Trekker gets completely bashed Cheers Bret
I’m a fan of your content, presentations AND your signature head covering! I too have a preference for the “flat cap.” Where do you find such a great variety?
Don't forget that bike armor is sacrificial. Allow the armor to absorb the energy rather than transferring it to the bike. Its far cheaper to replace a $300 skid plate than a BMW engine case.
Have you seen the ridiculous so thin aluminium OEM Triumph skid plate on the new Tiger 900 Rally ? All new Tiger 900 owners (who want to do a little or more of off-road) need a new real good aftermarket aluminium skid plate. Lets hope that we can order one soon (still under development & production).
Great video Bret....kind of "like" Paul's simulated farts!...😁, man...I think he did awesome in that BMW...I wouldn't last 5 min. on that motorcycle in that kind of terrain
For the Kawasaki Versys X300 there is only one Heavy Duty Skid Plate that doesn't attach to the brackets that once held the plastic lower under the engine. Those brackets attached to the screws/ears on the engine's fragile aluminum oil pan. The only choice in my humble opinion is the T-Rex Racing Heavy Duty Skid Plate. Please see my channel for the install of the T-Rex HD skid plate and adding a 5th brace to make it even better. Other videos are on attaching the T-Rex HD skid plate to the genuine Kawasaki crash bars which are a poor design and need to be reinforced.
Hi Bret, I have a suggestion for a new topic for another video, I hope you like it: Ergonomics for travel enduros like the KTM790 or Tenere 700 and so on. I mean it is always a compromise between standing and sitting position and I think it is difficult to decide, what's best. How high should the handlebars be? At would angle should the clutch and brake lever be? Ideal seat height or pegs position/height and so on..
How is the stock radiator protector Bret? I should be picking up my Adventure R next Saturday and was debating if i needed to order or add anything for the radiator. Thanks in advance for any response.
I'm not planning to add anything at this point. One of the reasons I bought the 790 is because I would need to add a bunch of weight to protect it. You NEED a better skidplate for anything except gravel or mud
@@BretTkacs awesome, thanks so much for the quick response. I really appreciate the responses, you, your videos and all the info you provide. I plan to upgrade the skid plate very soon but it's my first adventure bike. So dirt and gravel roads for camping access will be the only off-road at first. I want to get acquainted with the bike first before I venture very far off-road.
I haven’t been where Bret has, but I did make the plate and bars meet The Log and a few boulders - works perfectly fine by me, nothing sheared, nothing bent, just scratches.
have you seen the kTm carbon fiber fuel tank protectors? if so are they better protection for the fuel tank than the stock ones for laying the bike down. they are kind of expensive so wanna find out some info on them before buying them
Which skid plate is better, Black dog or Altrider for the BMW 1250 GS Adventure. I am trying to outfit the bike to be able to go off road to explore. Thanks for your input.
(Here comes the stone throwing) I don't think that GS is made for heavy off-road. Same as BMW X5 isn't. And you sir are fantastic rider if you manage to ride it on that trail. :D
Interesting video! Was the suspension tuning stock on the KTM / BMW or adjusted just to the rider's weight? Would a highest preload setting been of any help in preventing any damage to the skid plate?
The BMW is using Touratech Extreme shocks... My KTM is OEM but all the settings have been adjusted and I am the ideal weight for the factory spring rates
Awesome video! You say you wouldn't mount extra Crashbars on the 790. Do you recommend that for beginners too? I ordered an Ian Chappal skid plate and I'm thinking about adding the lower bars from touratech in addition... What do you think about that? I'm an offroad beginner on my 790 R
So far I don't see the need for lower crashbars even for beginners but that opinion may change as I see others on 790's. I expect I will see a lot of them in this year's training. I always reserve the right to change my mind as new information becomes a available 😁👍
@@BretTkacs so your tank protectors worked well so far I guess. As I am from Germany and there ist mostly Asphalt. Would that change your opinion? 😅 I'm an experienced rider in Asphalt.
