AltRider skid plate
First off, for full disclosure I was given one of these skid plates by AltRider. Also, I have used the BMW adventurer (OEM) version. That being said here is my review of the product. This skid plate is available in black and silver. While black is very appealing as the skid plate will blend in better on the bike. Long term it will show wear far more and therefore stand out. As you ride, gravel will be kicked up by the front wheel and leave a wear patch up the front side. Also any other hard abrasive impacts will also show. This is simply a result of the black finish being gouged out. It is anodized, which is a very durable finish and is likely the best available for this type of item and this wear is not unique to AltRider. You can put a positive spin on this though. It’s evidence of how needed this item is.
The fit and finish is great. All welds appear to have good penetration, no slag remnants and no sharp edges. High quality hardware is included where needed, and all holes lined up perfectly. My one criticism is that it does not extend as far back as the BMW version to cover the catalytic converter. This is the only reason for a rating of 4 under performance. It is constructed from 3/16″ aluminum versus 1/8″ (OEM). While this is only a 1/16″, it is a 50% increase. When I removed the OEM version from my bike to install the new AltRider skid plate it was evident just how much abuse it had taken. It was bent and pitted from rocks and had never seen the type of abuse my new AltRider skid plate had on a recent ride through Moab’s Lockhart Basin. On this ride the skid plate took repeated full-weight hits that I’m sure would have crippled my bike had I be using the OEM skid plate. The AltRider skid plate is none the less from wear.