Hi Matt, I installed the BDCW skid plate over the weekend. Your video was a big inspiration to tackle the job and a big help to execute it. I did it solo on my driveway in four hours (proceeding very deliberately) with just the side stand for support. By far the hardest part was wrangling the exhaust back together, especially solo. As a complete novice to moto modding I would say that it would not have gone anywhere near as smoothly if I had not watched your video as an adjunct to the provided directions . I like the industrial metalhead look of it on the bike as well. Good job, thanks for the 390 Adventure content
I installed mine a couple days ago - It took me about the same amount of time. I too don't think I would have installed it without the video. Yes getting the exhaust back together was the most difficult. Mainly re-installing the cat. I used a small hydraulic jack to raise and hold the cat in position so I could use both hands to attach it. The skid plate is bomb proof and is a great piece of engineering.
I will add and echo - getting the exhaust back together was - wow, very tough. I found getting the resonator back into proper position without knocking the metal slider dudes out (both the internal ones inside the rubber housings and the external clips on the frame) was incredibly challenging while at the same time trying to position the main exhaust/header - insanely tough. I gave up trying to get the top resonator pins in while main exhaust connected so just removed the main exhaust altogether and focused on resonator only (which is what you show in the video although printed instructions seem to imply just loosening header is enough). Then once top resonator bolts in place (not tightened), trying to align the lower pin of the resonator with the main exhaust connected was totally impossible - I wasn't able to get the lower bolt into the threaded hole without completely removing the header (not just loosening the plate mounting to engine block). Then once getting the lower resonator bolt in place, trying to get the header back on - just wow. It took the wife and I about 3 hours altogether and at the end amazingly we were still married but all of our forearm and shoulder muscles were expired and I learned my wife has a sailor's mouth -- I learned new curse words... she's from Canada so I'll forgive her :D In the end though, just a terrific design to protect the engine and we are very glad we purchased the skuff plate and went through the effort. But between your video and printed instructions, not sure it really conveys how incredibly challenging this project is for amateurs. I had to stabilize the bike above (I mounted a ceiling hook that I use heavy duty travel straps to secure the bikes at the handle bar/steering column) and I also used a small 2 ton hydraulic jack ($80 from Autozone and incredibly useful, especially needed the lift to take the weight off the kickstand when getting the left rear bracket mounted). Thank you for all your videos by the way, you've helped me tremendously overall with ownership of the KTM 390 Adventure and I love it. Happy trails to you.
Hey Matt. I just got back from running the COBDR on my 390 Adventure using the AXP Racing HDP skid plate. After one 3,400 mile trip, the AXP plate is pretty much toast. It protected the engine and exhaust but one, not very hard landing hit against a rock on Hagerman Pass cracked one of the “welds” and the heat from the catalytic converter severely melted the back left of the plate. I will say this for it: it is light and did flex on impact. All that said, the Black Dog will be replacing it.
Well do e riding the COBDR on the 390 Adv. I didnt like how the AXP mounted. I am not surprised to hear you had issues with it. The BDCW skid plate is worth every penny.
Hi Matt, I have also gone down the 390adv rabbit hole this year. Done 4000 miles on it in 6 months with a lot of off road. The bike is a great liberator with decent quality everywhere. I ditched the wheels for the spoked one as I hate the look of cast rims. I have my bike booked in for some hyperpro fork springs at the end of the month with its service. The stock ones have way too much static sag which doesn't help the bash plate and you have to run a lot of comp damping to avoid bottom outs which then makes it sketchy in boulder fields. I just repacked my head bearing last night as it had came loose after about 2500 miles so I'd recommend doing it (not a lot of grease in there at all!).
Thanks for the tip on the head bearing. I have been looking at doing something with my fork too. I didn't know Hyperpro had a spring kit. I need to look into it. I want to get the spoke wheels too. In time. I love this bike. I have absolutely no fear taking it whoever I want to, knowing I can get myself out of trouble pretty easily.
Looks good for sure. Have to save the money for that. I did get the risers, doubletake mirrors and the little bags that fit in the crash bars. Very happy with everything
I did a video on crash bar bags. I talk about them in this video with some links to ones you can try. The bags are little tactical bags meant for mounting on MOLLE webbing.