Got to say I would go for the Blackdog skidplate. I have the same combo on my 1090, and the skidplate folded the first time I put it through any abuse. The crash bars have held up well though.
Another great video, and those flashbacks of the night ride I just watched recently ... Glad I finally have notifications working for your Videos now, I can imagine the "not available for kids content" problem affected many of your subscribers without them noticing!
@@BretTkacs I had to unsubscribe and subscribe again though. Would not have known what to do if I had not read about it in the comments of another of your videos!
When a skidplate takes damage on a hard ride like this is it done, or can it hammered out or repaired and reused? Like how we're told to replace a helmet after a crash, are skidplates that same that way?
@@narrator-timothymckean AZ isn't on the radar yet but neither was GA a few months ago. My website is always the best way to track me. I also make talk freely about future events when I podcast.
I have a gs1200 and I would never take it where it will constantly get bashed no skid plate will protect the weight of that bike, no matter how good a rider you are the bike will get damaged. Just take a smaller dual purpose bike eg, DR650, tenere, etc if you are going to ride in places like that you will enjoy it more and they are easier to pick up.
It's definitely an ADV bike. Twin cylinder 800cc, 469lbs wet weight. With luggage racks and any protection you are looking at 500lbs. it's on par with the BMW F800GS (455lbs wet weight but it carries a gal less fuel). It is an incredibly capable bike but on the trail it is still a big bike.
Anyone have some feedback on the Wunderlich skidplate('s) ? Been hesitant to get one for years due to an already low ground clearance and the fact that most plates bolt on the block - and now because of the WuFlu - money's getting to be another factor pushing me further away from getting one. I ride a '05 Rockster with aftermarket suspension ( Wilbers ), which makes it take more than just blacktop :-) And over the years I've been getting away with it, but fearing that that's gona come to a grinding halt if I don't take care of that sooner rather then.... never. Had to get a revised gearbox last year....pricey. Been thinking of making one myself, but have no TIG welder or access to one. Any tips are welcome.
Those outer KTM guards handled fantastically for you, but as you can see more and more photos show up of cracked 790R tanks, Im not convinced this is a good design...
@@BretTkacs The tank I saw that was cracked, cracked because they had crash bars that mounted to one of the mounts on the tank.(touratech) IMO, that is a very faulty design. Plastic tanks are plenty strong, but you mount that crash bar on the same mount the tank uses, and the amount of leverage on that mount is way more than just the tank itself being pushed in, a force that doesn't happen with just the tank. They had a mild off in the dirt, the crash bar put a bending moment on the mount, and that cracked the mounting tab on the tank. If you really want more protection for the tank on a 790, go with either a skid plate with wings, or lower crash bars that mount to the skid plate like Outback Mototek. Big plastic tanks with wings have been used and abused for decades on desert bikes, dual sports etc.... They can take an amazing amount of abuse.
Bret Tkacs If you join the group (if you haven’t already) look for the name Tim Wayne, he recently posted a cracked tank, not sure what happened but i think those cracked tanks are very rare anyway
Bret Tkacs agree, have heard lots of hype from concerns but no real rider videos. Sure it could happen if hard enough but at some point it all gives. Just got back from a week off-road on my 790 R, already had risers, pegs, exhaust installed & crash bars were next, after watching real world impacts I’m surprised how well the covers work. Thinking the PowerParts carbon covers may be even better than bars, the angle of the tank definitely uses geometry to deflect the impact
The passing of gas in today's world should be considered a polite thing. Paul was simply administering a smell test. If you had covid, you might not have been able to detect the foul stench he put forth. As unpleasant as his fart was, it was still probably less offensive than someone sticking a giant Q-tip 6" up your nose (and charging you $50 for the test).
They are... Christina has an Altrider on her GS but I was focused on Frame or crashbar mounted Skidplates. I haven't seen any engine mounted Altrider skidplates that switch to a solid mount. Do you know of any?
Bret Tkacs I understand now. I thought that the BDCW and the Altrider were basically the same, mounting at the rear and side to frame points and in the front, to the engine. I am thinking specifically for the boxer GS.
