Sliders for 2020 MT-07

[JeffL]

Howdy,

I'd like to get some protection if the bike falls over (happens to all of us!). But I don't want to install by removing engine bolts if possible. I do not own a torque wrench. I'm not looking for "crash" sliders - just if it accidently falls over. VAGABOND MOTORSPORTS makes one that looks interesting but they have been out of stock for a long time. Any ideas??? Maybe something other that frame sliders?

Thanks,

Jeff

[D.A.]

I’m not familiar with any products designed to protect a bike when it falls over but not protect it in a crash. And if such a thing does exist, I can’t imagine why anybody would want it. Might as well kill 2 birds with 1 stone and be prepared for both scenarios. 

That being said, if you only want tip-over protection I guess you could zip-tie or double-tape some thick, shock-absorbing rubber pads to the sides of the bike. That would cushion it when it lands on the ground. But to get truly reliable protection — even in a simple fall-over — you’re going to need to bolt something directly to the frame or some other solid part of your bike and that means removing and reinstalling screws, bolts and nuts which will then have to be torqued back down.

If you don’t feel comfortable wrenching on your bike — which is totally fine, not everybody does — buy a set of Shogun frame sliders and have your dealer install them. I can’t imagine they’d charge you more $20 / £15 to do it, especially if you buy the sliders from the dealer. After all, it’s only a 5 minute job.

If you do feel comfortable wrenching on your bike, owning the right tools for the job is essential and that includes having a torque wrench. I mean, you can’t even properly change your oil or adjust your chain without having a torque wrench to know how tight to get the fasteners. Under-tightened bolts will turn your bike into a death machine while over-tightening can cause permanent damage that is expensive to rectify.

So if you’re going to fiddle with putting accessories on your bike yourself, invest in the proper tools. If you prefer not to go that route, pay somebody else to do the work for you.

By the way, while having frame sliders will do a great job of protecting the core of your bike if it gets knocked over, a simple drop can still result in hundreds and hundreds of dollars in damage. You can easily scratch your mirrors, bar ends, levers, turn signals, water pump cover, generator cover, muffler, forks, swingarm, side stand, foot pegs, passenger peg brackets, rear fairings and also bend the brake or shift pedals, depending on which direction the bike falls. Your motorcycle is not designed to fall on its side — even with frame sliders installed. 

Adding axle sliders to the front and rear (along with the frame sliders) will offer a bit more protection but if you are serious about safeguarding your bike, buy a crash cage. That’s what I did. With a full cage and axle sliders you can low-side at 60 mph and not have a scratch anywhere on the bike. Literally!

Edited May 7, 2021 by D.A.

[JeffL]

D.A., thanks for the detailed reply. I might have the local shop install some Shogun sliders. I have a 3d printer and tried a couple of PLA sliders, but they would shrink with the high temp and fall out. I've been riding motorcycles since 1969 and getting up there in age. I sold my 2003 FZ1 and bought the MT-07 because it's lighter and more nimble. I've had the FZ1 fall over a couple of times (once at a gas station - someone helped me pick it up) so I might be over sensitive to it happening again.

Jeff  

[D.A.]

42 minutes ago, JeffL said:

...I have a 3d printer and tried a couple of PLA sliders, but they would shrink with the high temp and fall out...

I like the idea of manufacturing your own custom protection!

How were you attaching your homemade sliders?

Have any photos of them?

[JeffL]

Sorry, I don't have any pics of my homemade sliders. They attach by inserting into the frame, then tightening the bolt to expand. I attached a pic of the print file. Unfortunately, PLA filament melts at too low a temperature. ABS might work, but it won't work well with my Ender 3 v2 printer. I have made other stuff for the bike (camera mount, brake fluid shield) and they work great. If you Google 'Thingiverse", then search for "mt-07", you will find a bunch of printable things.

