Viper Skid plate

[drumz11]

You can change the filter through the exh side

But no fun reaching and snaking in through there to get to the engine drain plug unless you are skipping it along with pulling the filter and having to catch the oil mess. Pulling the belly pan but it's only some nuts and bolts and a little time. Going through the side is an option....just not much of a headache saver IMO. Too each his own.

 

[drumz11]

The added Footwell hardware is the Black screw and nylock nuts you see in the footwell. You can't see the second inner screw in the right footwell. But it is there.

You didn't make a hole or cut the center out? Many do for snow evacuation.

I wouldn't ride these sleds much without a skid plate. It doesn't take much at all to bang up the bottom or take out the chain case side that hangs lower. I've seen a lot of photos of the these getting hurt there. The plastic is thick and protects better than you may think. Very cheap insurance.

 

[TestMaster]

Remember the filter has a 12,500 mile change interval. I change mine more often but 12,500 miles is what Yamaha requires to preserve your Warranty.

I have a heated garage for the sleds so they never load up with snow, in addition, I don't see much buildup at all on the trail and only slightly more off trail that doesn't get knocked or blown off on the way home. I ride to and from the trail system a couple of miles!

Large center hole is an issue I believe cause it can catch objects. Small drain hole is good but I don't believe necessary in my case. If I rode mountains or off trail more it would definitely be necessary, easy enhancement.

 

[drumz11]

It is a headache if you have a skid plate. Everyone I know has the skid plate. The skid plate totally saved my sled last winter. Ran into the end of a railroad rail that was hidden under the snow

Yes it is. I have a skid plate. I was saying I would still rather pull it for an oil change than monkey around through the side for the filter. You pull the engine drain plug through the side? You must be like "gumby". Lol.

Remember the filter has a 12,500 mile change interval. I change mine more often but 12,500 miles is what Yamaha requires to preserve your Warranty.

I've been doing it every oil change since I'm already in there for the engine drain plug.

 

[MorganKoda]

I put it on my XTX last year along with the front piece. Its kind of a pain in the #*$&@ to line up everything, but its pretty hefty. It should provide adequate protection.

 

[yamahaguy]

I put it on my XTX last year along with the front piece. Its kind of a pain in the #*$&@ to line up everything, but its pretty hefty. It should provide adequate protection.

Can you post a few pictures of what the front and back piece look like on the sled?

 

[savageman69]

i want a skid plate badly but you guys are making me nervous lol...i dont mind the removal but i dont think i wanna be trying to hold it and drill random holes if its hard to line it up

 

[MorganKoda]

Can you post a few pictures of what the front and back piece look like on the sled?

The sled is still in storage, but it is going to Ulmer's next week for some help. When it gets back I will be putting a forth wheel kit in it. I will get some pics once i get it on the lift.

 

[viipeR]

Any of our aftermarket friends have a better product out yet? I know MPI was inquiring last week about skids and sounds like matt has an idea for an aluminum one. My riding is 100% boon docking so this is a must for me. those oil changes though......

 

[cannondale27]

Somebody should make skid plate that hinges at the back and is held at front with just a few screws. The rear could use a thick section anyway since the drivers are sticking below the belly pan.

 

[RTX]

Anyone ever tried using these to mount your skid plate. They are called nut plates.
I have used them in the past when fabricating parts in areas where nuts are impossible to reach, just not on a sled yet.
You would rivet them onto the plastic over the existing hole (on the inside of the panel)
This would act as your nut and is permanently attached to the plastic belly pan using rivets.
Obviously theres going to be more holes to drill, rivets and a longer initial install time. but the skid plate should fit over and hide the rivets and once completed it looks like they could make removing and reinstalling the skidplate pretty easy.
Any thoughts, anyone ever try these?

 

[tapex_07]

Where did you find those? Looks like a good option imo.

 

[RTX]

Where did you find those? Looks like a good option imo.

Www.Aircraftspruce.com
Type in nutplate in search

 

[Mountaintech]

I'm working on something.

 

[tapex_07]

Thanks RTX.
Keep us posted MountainTech!