Why choosing such behemoths for rock crawling? A smarter choice would be a single cilynder 50+ hp bike and you'd never have such issues with the added bonus of getting to your destination fresh as a lettuce.
The GS is a push, you would be surprised by how nimble the 790R is if you haven’t risen it; it’s a giant dirt bike that can actually single track & still eats up the highway. That’s the fun in adventure, dirt bike dudes have to trailer to most of these remote spots
Well, that was a sexy way to end a video..... djizes 🙈Another great one Bret 👏🏼i have to admit, i actually like you better without the whole production team. It looks so much more honest and on our level. Thank you! I did go for the bashplate from AdventureSpec in England. Keep up the great work. Cheers from Norway
Thanks... That is good to hear you prefer the new format
Great video. Brett, the reflex reflective decal on the skid plate. Great idea at night if you take a tumble. Never thought of that.
Finally a video of someone else coming home with a bent and scratched bike and had a blast! 😁
Local boy here.
Have ridden the basin three time on a 950 and truly appreciate the comments.
Gotta say, this is my fav Paul and Brett vid so far. I had a great time appreciating the obstacles you showed and will now rethink my formerly negative attitude towards bolting on a Martha and Kurt plate - in an attempt to keep the weight down.
It's not hard to see which manufacturer has the experience of modern day Dakar!
It was interesting to hear you comparing the bikes and how with modern day plastics being so light weight, durable and flexible, the KTM really excelled. Especially with such a low centre of gravity with the fuel cell at engine level.
Great video, really interesting!
Avoid skidplates that rivet together, busted all the rivets on a SW Motech skidplate. Now have a B & B offroad skidplate, much stronger and well made.
Great video guys. Thanks for sharing
The shear bolts will save your sump, but I prefer to find a design that doesn't mount there in the first place.
I went with the SW-Motech skid for my 790 R. It's a beast to install and a beast of a skid plate. Don't regret it though. It has taken some serious beatings.
Hiya guys, great topic!! So I have a Low Chassis 2018 GSA, which came with said “Dinner Plate”, but I purchased the BMW OEM Adventure Skid Plate (Because I didn’t know better at the time)... Same material but slightly longer coverage!! Well I recently changed my exhaust headers and noticed that the skid plate had taken some hits and the mounting brackets underneath were also very bent.... So after some research I found the AltRider Skid Plate which actually uses the engine crash bars as a mounting point and the plate is extremely thick!! So far only a few underside scrapes but no real damage!! In my opinion this is the one to go for by far!! Great video and keep’ erm coming :-)
I have the Black Dog on my 690R. I bought it because it extends to cover the rear linkage and brake master as well a mounting to the frame. Brett is right, it is almost heavy duty to a fault, I have zero worries of it bending or breaking.
How timely! About two weeks late =D Ride a 2006 R1200GS. Was in NorCal Buttes area with friends end of June. Navigating the roughest trail I have ever been on...rocky, steep, with a sheer drop on one side...when I hit a shelf hard and heard a "tink" sound. I managed to find a reasonably secure spot to stop a dozen yards down, looked back up the trail and saw my factory bash plate laying there. Not being one to leave trash behind, I strapped it to the back of the bike and gingerly continued down the mountain. Fortunately, that had been the worst part of the trail. Day after I arrived home I ordered a Black Dog. They are not that much more expensive than some of the other well known brands, and offer far more protection. Your IED comment made me smile as I told my friends my bike now looks like a MRAP.
I liked that critique style, a lot of good information and entertainment at the same time.
Good factual info presented in a relaxed style. Highly enjoyable and Paul sounds like he could be an entertaining guy. That must have been a heck of a ride .
I have used several aluminium bash plates over the years, and depending on where they mount they’re quite good. I’ve changed to plates made from 8mm HDPE which have performed better for me, although as with aluminium plates it depends on the shape, clearance, and mounting. The HDPE flexes more and absorbs impacts much better, but the design needs to have adequate clearance for deflection. The other big advantage of HDPE is that it’s super slippery over rocks and logs. So far it’s been very durable over similar rough, rocky terrain.