 

 

[DewMan]

1 hour ago, JeffL said:

D.A., thanks for the detailed reply. I might have the local shop install some Shogun sliders. I have a 3d printer and tried a couple of PLA sliders, but they would shrink with the high temp and fall out. I've been riding motorcycles since 1969 and getting up there in age. I sold my 2003 FZ1 and bought the MT-07 because it's lighter and more nimble. I've had the FZ1 fall over a couple of times (once at a gas station - someone helped me pick it up) so I might be over sensitive to it happening again.

Jeff  

I'm familiar with how 3-D printing works, but having never done it myself, I wonder what type of plastic is available in spools that is capable of handling the impact and abrading forces applied during such stresses as a side stand fall or low speed low side that won't just immediately shatter or melt from the friction?

I'm sure  the proper shape can be printed, but will it work for this purpose?

[JeffL]

I don't know how well the PLA printed sliders would hold up. Pretty sure they would work fine in a side stand fall, but not sure about a low speed slide. ABS holds up better against higher temperatures, but can't try it with my printer. There is also PETG filament available in spools, but my printer can't use PETG.   

[JeffL]

Well, I ordered some Shogun frame sliders and a 3/8" torque wrench. Hopefully all goes well!

[FZ not MT]

On 5/20/2021 at 3:38 PM, JeffL said:

Well, I ordered some Shogun frame sliders and a 3/8" torque wrench. Hopefully all goes well!

I have the Shogun sliders which I preferred because they don't have any printing or symbols on them. FWIW, they do make a difference at least as far as my slow speed slide out goes.

[D.A.]

 

On 5/20/2021 at 3:38 PM, JeffL said:

I ordered some Shogun frame sliders...

Shoguns are great! I’ve used them on several different bikes. Like @FZ not MT says, they’re solid, simple and inconspicuous. 

But keep in mind they are not miracle devices. If your bike falls over in the garage, the sliders will do an admirable job of protecting the frame, engine and front bodywork. But even with the Shoguns, a basic tip-over can result in damaged mirrors, bar ends, levers, turn signals, foot pegs, pedals, passenger peg brackets, forks, swingarm, and side stand and/or exhaust pipe, as well as bent handlebars.

And in a low speed low-side, you can also shatter your tail fairings, tear your seat and rip a hole in your generator cover or water pump cover.

These bikes do not like being on their sides!

If you want serious protection get a crash cage, rear sub-cage and axle sliders. Go down with that protection installed and in most cases, the only damage sustained will be to the cages’ cheap-to-replace Delrin inserts. 

Cages are expensive but will pay for themselves after one incident. (And I think they look dope as hell — very Road Warrior-like — but I realize I am in the minority in that regard, at least on this forum.)

Look closely at the photo above and you’ll notice that if you do add cages, you can still incorporate your Shogun frame sliders into the mix: simply remove the stunt-oriented foot pegs from the rear subcage and bolt on the Shoguns in their place.

Edited May 22, 2021 by D.A.

[FZ not MT]

10 hours ago, D.A. said:

And in a low speed low-side, you can also shatter your tail fairings and rip a hole in your generator cover or water pump cover.

FWIW, when I had that slow speed slide out, it was in gravel and the Shogun saved my generator cover. The Shogun got scratched up obviously, but the generator cover only got a a couple of light scratches from the gravel, but otherwise was fine.

 

[Pursuvant]

On 5/8/2021 at 10:22 AM, JeffL said:

 been riding motorcycles since 1969 and getting up there in age... sold my 2003 FZ1... had the FZ1 fall over a couple of times (once at a gas station - someone helped me pick it up)

You got courage Jeff, the real stuff. I think @D.A. 's cages would put you out front of the pack, a real road warrior

[JeffL]

I have the torque wrench, sliders, and some Permatex anti-seize lubricant. How many pounds should I use? After reading several comments I gather 38lbs would be good?

Thanks!

Jeff  

[D.A.]

1 hour ago, JeffL said:

... How many pounds should I use?...

The normal torque without anti-seize is 54 ft-lbs. When I put Shogun frame sliders on my FZ with anti-seize, I reduced torque by 20% and that seemed to work great.

54 ft-lbs - 20% = 43.2 ft-lbs. 

