CSC Aluminum Skidplate Installation

[detours]

I installed my new skidplate from CSC today and it came out really nice.

I didn't take pics of the whole process because CSC's tutorial is very good, but I did some of the process a little different and thought I would share.

I don't have a grinder, so to save work for my dremel, I used a pair of pliers to bend and break the welds on the stock mounting brackets. Worked perfectly for the front and right side, but the left weld was pretty tough and didn't break off clean.

I put a metal cutting wheel on the dremel and cut it off to the frame. Then I painted the bare spots with some bed liner paint.

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While I was under there, I noticed a small drip of coolant from the lower radiator hose. I tightened the clamp and wiped up the drip. It seemed to stop the leak, but I'll keep an eye on it.

While I was thinking about coolant, I topped off the overflow reservoir. The level has just about stabilized, so this may be the last top off it needs.

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I also took this opportunity to replace my engine guards. Both sides of the guard were bent from going down a few times in the dirt and I thought this would be a good time for some fresh metal.

The aluminum plate is very strong, and I like how high up the new guard goes. Some mud might make it through the slots in front, but it's going to keep the engine a lot cleaner.

Notice how close the new skid plate hugs the frame. I wish I had a pic of the original plate, but it hangs about 1/2 - 3/4 inch down from the frame. The new plate probably extends only about 1/4" out, so you actually gain ground clearance with this mod.

[SpudRider]

That's a nice, clean installation. Thanks for posting the good photos.

[detours]

And here's the whole thing. I think it came out pretty nice.

[SpudRider]

Indeed, the new skid plate compliments your bike very well.

[detours]

Thanks, I can't wait to take it on the trail!

[SpudRider]

The Shinko tires also look very good on your RX3. Have you noticed any cupping/unusual wear on the front tire?

[Riceburner]

detours, what do you think of the next oil change and potential mess, think you'll be able to get it semi clean? I don't see any drain holes like the OEM.

I keep looking at the mess from the oil change and have a semi-plan on making a drip tray to slip up under there just haven't made the time to focus on it.

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Oil changes are going to be messy. The drain plug isn't blocked, but removing the oil filter and screens will drip all over the skid plate. A drip tray is a good idea if it can be worked out, but I figured I would just live with the mess.

Removing the skid plate would be a pain. The rear bolts are easy, but the front ones are hard to reach. I only got one or two good clicks on my socket wrench reaching through from the left side. Or you could pull the exhaust every time and lift the front bracket off the cross bar.

[detours]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

The Shinko tires also look very good on your RX3. Have you noticed any cupping/unusual wear on the front tire?

No, at 2800 miles, I don't see any cupping. Front and rear look great.

[Riceburner]

Originally Posted by detours

Oil changes are going to be messy. Or you could pull the exhaust every time and lift the front bracket off the cross bar.

detours,
You may want to just pull the engine out every time you change the oil...

[detours]

Originally Posted by Riceburner

detours,
You may want to just pull the engine out every time you change the oil...

yep a new engine and a fresh fill every 2000 miles

[rtking]

Originally Posted by detours

yep a new engine and a fresh fill every 2000 miles

LOL - you'd be in break-in mode forever!

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by detours

No, at 2800 miles, I don't see any cupping. Front and rear look great.

That's good. The rear tires on my motorcycles never cup. However, the Kenda, K270 front tire of my RX3 began to cup, but it didn't start until after 8,000 miles.