Me again...going through various channels looking at what's available before committing to the purchase of a bike(ie,is it worth selling my Husaberg FE390 to fund it?). Problem here is the downpipe goes UNDER the engine, so you're losing 2" of clearance approx,it needs a pipe brought round below the clutch casing and RHS footrest, the swung under the swingarm with a can on the LHS(Lextek VP1 has such a pipe). That allows a bashplate to be mounted higher, and with a LHS muffler, can can carry a pole to lift the machine on it's side stand, for wheel removal on the trail, and it keeps the sound to the middle of the highway, being away from the sidewalk, drawing less attention! Any good exhaust maker would soon knock one up. BDCW bashplate could then be adjusted to mount higher... just a thought?(get one un-painted).
Just installed this on my 390. Wondering if you are having the same problem as I am. Initially I was worried I put something on the exhaust back together wrong because I was getting a humming/ howling sound. I'm pretty sure I didn't. The sound happens at 4500rpm and I believe it's when the vibration of the engine reaches a harmonic frequency with the skid plate making it resonate and "sing". It is a very obnoxious sound. When inspecting it I did notice the rear of the two bolts on the front right was touching the engine. Hoping this was the problem I loosened everything and shifted it so it isn't touching but it is still really close. Thinking I need a shorter bolt there. The ones supplied are long. It didn't change the noise though. I loosened it again and rode it and the sound was nearly gone. But can't ride with a loose skid plate. Ideas or suggestions? Nylon washers between bracket and skid plate to try to interrupt vibration?
Sorry for delayed response, I just saw this note. I had the same issue. I loosened the exhaust, and straightened it out a bit, it was slightly off, ever so slightly. I had to replace the front brackets (broke one and twisted the other), when I did I installed a washer with a rubber grommet on one side to dampen any vibration. It seemed to work. Not sure which thing I did fixed it because I did a bunch at ince.
@@advmatt broke and twisted the front bracket of the skid plate? Which part of the exhaust was off? Did you get the email from blackdog that they are sending free replacement front brackets to customers with a code because they were machined from a thinner material than the prototype. They think this is causing them to bend and cause vibration. Or is that what you are already talking about with the front brackets?
@@raynapost8522 I dont know if I have the new brackets. I need to check. I didnt get the header installed as straight as I should have when i reinstalled it. I have not received an email yet. I need to check into it.
Did you ever get the humming/ howling to stop? I just added the BDCW skid plate to my 390 Adv and have loud humming/ buzzing / howling sound at 4,100 to 4,400 rpms. BDCW did provide 6 rubber washers to go between the brackets and the plate and I installed these but still have the loud sound. Were you able to find a good solutions? I'm thinking of adding underbody noise damping paint or something similar. Any suggestions?
Good video ... im going the same route and use my tiger 800 for more longer distance riding and use the 390 adv for solo rides and overnights when im alone
That is what I am planning to do with my R1200GS and 390ADV, although any trips that will include lots of offroad regardless of distance will be a 390ADV ride.
Hi Matt! Looking into this skid plate (picked up the bike yesterday!). Any value in removing the resonator and/or CAT while it's pulled apart anyway? Not sure what's available.
Funny you should ask. I just posted this video on Thursday focused on removing the resonator. Link below, hope this helps. ruclips.net/video/GAANoJ4m2JQ/видео.html
@@advmatt You're da man! Exactly what I was looking for! Already replaced the chain today based on your experience. Only 400mi on the bike, so I could re-use the stock sprockets. ✔
Thanks for a great vid...this is where I started on your channel. I'll be picking one of these up when I get back stateside this summer. One question when you've got a minute...did you ever link the shock seal problem (perhaps it got too hot back there?) with the fact that the BDCW skid plate is not ventilated in that area? And did you consider drilling a few vent holes to help get some air to that space? I know you've gone through a shock mod and resonator removal since then, but just wanted to see if that option crossed your mind...or anyone elses? Keep up the great work!
That is a great point, I hadn't given it much thought. It certainly could contribute to heat issues. I am not sure I would want to drill holes in the skid plate. It would take quite a few to get ventilation, but it could help.
@@advmatt Thanks Matt. My riding over here is not going to be as demanding as what you're doing. I'll give it some thought when I have it in hand. Again, thanks for the reply and the informative videos.
Hi Matt, did you also buy the trail stand BDCW supply so you can lift the front and rear wheel from the guard? Would like to see your thoughts on this. Great review, thanks
The crash bars will not prevent you from installing a skid plate. This skid plate uses the crash bar mounts. The power parts skid plate will mount straight up just like the stock one.
Did you have an issue with the bracket being too close to the O2 sensor? I guess I may have some adjusting to do on the left bracket or might have to adjust the exhaust pipe.