I also used very little anti-seize — just a thin coat — and rechecked the tightness occasionally to ensure the bolts weren’t coming loose, which they never did. 

Others will probably have different opinions, though, since there are so many conflicting directions to be found on the web. I’ve seen people saying reduce torque by 20%, 25% and 30% whereas Permatex’s website says to use the normal amount of torque:

https://www.permatex.com/wp-content/uploads/tech_docs/tds/09975.pdf

 

Edited May 25, 2021 by D.A.

[shinyribs]

On 5/22/2021 at 12:11 AM, D.A. said:

 

Cages are expensive but will pay for themselves after one incident. (And I think they look dope as hell — very Road Warrior-like — but I realize I am in the minority in that regard, at least on this forum.)

 

I got your back, D.A. !

Love my cage. It's been more useful than I'd have liked

 

 

[stickshift]

3 hours ago, shinyribs said:

I got your back, D.A. !

Love my cage. It's been more useful than I'd have liked"

Great looking bike!

Even looks good without the frame covers.

[shinyribs]

7 hours ago, stickshift said:

Great looking bike!

Even looks good without the frame covers.

Being on paddock stands instantly makes any bike look cool

[D.A.]

12 hours ago, shinyribs said:

... Love my cage...

What did you attach in place of your stock passenger peg brackets?

[shinyribs]

11 minutes ago, D.A. said:

What did you attach in place of your stock passenger peg brackets?

It's part of SW Motech removable saddlebags. Those brackets/receptacles are anchor points for the detachable bag supports. You don't have to remove the passenger pegs to run them, I just never run pass pegs. 

[JeffL]

I just installed the sliders. Thanks to D.A. and all that replied with info. The original bolts came off easily.  I used some anti-seize lubricant, and torqued to 43 ft-lbs. I'll check them for tightness after a ride or two. Another plus was I added a torque wrench to my tool arsenal! 

 

Jeff

[gmadigyal]

On 5/21/2021 at 10:11 PM, D.A. said:

 

Shoguns are great! I’ve used them on several different bikes. Like @FZ not MT says, they’re solid, simple and inconspicuous. 

But keep in mind they are not miracle devices. If your bike falls over in the garage, the sliders will do an admirable job of protecting the frame, engine and front bodywork. But even with the Shoguns, a basic tip-over can result in damaged mirrors, bar ends, levers, turn signals, foot pegs, pedals, passenger peg brackets, forks, swingarm, and side stand and/or exhaust pipe, as well as bent handlebars.

And in a low speed low-side, you can also shatter your tail fairings, tear your seat and rip a hole in your generator cover or water pump cover.

These bikes do not like being on their sides!

If you want serious protection get a crash cage, rear sub-cage and axle sliders. Go down with that protection installed and in most cases, the only damage sustained will be to the cages’ cheap-to-replace Delrin inserts. 

Cages are expensive but will pay for themselves after one incident. (And I think they look dope as hell — very Road Warrior-like — but I realize I am in the minority in that regard, at least on this forum.)

Look closely at the photo above and you’ll notice that if you do add cages, you can still incorporate your Shogun frame sliders into the mix: simply remove the stunt-oriented foot pegs from the rear subcage and bolt on the Shoguns in their place.

Can you please let me know more on the crash cage and the rear sub-cage... Seller and price. Thanks

[D.A.]

9 hours ago, gmadigyal said:

Can you please let me know more on the crash cage and the rear sub-cage... Seller and price.

Cages like mine are designed to withstand the abuse inflicted on bikes by stunt riders since those riders tend to drop their bikes a lot. But cages certainly aren’t limited to just stunters. 

A bunch of different companies make them but the only reputable / proven companies I know of are Impaktech, Full Metal Stunts (FMS) and Cock’s stunt Parts (CSP). All are USA-based. 

I bought both my main cage and sub-cage (meaning rear cage) from ImpaktechUSA.com, which is in the Los Angeles area.  The main cage cost around $425. The sub-cage $350. Replacement sliders are $5 or so. I ordered a few of them when I placed my initial order. 