Bret kind of commented some about this when he talked about the protection for the fuel tank. I was a little surprised they didn't talk more about this since he has learned some other tricks from whitewater boaters.
Whitewater canoes and kayaks are made of plastics or composites not aluminum. This is because they are stronger per weight, spring back into shape better and slide over rocks and obstacles much better. Whitewater canoes and kayaking hit far more rocks than the skid plate on a motorcycle. The things that they are protecting is parts of a human body.
Yes motorcycle weights are greater than a whitewater boat and boater. But that doesn't mean that the forces are smaller. Imagine the amount of force it would take to fold a canoe so it ends are touching. In a different incident a friend of mine hyperextended both knees when the force of the moving water bent the kayaks he was in at a 90 degree angle at the location of his knees. And these are whitewater boats. They are far stronger than the recreational boats that are carried by sporting goods stores due to these risk.
Just agreeing with your point. And adding some comments to support it.
What's HDPE?
@@jimsnow9183 your kidding.......right?
Jimena Gulia: Not kidding, I have no idea what HDPE means, which is why I'm asking, and in this environment of expert information and mutual sharing of experience being made generously available, I'd be interested in your informed, intelligent, helpful contribution.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
Very informative, thank you! I'm contemplating between several skidplates for my 790 R and BDCW is one of them so this helps. The music at the beginning and end provided by Paul added a special touch that makes this a 5/5-star video review!
nice job summing up your canyon adventure with the detritus of the night whupping....really enjoy your work. thanks.
Another great video. I borrowed your little trick from a previous video with the angled aluminum for the "makeshift center stand" and it worked beautifully! Thank you for all you do and for sharing your insight.
I enjoyed picking off information as you guys chatted along! Quality (and helpful!) video as ever.
I found the T-Rex Racing skid plate and couldn't be more happy. Excellent, well made and very, very robust that covers all the exhaust in the front.
I have a 2020 BMW GSA that I bought a few months ago, primarily for on-road touring, plus I like the utilitarian/work horse functionality of the bike. Nevertheless, I went with the Touratech Rallyform because I liked the better coverage and the way it integrates with the rest of the bike.
Had a Givi bash plate on my V-Strom 1000, about as much use as a chocolate fire gaurd. Swopped it for an SW-Motech one as it fitted to the OEM crash bars. The bash plate stood up well to the abuse it recieved green laning in the Peak district (UK) taking some serious hits due to the strom only having 6mm of ground clearance. I know have an F800 GSA which I think has the OEM heavy duty skid plate, so far it's doing the job, just not keen on it mounting to the engine. Another great video Bret. Watching your videos over the past year has improved my riding no end.
Geoff: Ever had any issues with the mounting brackets? I've got an SW on my v-strom 650, pretty new off roader, haven't really tested it yet. Those brackets look like the weak link to me. What do you think?
Fantastic bit of content here Bret. For you being seemingly a one man show now, you're doing great work. The banter between y'all just adds do it!
I recently plopped a big steel skid that mounts directly against the double cradle of my bike's frame. If you're in rocks, it seems like aluminum is just a bad idea - good to see the black dog did well.
I found the best talent I could afford, the most reliable videographer there is and a modest editor (me, me and me)
Bret, you and Paul are animals! I went through that trail years ago in a well built Jeep and it was a rough 8-10 hour day, I could not even imagine going through there on a bike not to mention the fact that you started the day in Colorado Springs.
Week ago me was thinking about how crazy Bret and Paul are and how I probably don't need a skid plate because I ride pretty tame trails compared to what these guys do. Today me is wishing I would have put a skid plate on before I cracked the case on my KLR650 when I was out riding yesterday :(
ON MY 790 I HAVE plastic
AXP RACING,
cool product, awesome chat, cheers V!
Hi there!
Crazy rocks riding after sunset! You are the brave ones! Not sure I would continue riding at such situation. More likely that I’d consider set up a tent and wait the sun.
