I've just replaced the 'screws' that hold the front of the ABS bashplate on, mainly because I had to get them out with an impact driver (whilst replacing the crash bars). The trouble with the plate is it's just a crappy piece of pressed steel and drilling it out would probably weaken it (the captive nut s welded to it). It's great for the Yamaha base-plates as they sit under the motor and so the impact is perpendicular to the mounting plate, when you extend the bash plate out to protect the side of the motor you run the risk of latteral impact and I don't think the mounting plate can take that.

If you bring the front of the bash plate up the front of the bike then a large U-shaped (like the old leaf spring fixings) bracket fixed to the same mounting as the engine bars is all that's needed, stick some vibration suppression between that and the bash plate and bingo!

That's a good idea GLUGo - certainly those pressed steel plates the original bashplate fixes to are a bit Mickey Mouse as you say...

(and that means I could get the grinder out and cut them off - yea!)

xxx

Agree with Jmo bout the modular bash, sorry sump guard. Has to have a flat bottom for jacking the bike up.

Another idea for the pot, a cover for the rectifier plug/wires that stick up above the rectifier mounting plate. Nowt fancy just somethin to keep the crud off and offer a bit protection from flying debris.

havent had time to look yet but since so many people allready have a yamaha engine crash bar wouldnt a sump guard that fits up to the side of the crashbar not be worth thinking about it.ll all depend weather the crash bars and the sump guard share the same mounting points

Rack
 

Got my rack today, and fitted it. Just the job, seems a shame to cover it up though with a pack or luggage!!!! Many thanks Petebog

I'm not trying to speak for Petebog here, but I think a) there are as many broken engine guards at the tabs as the OEM bashplate, b) there are a number of simple after-market bashplates out there that are similar to the OEM plate anyway that may or may not fit with the OEM guards, so why bother making a similar thing without much value-added.

I am in total agreement with JMo's idea of modular design. Versatility is key, it gives customers options, the maker more product lines and pricing flexibility, and the bike a few different looks just with variations of the modules. It's a win-win-win IF it's done right. The challenge I believe would be the design (having a similar sleek and slim look as the bike is important IMHO) and the construction (solid, easy to mount/dismount, can take abuses, yet light weight). I am no engineer or handyman, I can tell it's not easy, but I am sure Petebog is up for the challenge here.

I'm quite sure Mr P.bog will test his product before skinning anyone seeing as he knows there are issues with so called attempts at 'professional quality' sump guards. At least I have faith.
Patients is a virtue and good things come to those that wait eh?

Received mine yesterday.

Looks the business and will be put to the test soon as it'll have to carry my 4 men tent + 2 camp bed + 2 sleeping bag in a drybag :)

Clickable thumbnails:

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...90526-1925.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...90526-1925.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...90526-1926.jpg

(My VFR is visible on the last one :) )

hey zOU if thats your gagage how bigs your house

that's the underground car park of the appt block ;)