I didnt have that issues. You might need to loosen the header at the engine and adjust the position. I had to do that to get to the filter behind the exhaust. When I reinstalled the header I didnt get it back in the same place.
Wondered if you could break down why the Black Dog is better and justifies costing twice as much as the T-Rex. Both mount to the frame. I just got a 2023 and am ready to buy one or the other.
I just looked at the T-Rex skid plate. It seems good. The biggest note, the factory crash bars are not compatible, so if you want crash bars you will have to go with the T-Rex bars. You will need to calculate the added cost of new crash bars, which might be pretty close to the same price as the BDCW skid plate. I have never used T-Rex products so I can't speak to the quality. I went with the BDCW skid plate because there were really no other good options at the time.
Great product! And like you said, awesome company - big fan of BDCW. I installed their pegs on my 390 as well - another great product. I just installed the power part spoke rims as well - combined with this skid plate bring on those rocks! :)
Check your emails. I guess the brackets weren’t strong enough and we can get stronger for free. Gotta love it when someone stands by their products and says a mistake may of been made.
Good to know. I may have helped test those out. I broke the left side in two and twisted the right side. I had to get replacements. I will check on it. Thanks.
Hi Matt,
I installed the BDCW skid plate over the weekend. Your video was a big inspiration to tackle the job and a big help to execute it. I did it solo on my driveway in four hours (proceeding very deliberately) with just the side stand for support. By far the hardest part was wrangling the exhaust back together, especially solo. As a complete novice to moto modding I would say that it would not have gone anywhere near as smoothly if I had not watched your video as an adjunct to the provided directions . I like the industrial metalhead look of it on the bike as well. Good job, thanks for the 390 Adventure content
Glad to hear the install went well. The skid plate is well worth. I ha e lots of 390 Adv content planned. Get out and ride.
I installed mine a couple days ago - It took me about the same amount of time. I too don't think I would have installed it without the video. Yes getting the exhaust back together was the most difficult. Mainly re-installing the cat. I used a small hydraulic jack to raise and hold the cat in position so I could use both hands to attach it. The skid plate is bomb proof and is a great piece of engineering.
I will add and echo - getting the exhaust back together was - wow, very tough. I found getting the resonator back into proper position without knocking the metal slider dudes out (both the internal ones inside the rubber housings and the external clips on the frame) was incredibly challenging while at the same time trying to position the main exhaust/header - insanely tough. I gave up trying to get the top resonator pins in while main exhaust connected so just removed the main exhaust altogether and focused on resonator only (which is what you show in the video although printed instructions seem to imply just loosening header is enough). Then once top resonator bolts in place (not tightened), trying to align the lower pin of the resonator with the main exhaust connected was totally impossible - I wasn't able to get the lower bolt into the threaded hole without completely removing the header (not just loosening the plate mounting to engine block). Then once getting the lower resonator bolt in place, trying to get the header back on - just wow. It took the wife and I about 3 hours altogether and at the end amazingly we were still married but all of our forearm and shoulder muscles were expired and I learned my wife has a sailor's mouth -- I learned new curse words... she's from Canada so I'll forgive her :D In the end though, just a terrific design to protect the engine and we are very glad we purchased the skuff plate and went through the effort. But between your video and printed instructions, not sure it really conveys how incredibly challenging this project is for amateurs. I had to stabilize the bike above (I mounted a ceiling hook that I use heavy duty travel straps to secure the bikes at the handle bar/steering column) and I also used a small 2 ton hydraulic jack ($80 from Autozone and incredibly useful, especially needed the lift to take the weight off the kickstand when getting the left rear bracket mounted). Thank you for all your videos by the way, you've helped me tremendously overall with ownership of the KTM 390 Adventure and I love it. Happy trails to you.
After months of research and shopping I have decided on the Black Dog. You were a big help in my decision.
Thank you,
S
Hey Matt. I just got back from running the COBDR on my 390 Adventure using the AXP Racing HDP skid plate. After one 3,400 mile trip, the AXP plate is pretty much toast. It protected the engine and exhaust but one, not very hard landing hit against a rock on Hagerman Pass cracked one of the “welds” and the heat from the catalytic converter severely melted the back left of the plate. I will say this for it: it is light and did flex on impact. All that said, the Black Dog will be replacing it.
Well do e riding the COBDR on the 390 Adv. I didnt like how the AXP mounted. I am not surprised to hear you had issues with it. The BDCW skid plate is worth every penny.
