Purchase a Skid Plate...

[Funbobby]

What are the chances of puncturing an oil pan on the sandy Florida forest roads? Apparently fairly high! Do yourself a favor, install a bash plate or risk my fate. Stuck in the woods waiting on a tow.

Rob, 2017 VFR 1200XD
Navarre, FL
IBA 606

[__Ray__]

Thanks for the warning but i tend to go off-road and already have an Hepco & Becker.
Last Sunday i heard a few noises witch indicated that it was doing it's job.

[DE65Y]

I've been looking at the Hepco & Becker one myself.
I want it mainly for looks, to hide the pipework.
But having looked at quite a few on line, it seems to be the one that
would give the better weather protection to the down pipes.

[__Ray__]

What do you mean with "weather protection"?
It's not something witch enclose the pipework so they will still be exposed to the element and even have a downside to it because it's harder to reach for cleaning. 

[Funbobby]

@_RAY_, a Hepco and Becker skid plate was my first manufacture choice as I’m happy with their crash bars, but the US distributor (Moto Machines) representative stated it was a “special” order item and would take “weeks” to receive. I found a Givi skid plate as an alternative.

By the way, I’m in the market for 50/50 tires. What manufacturer and type shoes does your VFR have fitted? They look aggressive. Are you happy with them on the pavement?

Rob, 2017 DCT
Navarre, FL
IBA 606

[__Ray__]

They are the Michelin Anakee Wild and for now i do am happy with them but because of the corona i didn't had the chance to test them in rain and in hairpin turns.
They're a bit more noisy than road tyres but not real bad and until about 140km/h (87mph) the bike feels fine and stable, above that the feeling can get a bit scary when there's a bend in the road.
One big thing you need to know about them when you putting them on your bike is that the first 200km you will be having serious doubts about your choice.
They need some time to wear in.
Dunlop has just released a brand new 50/50 tyre but i don't have any experience with them but there are already some reviews on YouTube but i don't know how reliable they are. It's always nice if a brand sends you a free set of brand new tyres that are not even on the market to make a YouTube review.

[DE65Y]

@RAY - I can't see me 'off roading' as the Tourer for me is a heavy bike, so 'weather protection' just means, keeping the worst of the road crap off the pipes.

[Funbobby]

@Ray, if you are referring to the new 50/50 Dunlop Trailmax Mission, I have a friend that installed a set on his F800GS. His tire review was neither great or horrible. On the other hand, another friend with an Africa Twin installed the Mitas E07 (front) and E07+ (rear) tires on his bike. He is very pleased with the Mitas. Based on his positive experience, I’m leaning towards the Mitas.

Not to make this a tire thread, in case anyone finds themselves having to remove the oil pan, the VFR shop manual wants you to rotate the radiator forward to access the the header bolts. Don’t waste your time or energy. The header bolts can be accessed with a quarter inch socket drive.