I am not finding the post but to put those in even the stock aluminum skid has to be removed. Two choices either skip it or try some of those rubber expanding screws like used for hanging pictures on a wall. I know it sounds Hokey and is but they will hold the plate up and that's all they really need to do. I suspect they just aren't used at all on the newer Vipers.
I had similar damage done on the Manitoba ride last year hitting a rock just off the side of the trail. That piece (look it up on microfiche) can be replaced for less than $20US. Luckily it missed the engine/oil/filter/cooler. But a replacement part, a few rivets and a couple of beers, you will be good as new.
I am a little confused, but unforuntately that is normal for me! In looking at the rear skid plate I installed, there are two holes in the plate that line up (almost) perfectly with two holes that are already in the aluminum skid plate. It is hard to see to be sure, but it looks like the holes are threaded for a bolt rather than for a sheet metal screw. I am assuming that those are the holes that the skid plate instructions tell me to reuse the existing screws?
Ouch! I never got around to putting the skid plate on my LTX DX because I wasn't really doing any "off trail" riding, but seeing your picture, I am thinking that the skid plate is pretty cheap insurance for any Viper, even though it is a pain to put on! Sorry it happend, but thanks for posting it as a warning to us all.
Maybe yours are? I looked and others don't.
I will crawl under and take another look tomorrow with my flashlight; hopefully it is a threaded hole and I will be able to figure out what size bolt fits. I am assuming it is most likely metric? As always, you have a world of knowledge about the Vipers, and you have helped me to understand and learn about my sled. Thanks again!
I will check screw size when I get home. Happen to have my old subframe in shop.
Now that I like.
Does the kit come with all necessary fasteners?
