74 roadster - skid plate - ??? - another noob question

[joe czech]

i'm seeing in the parts manual a skid plate (w/ mounting brackets/hardware). if, if, if my 74 roadster had one, it's MIA. there are signs of something mounting to the frame in that area of the frame. question - do all commando 850's have a skid plate, is it model specific, or what? TIA...

 

[Ron L]

Skid plates were only mounted on the 1971 Commando SS model from the factory, but were listed as available in the parts books. They make it a P.I.T.A. to change oil.

 

[Rosey]

I have a "skid plate" fitted to my 850 and it certainly does not make oil changing difficult.The original part fitted the SS was steel and very heavy.I made a mould, copied it in fibreglass with black gelcoat,nice and light.it is held on with 2 grab rail mounting clips and a tab on the cross bar are per original.I fitted mainly to keep the road grime and stones off the front off the motor and protect the front iso mount. Works for me.Brett

 

[joe czech]

I have a "skid plate" fitted to my 850 and it certainly does not make oil changing difficult.The original part fitted the SS was steel and very heavy.I made a mould, copied it in fibreglass with black gelcoat,nice and light.it is held on with 2 grab rail mounting clips and a tab on the cross bar are per original.I fitted mainly to keep the road grime and stones off the front off the motor and protect the front iso mount. Works for me. Brett

thanks for the reply. here's a pic of my front lower frame cross member. definitely shows 16K miles worth of road rash.

 

[L.A.B.]

I can't see any of your photos so I expect others can't either.

 

[PeterJoe]

To protect the lower frame you could also install a mud flap to the front fender. Mud flaps were standard on the 1974 Interstate models and the Mark IIA Roadster.

Peter Joe

 

[blaisestation]

i have no experience with skid plates on a commando,but after riding "er indoors" xt 500 in town (Berlin) with an oil temp gauge fitted,the skid plate was removed quick smart .