Hi Matt, I have also gone down the 390adv rabbit hole this year. Done 4000 miles on it in 6 months with a lot of off road. The bike is a great liberator with decent quality everywhere. I ditched the wheels for the spoked one as I hate the look of cast rims. I have my bike booked in for some hyperpro fork springs at the end of the month with its service. The stock ones have way too much static sag which doesn't help the bash plate and you have to run a lot of comp damping to avoid bottom outs which then makes it sketchy in boulder fields. I just repacked my head bearing last night as it had came loose after about 2500 miles so I'd recommend doing it (not a lot of grease in there at all!).
Thanks for the tip on the head bearing. I have been looking at doing something with my fork too. I didn't know Hyperpro had a spring kit. I need to look into it. I want to get the spoke wheels too. In time. I love this bike. I have absolutely no fear taking it whoever I want to, knowing I can get myself out of trouble pretty easily.
Looks good for sure. Have to save the money for that. I did get the risers, doubletake mirrors and the little bags that fit in the crash bars. Very happy with everything
From witch Brand are the little bags?
Omypol or something like that. Matt has links in a previous video
I did a video on crash bar bags. I talk about them in this video with some links to ones you can try. The bags are little tactical bags meant for mounting on MOLLE webbing.
Very good product for sure! The only "problem" ai the price. But good things are not cheap. Good content, keep going.
Me again...going through various channels looking at what's available before committing to the purchase of a bike(ie,is it worth selling my Husaberg FE390 to fund it?). Problem here is the downpipe goes UNDER the engine, so you're losing 2" of clearance approx,it needs a pipe brought round below the clutch casing and RHS footrest, the swung under the swingarm with a can on the LHS(Lextek VP1 has such a pipe). That allows a bashplate to be mounted higher, and with a LHS muffler, can can carry a pole to lift the machine on it's side stand, for wheel removal on the trail, and it keeps the sound to the middle of the highway, being away from the sidewalk, drawing less attention! Any good exhaust maker would soon knock one up. BDCW bashplate could then be adjusted to mount higher... just a thought?(get one un-painted).
Agreed with everything. The loss of ground clearance is primarily the exhaust. Maybe there are some custom opportunities.
Just installed this on my 390. Wondering if you are having the same problem as I am. Initially I was worried I put something on the exhaust back together wrong because I was getting a humming/ howling sound. I'm pretty sure I didn't. The sound happens at 4500rpm and I believe it's when the vibration of the engine reaches a harmonic frequency with the skid plate making it resonate and "sing". It is a very obnoxious sound. When inspecting it I did notice the rear of the two bolts on the front right was touching the engine. Hoping this was the problem I loosened everything and shifted it so it isn't touching but it is still really close. Thinking I need a shorter bolt there. The ones supplied are long. It didn't change the noise though. I loosened it again and rode it and the sound was nearly gone. But can't ride with a loose skid plate. Ideas or suggestions? Nylon washers between bracket and skid plate to try to interrupt vibration?
Sorry for delayed response, I just saw this note. I had the same issue. I loosened the exhaust, and straightened it out a bit, it was slightly off, ever so slightly. I had to replace the front brackets (broke one and twisted the other), when I did I installed a washer with a rubber grommet on one side to dampen any vibration. It seemed to work. Not sure which thing I did fixed it because I did a bunch at ince.
@@advmatt broke and twisted the front bracket of the skid plate? Which part of the exhaust was off? Did you get the email from blackdog that they are sending free replacement front brackets to customers with a code because they were machined from a thinner material than the prototype. They think this is causing them to bend and cause vibration. Or is that what you are already talking about with the front brackets?
@@raynapost8522 I dont know if I have the new brackets. I need to check. I didnt get the header installed as straight as I should have when i reinstalled it. I have not received an email yet. I need to check into it.
Did you ever get the humming/ howling to stop? I just added the BDCW skid plate to my 390 Adv and have loud humming/ buzzing / howling sound at 4,100 to 4,400 rpms. BDCW did provide 6 rubber washers to go between the brackets and the plate and I installed these but still have the loud sound. Were you able to find a good solutions? I'm thinking of adding underbody noise damping paint or something similar. Any suggestions?
Good video ... im going the same route and use my tiger 800 for more longer distance riding and use the 390 adv for solo rides and overnights when im alone
That is what I am planning to do with my R1200GS and 390ADV, although any trips that will include lots of offroad regardless of distance will be a 390ADV ride.
