I'm a huge proponent of the belly pan.
Things I've hit, run over, the scratches and wear on the sides where I've leaned over, all tell me it's a "good thing" to have on the bike.
I'll offer this as I just discovered it when I changed my oil...
Background: I have the same black pan with the circle cutouts that Sorcerer had, and also like JimmyT, some very spirited rides have left some serious scratches on it.
Yes, the front access cover nuts were stripped, just like Sorcerer's.
So when I change my oil I just loosen the 4 acorn nuts and drop the whole pan.
Lets me clean out any debris and give a good look-see at what's happening under there.
This last time, I was missing an acorn nut head.
Not the bolt - it was still securely in its hole, no rust had formed...
I rolled over a speed bump about a week ago - I know which one exactly - and the belly pan hit.
I'm guessing the impact sheared the head off the bolt.
One comment I recall - I think it was Big Larry - cautioned the use of the McGyver pan as a lift point as the acorn nuts are not designed to take on lateral loads.
Obviously, an "impact" vs. gradual pressure is a key factor.
So my pan is off and I discarded it due to the way it had become bent, discolored by heat, and generally just beat up looking.
I'm mounting another one after I disinf*ckulate my acorn bolt and I'm leaning towards Sorcerer's second pan as well with the aircraft fittings.
Just sharing my experience.
Cheers,
Steve
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