Oil Filter/Partial Under-engine protection ideas?

[Rider Rick]

Hey, I've been looking for a GS bash plate that could get modded to fit my bike, but sources are drying up from what I've seen. I normally wouldn't worry about the filter too much but considering the AK trip next month, I started wondering if some debris from the road (stones, jagged rocks on gravel road, etc) could get up in there and punch a hole in something. I was toying with the idea of finding some heavy-duty mesh like they use for trailer beds, and cutting out a piece or two and seeing if it could be fitted underneath and bolted on with some thick washers and bolts? I haven't actually looked underneath yet to see what bolt pattern options I have, will do so tonight.

Has anyone done something like this to protect the oil filter?

[MIXR]

There's a reason it's usually called a 'sump guard' and not an 'oil filter guard'.

Don't worry about the oil filter Rick. It's well protected in its recess and the top section (bottom of the filter) can take a fair hammering before you will puncture it. Try it with an old one. I took my R to places it should never go (off-road and dirt roads), and then just accepted it wasn't designed for it (too low, too vulnerable) and bought a GSA. A skid plate underneath will reduce your clearance even more. The biggest problem I had was little stones flicking back off the front wheel and entering the alternator belt housing via the cover slots. They can chew up your belt real fast, so carry a spare belt and know how to change it for extended off-tarmac riding.

I'd be more inclined to spend some time on adding a useful (and removable) big mudflap to the rear of the front guard to prevent stuff from flicking back to the front of the engine or up to the oil cooler shrouds. They pick up lots of stone chips if riding fast on gravel. My 2 cents.

[towerworker]

+1 on what MIXR said. I've put over 70K on mine since 2003 with no problems. Even took it up some fire roads (mistake) again no issues. Just ride it.

wayne

[Rider Rick]

Good points, I wasn't going to put a full-blown plate on there, possibly some stiff metal mesh, but I have read about the alernator belt taking some debris. Fenda extenda on the way, hopefully that will help, and I may have seen a protector for the alternator belt cover, too. Thanks. In all the looking around today I may also have seen some type of plastic bib that is supposed to protect...

In other, grind-your-teeth news, Twisted Throttle delivered my Moto engine bars...I mean not MY engine bars...but they must fit somebody's bike, lol. Man...frustrating, now I have to send them back, blah blah blah...another week+ before they go on and then my pegs and led lights (walks off mumbling)

[chitownrbike]

I installed a GS sump guard years ago and I do not regret it.
If nothing else it has protected against curb damage...

[Rider Rick]

Chitown, I'm having trouble zeroing in on a place that will sell the right stuff...assuming there are some spacers and such that need to be swapped out? Going to look underneath in a few hours.

[sweatmark]

Will defer to chitown, but don't know why the R1150R application would differ from R1150GS for bash plate/sump guard.

Try the holy grail of adventure bike stuff: http://www.touratech-usa.com/

[MIXR]

My GSA has 8 x 10 mm bolts and 2 x 13 mm bolts that hold on the sump guard, but I can't remember if the R had the same attachment points built in. I don't think it did. Plus, some of the GSA mounts are associated with the crashbars and not the sump itself. The main under-sump spacers are rubber-mounted. None of this helps you with the R though. Good luck.

[kantuckid]

My 03-1150r has done over 20,000 in Mexico and the topes are the issue for a street bike, not so much loose stones. My center stand has taken some abuse as topes are not a highly refined art form. Some have sharp peaks and high enough that there is no graceful way to hop them! I wish I had a front fender extender but never seem to get around to one so stuff will plaster the alt cover. As they say, soap is cheap...