Marty, I did not notice the frame exposure at first. I agree with you, I would like to see that covered. --Chris

 

+2 here. Even without the holes, I'd like this better as it provides more coverage. And to my untrained eye, it looks simpler to make as in no curved edges, just straight cuts and bends and welds. I'd be very happy with the above plate, even if it had no holes or cut-outs, except for the one rectangle on each side to accommodate the frame loops. I also like the way that one attaches to the engine mount and provides some frame coverage up high.

 

Meh. Not bad.

 

I would like to see a more angular plate like the discontinued CRD. Prototype still looks pretty good if that frame on the brake side gets protection. I also don't care for the clamp mounts as this will have to rub on the frame probably leading to some exposed steel, (rust is a bad thing), as well as the possibility of rattles from vibrations.

 

I don't think the prototype had clamps, but that's still an excellent point!

EDIT: I stand corrected ... it looks like there's a clamp at the top of the plate - the rest of the mounting points are bolts to the frame. Still, it's an excellent point! (Or should I say "The point is most excerrent!")

 

Hi guys, this is Mike from utah sport cycle. I thought i'd log in so i could reply directly instead of waiting for Chris to post my comments. I knew leaving the right side of the frame tupe exposed would cause some concern but i did this for a couple of reasons. Because of the long weld that protrudes from the bottom side of the tube bringing the plate over that weld will cause the plate to mount crooked in relation to the mounting holes and also leave a gap between the frame and plate on most of that right side, also in our experience laying the plate over an uneven weld can sometimes cause the plate to rattle. The photo that is posted of the plate with cutouts for those pesky welded on loops is an interesting idea. However, the problem i see with that design is i think you could easily catch your foot on the ear of the plate when trying to brake which for obvious liability issues we always make sure that there's no chance that could happen. Right now the plate has only about a 1" gap between the ear and the bike on either side, i could persue this design idea and close that gap slightly but i would have to keep the ear very low in the rear which would result in not much more protection but probably a higher price because the ear would have to be machined. I know some people also like the idea of bringing the plate up higher and using the engine mounts. To me it seems like that part of the frame isn't very vulnerable and it would require us to build a new clamp specific to this plate to mount it which is hard to justify for a bike that isn't hugely popular. I hope this eases some of your concerns. I've got plenty of time to experiment with some different designs before monday so let me know what you think. Its looking like the price will probably be $76.00 right now. If you guys decide you want to include some extra drainage holes i may have to push it to $82.00. I really enjoy getting imidiate feedback on my work so keep it coming.

-Mike

 

thanks for ur efforts mike.. def appreciated here (especially when i can finally get a decent bashplate) [8D]
im thinking that id prefer to have some drain holes.. but thats just my opinion...
once again.. thanks.

 

Ditto on the thanks, Mike, its pretty awesome to have this kind of interaction with a vendor!!!

Any chance of posting pictures from the rider's view (i.e.: from the top down, left & right sides)?

Also, is the clamp at the top a single piece, or two separate clamps?

As far as holes, I could go either way ... just as long as there's at least one for the drain plug!

 

quote from Mike at USC "hard to justify for a bike that isn't hugely popular." them's fighting words Mike. Just kidding man, we really appreciate the work you do and the time you are spending on this project.

 

In my defense on the "not hugely popular" line, from everything i've heard about these bikes they seem to be a very under appreciated largely unknown gem.

The plate does use two seperate clamps up top, and the factory mounting holes in the center and rear.