FITMENT NOTES: please see details below
* Tank Guards are required for the 2023 KTM 890 R/S/Rally models and are an option on earlier models
* Skid Plate DOES NOT FIT THE 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition version
* Tank Guards do not fit any Husqvarna Norden 901 model.
***PLEASE PUT THE YEAR AND MODEL OF YOUR BIKE IN THE COMMENTS SECTION OF YOUR ORDER***
BDCW ULTIMATE Skid Plates continue to be the top choice for expert riders, proving its worth in the most rigorous conditions and terrain worldwide. Think you don’t need this much protection? Think again. It’s while learning to master big bike skills, both on pavement and off-road, that carnage happens. Rocks get kicked up, bikes get dropped and hung up, curbs get in the way, and scrapes and spills are just part of the adventure. And the ULTIMATE Skid Plate is designed to take all of the abuse—and more.
DESIGN NOTES
New for all 2023 KTM 890 ADV Models - with the redesign of the OEM "Skid Plate" (the humungous one piece, paper thin skid plate / tank guards), we had to come up with a solution to protect the fuel tanks so we did asked the question that we always ask with new protection products - "what is the most rugged solution we can create that will hold up to the abuse we know our customers will put their bikes through"...SOLUTION: we created aluminum tank guards, made of the same 3/16" aluminum of our skid plates, that bolt DIRECTLY to the Black Dog Skid Plate. We can think of a more burly solution than that AND the set only weighs just over 6 pounds!
Note: These guards are required for all 2023 KTM 890 models (or you could opt for the original plastic guards found on the earlier model 790/890s if you prefer that solution).
Black Dog Cycle Works has once again designed an Ultimate Skid Plate for the new KTM 790 & 890 Adventure. We recognize any product is a compromise - manufacturers have to balance key features, materials selection, ease of installation, ease of removal for maintenance, development costs, production costs, related shipping costs to the consumer as well as where the product is made. Based on our 16 years of development experience, we feel we have struck an ideal balance with our new Ultimate Skid Plate for the KTM 790 Adventure/R
The approach we took with the KTM 790 & 890 ADV is to keep the bike as light as possible, while protecting the key components as well as addressing any weaknesses in the design of the bike itself. This is why we developed a direct replacement of the stock skid plate.
In an effort to make our skid plate maintenance friendly, we decided to go with a two piece design so the front upper portion can stay in place for basic oil changes and maintenance. This allows you to keep the crash bars (based on the design of the crash bars) on and still complete an oil change. The lower portion of the skid plate can be removed with five bolts, plus one from the lower portion of the tank guard to accomplish oil changes.
Also we wanted to address the weakness in the footpeg mounting design. We have seen several footpeg mounts tear from the engine block when hit from the front - this was caused by the footpeg mount rotating away from the mounting point in the engine case as thereis almost no material at the mounting point to prevent this. After taking a hard look at the overall design, we decided the best way to address this was with a VERY STOUT bracket that would tie to two footpeg mounts together at the center stand mount, thus helping prevent the footpeg mount from rotating to rip it out of the engine block.
While this design approach eliminates the ability to mount a center stand to the bike, we feel the added protection is worth it. We are making the skid plate compatible with the Trail Stand* (not included) which enables a rider to lift the front or rear of the bike off the ground for maintenance or tire repair. The Trail Stand no only weighs a fraction of what a center stand weighs (again keeping the bike light), it is also a fraction of the cost.
Another key aspect we focused on was to maximize ground clearance while still providing a "crush zone" between the skid plate and key components such as the header pipe. The 3/16" (4.76mm) 5052 Aluminum we use in our skid plate will give a bit on impact, lessening the force transmitted to the mounting points as well as being less likely to crack, unlike the harder materials used by some of our competitors.