Great video! There’s no good way to describe ridding Lockhart on a big bike, loaded bike to anyone. When people as me I just say “It’s absolutely Brutal, but fun”. I use the Tusk skid plate and a low pro drain plug on my KLR, one of the main reasons I like it because it mounts to the frame and has a good inch between it and the engine and it is quite heavy too. Also like you I have some major dents from that trip. It definitely saved my bacon. Protected my bikes oil pan and water pump beautifully. Thanks for the video.
KLR? You carry 1/2 or full gallon of blue loctite on Lockhart? ;-)
Kind of reminded me of Blazing Saddles. Lol! Great vid, love my TRex skid plate for my Yamaha S10.
I went the T-Rex racing route with mi Triumph. Big, solid and well constructed skid plate that covers all, including the upper parts of the exhaust, so, some less to worry in very rocky tracks.
I just bought a Black Dog for my 790 based on your thoughts. You should have a referral code for all this magic you introduce us to.
I'm waiting for the bdcw tenere 700 skid plate design to make my choice. Many of thoses avalaible doesn't cover the rear shock link except the hdpe one from axp. I'm pretty sure they will have something greatly design . I love the bdcw for my GS as they cover the headers all the way down..
Touratech rallyform for my AT. Close fit , no welds good coverage & looks great!
Great vid Bret, loving this format!
Me too
I went with Altrider on my GSA, mounts to the frame and not the engine case.
Me too!!
Great video just picked up my new 790 Adventure R Can’t wait want to go off-road but I also want to protect my expensive machine and replace my stock diner plate. Was looking at 4 plates AXP,, SW Motech, Tourtech and BDCW. After watching your video I think I will go with BDCW as I want least amount of direct engine contacts, prefer the frame: I am also considering crash bars was looking at SW Motech as they fit with BDCW plate without adapters.
Are crash bars useful on 790R or just added weight ? Unfortunately yes I do tip over on occasions: also considering crash bars protection for use in a spill on the road
Opinions please?
Nice glad to see you are really getting those karoo 3s best mileage out of them I have a "twitchy " right wrist and wore mine down at 4000 just replaced them today with a set of motoz tractionator dessert ht tiree set front is tubeless version while the back is tubed ...I threw an ultra heavy duty tube in both of them and I feel very confident on them (on road) but cannot wait to take them on some real trails....I have noticed that they are way better at slow speed maneuvers like no foot down at stop signs kind of good lol I am loving them on the road so far not much is different as far as handling goes little more squirm especially in ruts and potholes but I only ride on nobbies all the time and actually feel comforted by that feeling ...I know very weird but I like the squirm they provide ...talk tread for the dirt can't wait to see how they wear also...
Another great assessment thank you guys!
If you don't have a lower cradle frame/subframe, you need the most robust skid plate, that mounts to the frame, that you can get. Period. Plastic or lighter duty plates will work on bikes with lower cradle frame/subframes, but when the plate has to span the whole distance, front to rear, get the most robust plate you can get.
I would need the skid plate less if I ate less pies, and didn't flatten the suspension so much. But I love pies.
Great vlog.
Loving the new output.
Happy travels
I love pies too!!! 😀
Excellent video thank you! Please keep them coming 🙏
Lol y'all the best just a bunch of good old boys having fun
I have a Givi Trekker mounted on my V-Strom as well. Had the same problems Paul did. We don't get to much stuff here on Chile but I'll definitely will be getting custom made skid plates on all future bikes, and probably on this one when the Trekker gets completely bashed
Cheers Bret
Vstrom's are tough to find good skidplates for... I used to own a DL000
My F7GS still using the same BMW engine guard / skid plate for 7 yrs..
Respect gents!
Nice clip 👍! As a current RUclipsr, I am contantly searching for creative ideas! Nice Job!
I’m a fan of your content, presentations AND your signature head covering! I too have a preference for the “flat cap.” Where do you find such a great variety?
I am always on the lookout for new hats
Don't forget that bike armor is sacrificial. Allow the armor to absorb the energy rather than transferring it to the bike. Its far cheaper to replace a $300 skid plate than a BMW engine case.
