[Bestia]

This conversation is happening/on going in multiple threads, shall we consolidate?

To bring all up to speed the Scrambler certainly has a skid plate, however it seems more for effect than function unfortunately...

that black plastic cover is for valve adjustment from what I'm understanding.

Unfortunately I'm not sure what they will do in terms of a full bash plate, because the engine is a stressed member of the frame I don't see any logical or easy mounting points if the plate was to extend up to the valve adjustment cover...

 

[Nick the Greek]

Personally, I would like to see the plate a little larger / more noticeable.

Let's see what the aftermarket guys come up with.

:|

 

[DenverDuc]

Since there is no perimeter frame for it to attach to, I have no idea how a bigger/better one would work. As you can see on the pic below of the CRF250X, the frame comes around in front of the motor and has places to attach a very solid skid/bash plate. Also notice how low the back portion of the front fender comes down and covers much of the engine. The Urban Enduro model's front fender doesn't offer any roost protection to the engine - especially not for the plastic parts like the adjustment cover. If you were to fly down a road with loose rock, it will get thrown up into the front of the engine without a fender or skirt of some sort to block it out.

Looking closely at the UE pics, I can only guess the solution to a fender would something lower the factory UE version (to allow full steering lock) but higher than the icon (to allow for dirt/rocks/mud to escape) and far longer towards the engine (to block the roost) - more like a traditional dirt bike front fender. As far as a better skid plate, the only strong option I think of would be to use the engine mount where sliders would typically go and triangulate something to attach there with the bottom of the bike and then back up to the top/front of the bike where the frame connects to the steering stem. Either way, I doubt it would be pretty :/

 

[pacman]

Yeah- I think the absence of a viable skid plate, plus the ugly aesthetics that mounting one would entail, will keep most people from converting the Scrambler to a true trail bike. If i were interested in riding roads to trails, I would head to craigslist and look for a newer Kawasaki KLX 250 (road legal version) to be a stable mate for the scrambler.

 

[ScramblerFan]

The plate looks great too, not only is it functional but also looks like something that suits the bikes theme. Can always depend on Ducati for that combination!

 

[AnotherHobby]

I'm guessing there will be several aftermarket options. Here is one concept by Capêlos Garage. It wouldn't work with the stock pipes, but it's an example. Funny though, this concept swaps out the stock tires for more street tires, which begs the question of why the skid plate?

 

[DenverDuc]

^ Also that's a completely different swingarm, so I wouldn't think that skid is anything other than a total photoshop add in without any real design thought. It would have to be an extremely well thought out mounting system for it to be effective. It will be interesting to see if any after market companies come forward with a design.

 

[AnotherHobby]

^ Yes, I do believe I said it was a "concept" so obviously it's a Photoshop and nothing real yet. The point was that it's definitely something I think will be on the radar for the aftermarket.

 

[egregie]

I bought the skid plate because it's better than nothing and all sorts of roads hazards can smash into the undercarriage especially these days with so many more vehicles on the road. The plate comes with enough hardware to make it a pain without a diagram. Does anyone have an exploded diagram or any instructions at all on installation?


Thanks Greg

 

[DJKham]

I can attest to the quality of the Evotech bash plate. Protect relatively well, although I wouldn't undertake any serious offroad with this bike, regardless of bash plate. Also mentioned on another thread that it will work with the KnN oil filer in case anyone is concerned about fit.

 

[G8R]

Looks good and functional too. Seems Evotech has the rectifier and oil cooler guards available as well. Thanks for the picture and info.

 

[Preuling]

Had an exhaust-related issue with the OEM plate at my UE and switched to the evotech plate. Design is a more rigid construction:

...in my vid from 3:38'

http://youtu.be/4CYDgJxAML0

 

[mcstooge]

bogus bash plate

I can tell you that the Ducati bash plate is useless and mainly for looks. No good for off-roading and also lessens your ground clearance in turns. It also makes checking the oil filter which had a habit of coming loose a chore.

 

[superbike-italia]

I can attest to the quality of the Evotech bash plate. Protect relatively well, although I wouldn't undertake any serious offroad with this bike, regardless of bash plate. Also mentioned on another thread that it will work with the KnN oil filer in case anyone is concerned about fit.

Will this work with the bottom pan Ducati offers ???

 

[rogue]

My problem is, I don't like the look of the Evotech bash plate. I'd like to see something that continues on the theme of Ducati's bash plate…either a second plate that matches the first, but sits higher up…or a whole new plate that looks like the original but forms up the front. Not just over the head, but partially around the head pipe...

 

[DenverDuc]

Had an exhaust-related issue with the OEM plate at my UE and switched to the evotech plate.

I'm curious what issue you had with the exhaust. I bought the Ducati skid plate about 8 months ago, but I never got around to putting it on. I was going to put it on soon since it's too cold ride!

 

[Preuling]

I'm curious what issue you had with the exhaust.

ok, fine: if you follow the link to my YT video you will see at 3min 38sec that the bashplate does not go well with the QD exhaust from an esthetical point of view...

Try this link perhaps. The video should start directly there:

https://youtu.be/4CYDgJxAML0?t=3m38s

Apart from that imho the original bashplate is better than nothing at all.

 

[DenverDuc]

Judging by the way my Remus pipe is routed using factory headers, I don't think I will have any issues...

 

[pdog109]

so the evotech one offers more protection?

 

[Xtyling]

Yes. IMO the Evotech provides more protection. But as previously mentioned, the Scrambler is not a good bike to test how well bash plates function. In the end, all bash plates for the scrambler boil down to form over function. Choose which suits your taste and preference.