We have also decided to break from our traditional Silver Vein Powdercoat Finish for this particular model. There was something about that color that just did look right on this bike. After much internal (and external) debate, we are offering the following colors all of which will feature an additional layer of clear powder to make the finish even more durable:
- Black Powder Coat skid plate and tank guards
- White Powder Coat skid plate and Black tank guards
Please see our "Nuts, Bolts and Benefits" below for more details
FITMENT
This skid plate fits the following models:
- KTM 890 R/S/Rally (2021-24)
- KTM 790 Adventure R/S/Rally (2019-2020)
- Husqvarna Norden 901 (2022+) - NOT EXPEDITION VERSION
Our Tank Guards fits the following models:
- KTM 890 ADV R / S / Rally (2023 - requires tank guards)
- KTM 890 ADV R / S / Rally (2021-2022)
- KTM 790 ADV Rally (2020)
- KTM 790 ADV R / S (2019-2020)
COMPATIBILITY
- Skid Plate works with stock tank protectors on 2022 and prior KTM 890 ADV Models and Norden 901 (Non-Expedition models)
- Skid Plate Fits with Hepco Becker, SWMotech & Touratech crash bars (TT bars require an additional hardware kit - see related items
- NOT compatible with a center stand (See our alternative Trail Stand demonstration video)
NUTS, BOLTS & BENEFITS
Comprehensive Engine Coverage
"Sized Right" to cover keep major components safe such as the engine block, header pipes and catalytic converter.
Does NOT thread into the engine case!
Completely removes the mounting points from the engine case, which is what we are trying to protect (by the way)
Optimized Ground Clearance and Coverage
Sleek, low profile design optimizes the balance between maintaining crush zones, providing excellent ground clearance and reducing the overall profile to minimize impacts
Reinforced Footpeg Mounts!!
Our rear mounting bracket not only eliminates connecting the skid plate to the oil pan like the stock unit, it also reinforces the footpeg mounts by tying into the center stand mount, providing a tremendous amount of strength to this area and reducing the chance of engine damage.
Eliminates the need for a centerstand with the use of the Trail Stand
We have incorporated anchor points in both the front and rear of our skid plate to accommodate the Trail Stand which is MUCH lighter and MUCH less expensive than a center stand, plus you won't get hung up on off-road obstacles on your center stand because it isn't there!
EASILY installed by one person
Our two piece design makes installing and removing for maintenance a piece of cake. No need for help from a second person, so you can drink your beer in peace while working on your bike ;)
The RIGHT Material = More Protection—3/16-inch (4.76mm) of 5052 Aluminum
You get what you pay for. And we found the optimal material to protect, perform, and last. In fact, it could outlive your bike. The grade of aluminum we selected is designed to ABSORB impacts, not transfer the force to the mounting points on the bike.
Smooth Bottom for Clearing Obstacles
No holes to snag on rocks or branches. This plate glides on its own˜right up over most obstacles without bolts, rubber sliders or rivets to catch or break.
Two Piece design is maintenance friendly
By separating the front portion of the skid plate from the lower portion, it is only necessary to extract 5 mounting bolts to remove the lower portion for oil changes. The front portion (where the crash bars and tank covers mount) stays in place.
Flat Bottom is maintenance friendly
Need to lift your bike for maintenance chores and changing tires, no problem. Our design can take it.
Powder AND Clear Coated
Looks great and takes the punishment that anodized finishes can’t.
Looks Badass on Every Bike
Not that it matters when it’s covered in mud.
Cheap Insurance
Considering the costs of expensive repairs or “extractions” from the backcountry, it’s a bargain!
Made in the U.S.
No bones about it, we manufacture all of our Black Dog products right here in the U.S. It is extremely important to us. We have world class manufacturers in our own back yard and we intend to use them.
Tested and Trusted Worldwide
All of our own products are rigorously tested on our personal bikes BEFORE they’re released. Our innovative and rugged designs are used throughout the world—a fact that we’re very proud of. We make no pretense that we’re the cheapest, but, you can be sure that BDCW products are the best made, and that we stand behind them.
WHAT RIDERS ARE "BARKING" ABOUT
Thank You