Congratulations for the new chanel 👍
Thanks
Have you seen the ridiculous so thin aluminium OEM Triumph skid plate on the new Tiger 900 Rally ? All new Tiger 900 owners (who want to do a little or more of off-road) need a new real good aftermarket aluminium skid plate. Lets hope that we can order one soon (still under development & production).
Great video Bret....kind of "like" Paul's simulated farts!...😁, man...I think he did awesome in that BMW...I wouldn't last 5 min. on that motorcycle in that kind of terrain
Yes he did
Another great one, I opted for the Touratech on my KTM 1290 R, better crank case protection.
The OEM guard is a joke on the 1290 too
@@BretTkacs Yah I have no words!!!
For the Kawasaki Versys X300 there is only one Heavy Duty Skid Plate that doesn't attach to the brackets that once held the plastic lower under the engine. Those brackets attached to the screws/ears on the engine's fragile aluminum oil pan. The only choice in my humble opinion is the T-Rex Racing Heavy Duty Skid Plate. Please see my channel for the install of the T-Rex HD skid plate and adding a 5th brace to make it even better. Other videos are on attaching the T-Rex HD skid plate to the genuine Kawasaki crash bars which are a poor design and need to be reinforced.
Hi Bret, I have a suggestion for a new topic for another video, I hope you like it: Ergonomics for travel enduros like the KTM790 or Tenere 700 and so on. I mean it is always a compromise between standing and sitting position and I think it is difficult to decide, what's best. How high should the handlebars be? At would angle should the clutch and brake lever be? Ideal seat height or pegs position/height and so on..
I agree... That is one of the major lessons at our training camps and training tours
great info -- love this channel
Slightly two totally different bike ranges, That Gs did fantastic doing that run as No skid plate was made for that treatment.
I had great luck with the JNS skid plate on my KLR.
Great video as always. Excellent data.
How is the stock radiator protector Bret? I should be picking up my Adventure R next Saturday and was debating if i needed to order or add anything for the radiator. Thanks in advance for any response.
I'm not planning to add anything at this point. One of the reasons I bought the 790 is because I would need to add a bunch of weight to protect it.
You NEED a better skidplate for anything except gravel or mud
@@BretTkacs awesome, thanks so much for the quick response. I really appreciate the responses, you, your videos and all the info you provide. I plan to upgrade the skid plate very soon but it's my first adventure bike. So dirt and gravel roads for camping access will be the only off-road at first. I want to get acquainted with the bike first before I venture very far off-road.
For my 790 I got a set with low crashbar and à skid plate from outback Motortek. Unsure how they are because I never had to test it yet...
I like a lot of the stuff Motortek is putting put
I haven’t been where Bret has, but I did make the plate and bars meet The Log and a few boulders - works perfectly fine by me, nothing sheared, nothing bent, just scratches.
I don't know how it is for the 790, but for my 1290 the Outback plate is half the price of the BDCW plate too
Funny how line choices go to hell when I'm tired
Is there a video explaining why you left mototrek?
There isn't... Let's just say it got too expensive to do them.
Even with postage an Australian made B&B bashplate is a no brainer.
Great video and excellent tips!
Nice info, but I looking or like your thoughts on the plastic sid plates?
The plastic works very well
I think plastic is under appreciated. There are some advantages to plastic for sure. The energy absorbing properties being one of them.
have you seen the kTm carbon fiber fuel tank protectors? if so are they better protection for the fuel tank than the stock ones for laying the bike down. they are kind of expensive so wanna find out some info on them before buying them
Which skid plate is better, Black dog or Altrider for the BMW 1250 GS Adventure.
I am trying to outfit the bike to be able to go off road to explore. Thanks for your input.
(Here comes the stone throwing)
I don't think that GS is made for heavy off-road. Same as BMW X5 isn't. And you sir are fantastic rider if you manage to ride it on that trail. :D
Of course it isn't 😉👍
You know what I'd love to do? Have you video coach me, and put it together.
