of both the skid plate and the Nerf Bars is straight forward; the instructions are very clearly written, and all required hardware is included. The skid plate bolts to the front down tube using the stock skid plate mounting location and then clamps securely to the lower frame with four heavy duty straps. The skid plate is isolated from the frame with rubber strips that are adhered to the plate. Nuts are welded to the straps so there are no loose nuts to align during installation or to worry about los- ing. The fairing bar is one piece that bolts in three locations. Once mounted, it is rock solid. One of the features of the HT skid plate


that was especially interesting to me is access to the oil drain plug through a hole in the plate. I haven’t found another skid plate with this feature.


Previously, the


stock skid plate, motor guard extension and protection bar all needed to be removed in order to drain the oil. Having a hole in the HT skid plate means I can leave the plate on during oil changes. There is a bit of mess with oil hitting the plate and running where you don’t want it, but over- all I would rather clean up a bit of oil than go through the trouble of removing the plate. It is difficult to assess the full effective-


ness of the Nerf Bar without experiencing a major get-off. Given the structural


integrity of the bar, I expect it will provide the protection needed at such a time. It is strong enough to be used to help lift the motorcycle after a fall (something I never would have done with the TT fairing bars). The skid plate provides pretty constant feedback when riding rocky trails with the constant clanging from rocks that are thrown up while riding. It is the louder clunks when you hit or bounce off of larger rocks that let you know that the plate is really doing its job. I no longer hang up going over larger rocks like I did with the BMW engine bars. Overall I am very happy with the quality


and protection provided by the Happy Trails products. While I find them to be functionally well designed, I find the design is more utilitarian than elegant, driven by function over form. When I look at the bike parked in the garage I some- times wish for something that looked a bit more elegant, but when bouncing around on rocky terrain, I am secure in knowing that my Dakar is well protected. Happy Trails Products is a family-owned


business. All of their products are designed and crafted in Boise, Idaho. Their products are available directly from them online at www.happy-trail.com or by phone (800) 444-8770. The cost of the Skid Plate is $154.99 and the Nerf Bars are $222.95.


Great Gear!


Carrying Schuberth, Wunderlich, Powerlet, Olympia, Gerbings,Touratech, Twisted Throttle, and a full line of OEM BMW parts, accessories and apparel.


BMW Motorcycles


of Pensacola 6330 Pensacola Blvd. Pensacola, FL 32505


(850) 466-5324 www.bmwmotorcyclesofpensacola.com October 2015 BMW OWNERS NEWS 21


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