Anyone run GS/ADV without eng guards?

[ericfoerster]

I am thinking about removing the crash guards on the GS/ADV. I am sick of having to remove them for oil change and valve adj.

 

If you have done this, what if any, are you using for a skid plate?

 

Could you post a picture for me to look at?

 

I don't use my GS as a motocross bike and I doubt I'll ever need the guards. If I do, I'll need an ambulance

 

Thanks in advance.

[Global_Rider]

I am thinking about removing the crash guards on the GS/ADV. I am sick of having to remove them for oil change and valve adj.

 

This isn't answering your question, but it only takes 5 minutes to remove the left side engine protection bar and skid plate to do the oil change.

 

As for a valve adjustment, you don't have to remove the engine protection bars at all.

[BruceLaQuinta]

Eric,

 

I've removed mine, and do not recall needing any extra bolts to keep the skid plate in place. If I remember correctly, I used to remove the four screws from the skid plate, then removed the bottom and cross brace from the guards. The skid plate remained attached to the guards???

 

Here is a picture btw.

 

I can dig thru my parts bin to verify that if you'd like...

 

Then only thing I miss about the guards is the footrest for long trips.

 

Let me know if I can be anymore help.

 

Bruce

[tanker277]

Mighty fine looking ride you have there Bruce!

CF

[ericfoerster]

Thanks for pictures Bruce. I agree with my Dad, nice looking bike.

 

Time is not really the issue for me removing the guards. I don't have a lift so to remove them I have to get on my hands and knees. Bad knees makes this painful for days after.

They are a very poor design to boot. The dealer did a great job on only putting three bolts in the plate when I bought the bike and one them is stripped out.

 

It is just a hassle I don't want. I figure since I use it as a road touring bike I won't need them.

[tanker277]

Hey Son......Removing the eng guards off the beast? Why don't you remove the front wheel off the GIXXER at the same time...You don't use that wheel much anymore??

Dad

[ericfoerster]

 

The gix front wheel stays!

 

It helps when I park it

[Global_Rider]

The dealer did a great job on only putting three bolts in the plate when I bought the bike and one them is stripped out.

 

Understandable since most of them don't know the basics. When you have multiple fasteners holding an item down, you initially install all fasteners by a few turns only. The pro probably tightened one or two down and then couldn't get the rest of them to line up...which causes cross threading if they're ham-fisted.

 

Even at that, my 03 GS Adv is trouble free whereas my 04 GS Adv needs to have pressure exerted against some of the parts as I insert and start a fastener.

[ericfoerster]

OK, all done. I don't think it looks bad at all. Kind of a little sleeker look.

 

Bruce, the skid plate did just bolt up with the four bolts of which I only had three

 

I've even washed her three times this year. At that rate I may as well go back to Harley's

 

 

 

[BruceLaQuinta]

Lookin' good. Now swap out that front 19" hoop for a 17" and let the fun begin.

[Global_Rider]

I've even washed her three times this year. At that rate I may as well go back to Harley's

 

Nothing wrong with that. Its normal to look after quality items, like our BMWs. Why would anyone wash a Harley?

 

You ought to put some 3M Paint Protective Film (Stoneguard) on the front sections of that anodized fork as well as the frontal sections of the gas tank. I've already noted slight marks in the 3M that I installed.

[Bill J]

If you're mainly on the highway, the little plastic engine guards should be enough. I put the more substantial Stanton head guards on my GS, but I seldom ride anywhere more hazardous than gravel roads.

[Doug 55]

.... I don't use my GS as a motocross bike and I doubt I'll ever need the guards....

 

Why do you want the skid plate then ?

 

Just one of those "enquiring minds" etc. type questions

[ericfoerster]

Bill, I appreciate the tip on the Stanton guards. I think thats a worthy investment.

 

Doug, the oil filter bottom would be exposed without it. Another wise investment I would think.

 

Bruce, I may follow your lead on the tire and wheel choice. I've always thought your bike was really neat looking. Now you know I want to copy it

They say that is a form of flattery you know

[J Moyer in OR]

I just bought a 2004 ADV and would like to remove the guards -- where can I get some guidance for removing the fuel tank to get at the upper attachment points?