Interesting video! Was the suspension tuning stock on the KTM / BMW or adjusted just to the rider's weight? Would a highest preload setting been of any help in preventing any damage to the skid plate?
The BMW is using Touratech Extreme shocks... My KTM is OEM but all the settings have been adjusted and I am the ideal weight for the factory spring rates
@@BretTkacs thanks for the info🙏
Awesome video!
You say you wouldn't mount extra Crashbars on the 790. Do you recommend that for beginners too? I ordered an Ian Chappal skid plate and I'm thinking about adding the lower bars from touratech in addition... What do you think about that? I'm an offroad beginner on my 790 R
So far I don't see the need for lower crashbars even for beginners but that opinion may change as I see others on 790's. I expect I will see a lot of them in this year's training.
I always reserve the right to change my mind as new information becomes a available 😁👍
@@BretTkacs so your tank protectors worked well so far I guess. As I am from Germany and there ist mostly Asphalt. Would that change your opinion? 😅 I'm an experienced rider in Asphalt.
Bret you dont ride your gs any more off road ? I see now on the 790
Do I need an aftermarket skid plate if I'm just gonna be on basic fire roads? OHV etc? 2019 BMW 1250GSA
Nope, not unless you are going over big rocks, logs or such
I bought the Outback Motortek crash bar and skid plate combo but haven’t put it on yet because my 790 can’t stay out of the shop long enough.
😕
I bought the same but couldn't mount it because there was a bolt from the sidestand in the way. I ultimately replaced it with the touratech.
Yeah me too!
Got to say I would go for the Blackdog skidplate. I have the same combo on my 1090, and the skidplate folded the first time I put it through any abuse. The crash bars have held up well though.
👌
Another great video, and those flashbacks of the night ride I just watched recently ... Glad I finally have notifications working for your Videos now, I can imagine the "not available for kids content" problem affected many of your subscribers without them noticing!
I just happy to hear it's working now!!! You are my first person to let me know it's working now 😁
@@BretTkacs I had to unsubscribe and subscribe again though. Would not have known what to do if I had not read about it in the comments of another of your videos!
When a skidplate takes damage on a hard ride like this is it done, or can it hammered out or repaired and reused? Like how we're told to replace a helmet after a crash, are skidplates that same that way?
Hammer that skidplate until it fails, then weld it and do it again.
They are just metal or plastic sheild. Nothing like a helmet.
@@BretTkacs Thanks Bret. Off to get my hammer 🔨
@@BretTkacs and if you're ever doing a class in AZ let me know.
@@narrator-timothymckean AZ isn't on the radar yet but neither was GA a few months ago. My website is always the best way to track me. I also make talk freely about future events when I podcast.
Is his GS and adventure or regular GS? Asking because the adventure has more travel but also weighs more
ezra tautfest it is a standard GS. My 2008 was the GS Adv. I decided I didn’t like picking up the extra weight. Especially when she was full of fuel!
I have a gs1200 and I would never take it where it will constantly get bashed no skid plate will protect the weight of that bike, no matter how good a rider you are the bike will get damaged. Just take a smaller dual purpose bike eg, DR650, tenere, etc if you are going to ride in places like that you will enjoy it more and they are easier to pick up.
But it's so fun to see people's faces when they see you on a trail like that 😉
@@BretTkacs by the way where is your BMW?
@@raiman432 I just sold it last week. I found I wasn't riding it with the 790 parked next to it.
Maybe after the 790 I will go back to BMW
What’s the other bike? Not the GS. Edit: oh ok KTM 790R, is that considered a dual sport or?
It's definitely an ADV bike. Twin cylinder 800cc, 469lbs wet weight. With luggage racks and any protection you are looking at 500lbs. it's on par with the BMW F800GS (455lbs wet weight but it carries a gal less fuel).
It is an incredibly capable bike but on the trail it is still a big bike.
