Skid Plate...who has added it to their Apex?

[IAVECTORGT]

Forget the rivnuts, use wellnuts! I used them on my previous sled when I installed the skid plate and never had an issue at all!

 

[KevinS]

Forget the rivnuts, use wellnuts! I used them on my previous sled when I installed the skid plate and never had an issue at all!

x2. That is what i use too.

 

[MAINEiak]

You guys remember what size wellnuts you used? 1/4"-20 x 3/4" or ??

 

[Liquid Blue]

The UHMW plastic will protect against a hard hit (experienced with my Viper). Put one on my Apex as soon as I got it home.

 

[sleddog66]

So my simple hand operated rivet gun won't do the trick? Ok.

I couldn't find the specific topic on installation? Where do you buy longer rivnuts at? Local shop I guess.

My Husaberg and KTM aren't full of rivets, so I'm still figuring these things out!

Thanks for your help, it's much appreciated!

These are rivnuts, not rivits. Mcmaster carr sells them in bulk. along with the tool to install. Menards has a nice instalation tool for like $10 bucks if I remember correctly....I don't know, It's been 6 or7 years.

 

[IAVECTORGT]

You guys remember what size wellnuts you used? 1/4"-20 x 3/4" or ??

I don't remember the size. I do know for sure that I had to drill the holes bigger to get the wellnuts in securely. When drilling, be very very very careful that the bit doesn't penetrate very far!! The drill bit I used was 29/32.

 

[Daranello]

Forget the rivnuts, use wellnuts! I used them on my previous sled when I installed the skid plate and never had an issue at all!

do you think those are more secure?

 

[IAVECTORGT]

Oh yeah. Reason is this: The rivnuts have a tendency over time to start turning when installing or removing the skid plate. Especially if they aren't installed correctly. To me, they are a pain in the arse to install/replace. Takes a little time. If there is ever an issue with the wellnuts, just pop a new one in. Install skid plate. Than go!

 

[viper7mi]

A skid plate is like adding insurance to your sled. A must to add to the sled.

 

[Irv]

Oh yeah. Reason is this: The rivnuts have a tendency over time to start turning when installing or removing the skid plate. Especially if they aren't installed correctly. To me, they are a pain in the arse to install/replace. Takes a little time. If there is ever an issue with the wellnuts, just pop a new one in. Install skid plate. Than go!

I used the rivnuts on my skid install and coated the outsides with Permatex "The Right Stuff" to stop them from spinning, and is has worked so far.

Probably if I had of known about the Wellnuts and not been in such a hurry, I would have used them but so far so good with the rivnuts I did install.

 

[RX1Jim]

I put a skid plate on my RX1 before I rode it for the first time. The RX-1 and the Apex has the same construction on the chassis below the engine. There were a few people at my dealer who cracked the bottom of the crankcase by fitting rocks and stumps (riding off trail in less than marginal conditions) which smashed through the thin plastic cover on the bottom end. Once you look at the stock construction, you would definitely want a skid plate in place. In my opinion, Yamaha dropped the ball by NOT including a plate as OEM equipment.

Jim

 

[Panterawill]

Skid Plate

part # SMA-8FA34-00-BK

Will this skid plate fit an 06 RTX?
Thanks

 

[Paraclete]

Is something like this too light weight?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Red-Windshi...Parts_Accessories&hash=item23256e3cb0&vxp=mtr


( I do have a red sled with black skid plate)

 

[Blue Dave]

I wouldn't even think of riding without a skid plate. I have attached a picture of the hit that my skid plate took from a rock. Without the skid plate it would have done serious damage to the aluminum bulkhead but with the skid plate it just "skidded" under the sled. I have also attached a picture of the riv nut installation tool. I put in the longer riv nuts and have not had any issues with them coming loose.

 

[Berg570]

Got it installed! looks awesome, and should work great.

Rivnuts do suck . . . .