The total with tax and shipping was about $825. It’s a little cheaper if you order the cages unpainted.

it’s really solid, high-quality product.

They custom-build every order so it can take 2 to 8 weeks to get it. The other companies I mentioned charge about the same amount and have similar lag times.

My axle sliders were made by OESaccessories.com. Cost about $90 for the set. You can buy directly from them or via Amazon.com.

Like I mentioned previously, a full set-up is a relatively big investment but it will pay for itself many times over. As least it did for me!

Plus you can recoup at least a third of that investment if you decide to sell your bike somewhere down the line and remove / resell the cages first. 

Edited September 17, 2021 by D.A.

[00RAH]

Hepco & becker cage

 

[seven]

I currently have frame and axle sliders on my bike and I am considering getting a full cage for my 2019 MT-07 as I intend to continue taking it to the track. However, the question I have is regarding the fact the the sliders I have now and the sliders on the cages I am looking at all protrude significantly. The track that I lap on has no run-off areas and is surrounded by grass. I have heard horror stories (not from riders at my track though) of bikes with such sliders digging into the ground and ultimately causing more damage the bike and posing even more danger to the rider because the slider will dig into the ground and cause the bike to flip/tumble.

Just looking for any thoughts/insights anyone might have regarding that concern and what the best options are for protecting the bike in the event of a drop and off-track excursion. I was wondering if getting simple protective bit like covers for the engine, handlebar protectors (barkebusters or similar), etc.

https://fortnine.ca/en/yoshimura-case-saver-kit-works-edition-030ha131410

https://fortnine.ca/en/givi-engine-guards-black-tn2130

 

[D.A.]

2 hours ago, seven said:

…The track that I lap on has no run-off areas and is surrounded by grass. I have heard horror stories … of bikes with such sliders digging into the ground and ultimately causing more damage the bike…

I suppose anything is possible but what you describe has not been my experience.

I low-sided at VIR (the Virginia International Raceway) last year on my cage-equipped FZ07 and the bike did not flip when it hit the dirt. It slid on it’s side for about 40 feet or so in the dirt/grass. And suffered zero damage.

Per the rules of the track I was required to wait for the emergency truck to haul the bike off the track but once back in the pit area, I wiped the dirt off the cage, pulled some grass out of the lip of the exhaust pipe, went back to the inspection station where the bike readily passed without issue and I was back on the track during my group’s next session.

Other folks in the pit were shocked to discover that my bike had sustained no damage whatsoever. The sliders themselves were a little scraped up but they were still totally usable.

I can envision how 1 solitary spike-like slider sticking out on the side of a bike could be problematic but that’s not how my bike was configured. The main cage has 2 sliders on each side and there’s an additional  slider on each side of the rear cage (basically where the stock passenger pegs normally go). When combined with the front and rear axle sliders, you have 5 points of contact on each side of the bike. If you lay the bike on its side, it will be completely suspended an inch-and-half off the ground by these 5 short Delrin nubs. The load is evenly spread and there’s no one particular spike to jab or grab into the dirt. 

Take an FZ that’s not outfitted with cages and axle sliders and lay it on the ground and you’ll discover the same basic thing happens — it’ll be “suspended” off the ground by the bottom tip of the front fork, the handlebar end, the turn signals, the muffler or swing arm, the bottom edge of the clutch cover or stator cover, the edge of the tail fairing and the front and rear pegs. Do those bits cause your bike to flip when you low side? I mean, I suppose they could but you never hear people suggesting you remove them because they create a crash hazard.

The 5 sliders take the hit instead so you don’t have to replace any of your regular parts.

The only caveat is that even with cages installed, your muffler will get scratched up if it protrudes beyond the protection zone created by the 5 sliders. 

You might add cages, crash and end up with results that are totally different than mine. But I’m definitely a fan of the cages due to my experience with them. I wish there was a way to get the same level of protection for my limbs!

Edited September 17, 2021 by D.A.