Anyone have some feedback on the Wunderlich skidplate('s) ? Been hesitant to get one for years due to an already low ground clearance and the fact that most plates bolt on the block - and now because of the WuFlu - money's getting to be another factor pushing me further away from getting one. I ride a '05 Rockster with aftermarket suspension ( Wilbers ), which makes it take more than just blacktop :-) And over the years I've been getting away with it, but fearing that that's gona come to a grinding halt if I don't take care of that sooner rather then.... never. Had to get a revised gearbox last year....pricey. Been thinking of making one myself, but have no TIG welder or access to one. Any tips are welcome.
👏
Those outer KTM guards handled fantastically for you, but as you can see more and more photos show up of cracked 790R tanks, Im not convinced this is a good design...
Please share links... I haven't been able to find any pictures of a tank punctured or cracked due to a fall or crash in the dirt
@@BretTkacs The tank I saw that was cracked, cracked because they had crash bars that mounted to one of the mounts on the tank.(touratech) IMO, that is a very faulty design. Plastic tanks are plenty strong, but you mount that crash bar on the same mount the tank uses, and the amount of leverage on that mount is way more than just the tank itself being pushed in, a force that doesn't happen with just the tank. They had a mild off in the dirt, the crash bar put a bending moment on the mount, and that cracked the mounting tab on the tank. If you really want more protection for the tank on a 790, go with either a skid plate with wings, or lower crash bars that mount to the skid plate like Outback Mototek.
Big plastic tanks with wings have been used and abused for decades on desert bikes, dual sports etc.... They can take an amazing amount of abuse.
Bret Tkacs If you join the group (if you haven’t already) look for the name Tim Wayne, he recently posted a cracked tank, not sure what happened but i think those cracked tanks are very rare anyway
Bret Tkacs agree, have heard lots of hype from concerns but no real rider videos. Sure it could happen if hard enough but at some point it all gives. Just got back from a week off-road on my 790 R, already had risers, pegs, exhaust installed & crash bars were next, after watching real world impacts I’m surprised how well the covers work. Thinking the PowerParts carbon covers may be even better than bars, the angle of the tank definitely uses geometry to deflect the impact
Nope, never seen a cracked tank, not to say it couldn't happen, but so far no evidence to speak of.
The passing of gas in today's world should be considered a polite thing. Paul was simply administering a smell test. If you had covid, you might not have been able to detect the foul stench he put forth. As unpleasant as his fart was, it was still probably less offensive than someone sticking a giant Q-tip 6" up your nose (and charging you $50 for the test).
I'm sure Paul would agree
How would the Adventure S have coped?
I wouldn't have thought twice about taking the 790 adventure s on that ride...
Funny guys!
j'ai installe axp skid plate je vais voir
Yo Bret what happened to mototrek
No Altrider comments? They are your local manufacturer, no?
They are... Christina has an Altrider on her GS but I was focused on Frame or crashbar mounted Skidplates. I haven't seen any engine mounted Altrider skidplates that switch to a solid mount.
Do you know of any?
Bret Tkacs I understand now. I thought that the BDCW and the Altrider were basically the same, mounting at the rear and side to frame points and in the front, to the engine. I am thinking specifically for the boxer GS.
Bret Tkacs On a side note, I always enjoy your videos and insight!
Why choosing such behemoths for rock crawling? A smarter choice would be a single cilynder 50+ hp bike and you'd never have such issues with the added bonus of getting to your destination fresh as a lettuce.
That would take out all the fun of it 😉
We also own lightweight dirtbikes but they don't tour as well 😁
The GS is a push, you would be surprised by how nimble the 790R is if you haven’t risen it; it’s a giant dirt bike that can actually single track & still eats up the highway. That’s the fun in adventure, dirt bike dudes have to trailer to most of these remote spots
Take a lightweight 50hp dirt bike on the highway for a couple of hours and let us know how that worked out for ya.....
Is the audio off for anyone else? It's like watching Japanese dubbed movies, the lips don't line up with the words.
It looks like something happened during the upload... End of the video only?
@@BretTkacs for me it's the whole thing, not sure what happened.
For me to take this video seriously you both should be drinking coffee...... ;p
😂
Don't get the need to ride that kind of terrain in the dark. We ride for fun.
We all define "fun" differently 😀