@@advmatt yup I will most likely do the same.. except on the black n orange one 😀
Hi Matt! Looking into this skid plate (picked up the bike yesterday!). Any value in removing the resonator and/or CAT while it's pulled apart anyway? Not sure what's available.
Funny you should ask. I just posted this video on Thursday focused on removing the resonator. Link below, hope this helps. ruclips.net/video/GAANoJ4m2JQ/видео.html
@@advmatt You're da man! Exactly what I was looking for! Already replaced the chain today based on your experience. Only 400mi on the bike, so I could re-use the stock sprockets. ✔
Thanks for a great vid...this is where I started on your channel. I'll be picking one of these up when I get back stateside this summer. One question when you've got a minute...did you ever link the shock seal problem (perhaps it got too hot back there?) with the fact that the BDCW skid plate is not ventilated in that area? And did you consider drilling a few vent holes to help get some air to that space? I know you've gone through a shock mod and resonator removal since then, but just wanted to see if that option crossed your mind...or anyone elses?
Keep up the great work!
That is a great point, I hadn't given it much thought. It certainly could contribute to heat issues. I am not sure I would want to drill holes in the skid plate. It would take quite a few to get ventilation, but it could help.
@@advmatt Thanks Matt. My riding over here is not going to be as demanding as what you're doing. I'll give it some thought when I have it in hand. Again, thanks for the reply and the informative videos.
Hi Matt, did you also buy the trail stand BDCW supply so you can lift the front and rear wheel from the guard? Would like to see your thoughts on this. Great review, thanks
I didnt know about the trail stand, I will take a look at it.
Great Video!
I have the crash bars already installed. Can I still install this skid plate and keep the crashbars (the one from the powerparts)?
The crash bars will not prevent you from installing a skid plate. This skid plate uses the crash bar mounts. The power parts skid plate will mount straight up just like the stock one.
Did you have an issue with the bracket being too close to the O2 sensor? I guess I may have some adjusting to do on the left bracket or might have to adjust the exhaust pipe.
I didnt have that issues. You might need to loosen the header at the engine and adjust the position. I had to do that to get to the filter behind the exhaust. When I reinstalled the header I didnt get it back in the same place.
Wondered if you could break down why the Black Dog is better and justifies costing twice as much as the T-Rex. Both mount to the frame. I just got a 2023 and am ready to buy one or the other.
I just looked at the T-Rex skid plate. It seems good. The biggest note, the factory crash bars are not compatible, so if you want crash bars you will have to go with the T-Rex bars. You will need to calculate the added cost of new crash bars, which might be pretty close to the same price as the BDCW skid plate. I have never used T-Rex products so I can't speak to the quality. I went with the BDCW skid plate because there were really no other good options at the time.
Can you lay down the bike when working on the kick-stand part of installation?
Maybe you can, but I think it would be better to lean the bike against a wall.
The “wobbler“ called: “ universal joint with hinge“😜
(Source: hazet catalog)
Regards from Berlin... ;-)
Does the upgraded Aluminum skid plate from KTM still mount to that bracket and/or engine?
Yes
@@advmatt That breaks my heart. I really don't like the looks of this skid plate.
@@red-moto understood, but it is the only safe one to use.
Great product! And like you said, awesome company - big fan of BDCW. I installed their pegs on my 390 as well - another great product.
I just installed the power part spoke rims as well - combined with this skid plate bring on those rocks! :)
You are all set. Pegs and rims are on my list. This bike is so much fun.
Agree need that kind of protection but end of the day it looks ugly in that finishing..need to be in satin black
I agree with you on the finish, but I think on this bike it looks really good. It is a signature finish for BDCW.
@@advmatt Apparently beauty really is in the eye of the beholder because I think the finish looks great.
How much ground clearance did you lose vs the stock plate?
Almost one inch. After I installed the Hyperpro fork springs I got that inch back plus a little.
Hi Matt, is the bracket and skid plate made from steel or aluminium? also what sort of weight is it?
Its aluminum, I didnt weigh it so I would be guessing. I really didn't care about the weight because it is so low on the bike.
@@advmatt thanks Matt, can I also ask you how much it cost please? 😁
$400
Check your emails. I guess the brackets weren’t strong enough and we can get stronger for free. Gotta love it when someone stands by their products and says a mistake may of been made.
Good to know. I may have helped test those out. I broke the left side in two and twisted the right side. I had to get replacements. I will check on it. Thanks.
Wish we had this in india
It's a shame. You all could really put it to use.
cute shirt
Not bad at all.. I would lose a tad to gain some piece of mind