Installing the Black Dog Cycle Works skid plate on a '14 R1200GSA

It was a little bit chilly here in Colorado with high 20's during the day so we're spending a reasonable time in our garages fixing the bikes and getting ready for the riding season which should be starting in about... *looks at the calendar* 2 months...

Until we're on the road, we want to see some fixes, mods, goodies installations, time spent washing the bike, services, tire changes, anything. Here, I'll start:

It all started with a post on the GSGiants FB page and this horrific picture:


I decided it was time to replace my stock skid plate. So I went on the internetz, googled (when did that become a verb?) black dog cycle works and within a few days, I had a package!



Let me start by telling you, the folks at Black Dog Cycle Works have made an EXCEPTIONAL product. But they could have spent a little bit more time writing the instructions... In their defense, I should have spent a little bit more time reading them before I started :roll:

So since my space in the garage is limited to non existing (you try to fit 4 bikes and a trailer in a one car garage), I decided the easiest way to work on the bike is to put it on the trailer so it is standing up and I can work under it. So I did. I was actually quite proud of myself!



Then I started reading the manual:

1. Place bike on center stand (even if using a bike lift). This eases installation greatly.

Click to expand...

I guess I should have read the manual first, right? Oh well, off the trailer and back into the garage.

Step 1a: Remove the stock skid plate. Easy enough, take 5 bolts out (I have a '14 GSA).


Step 1b: Remove all related hardware as well but keep the 4 (four) stock M8x25 bolts.



This is what you need to see before starting installing the BDCW hardware:


Let's put the two skid plates side by side for comparison...



So as I mentioned earlier, I should have spent more time reading the instructions before I started. Therefore, there were several steps I missed. Such as the part that says "move the U-nuts into place AFTER you install the the front mount... This is what I did:



Well, the problem is that the tool that the BDCW people were kind enough to provide, will go through the hole but not through the nut...

After fixing my mistake, I easily installed the front mount and secured it using the stock M8x25 bolts:





So just when I thought this was the most challenging part of the installation, I then moved to installing the following... First step is to install the plastic wire loop around the two cables by the exhaust flapper:



Then, I took a break to clean up my mess and change my gloves because mild OCD that's why!


This is how it is supposed to look like:


Then I spent a good 10 minutes trying to figure out where the "round frame tube" is... Apparently they good people at BDCW meant this doohickey:



And just when I thought that installing the plastic wire loop was the hardest step, here comes the rear stand and the hose clamps God, I hate these things! This is the one part of the instructions you HAVE to follow methodically. Once you put them, it should look like this:



And now for the fun... Following the instructions given, you need to slide the rear mount so that the top part goes under the hose clamps. No, not a joke. Here's what it should look like (took me a good 20 minutes):




Remember I said earlier that the guys at BDCW did a exceptional job creating the product? Look at this detail:

So here we have it, ready for the last 4 screws:





TIP OF THE DAY: Clean the bike before installing the new skid plate, otherwise chunks of whatever like this will probably fall on your face. Just like it happened with me...


Final product:




It took me a bit less that 3 hours. But remember that:
a. I don't like manuals
b. I don't have maintenance experience
So if a newb like me was able to install it, you'll be fine too.

Generally, the product feels and looks superior. I'm very happy with my purchase. Now I just have to wait to try it!

Another nice job
Thanks again for the effort!
This skid plate DIY will join your other effort in the Wethead index.
Gary

No images

Either it is on my end or something happened as all the images you posted of the install are gone.

This thread is from 2015. Seems like some times the pics. go away. Welcome aboard.