Belly Pan...Is there a need?

[Darkknight]

I was looking at accessories (no Really??) and I saw an ad for a belly pan for the F6B. It looked nice, but I'm trying to determine if it is really useful other than to satisfy my accessories addiction. The ad mentioned the water reservoir located down low and the possibility of kicking up rocks or debris and damaging the reservoir and losing coolant.

Has anyone actually heard of this happening?

It also mentioned better air flow for the engine.

So what do you think? Is this just bullS#**, or is there some valid reason to install a belly pan?

[timjoebob]

Yes, it happens. Absolutely. Someone will post pictures, I'm sure.

Yes, the coolant reservoir is down there, but more importantly, your oil filter is exposed. I've heard of folks gashing their oil filter and leaking oil badly and quickly.

It's also a 15 min install.

[FlyinF]

go for it, more good than bad (no bad does not affect airflow). I rode a Goldwing from Texas to Alaska and it was one thing less to worry about (damage to tank/filter).

[Darkknight]

Yeah, you guys are right. The cost of any road hazard damage or danger from fluid loss would be SOOO much more than the cost of prevention.

Plus I get MORE ACCESSORIES!!!!

Is it a bad thing when both the UPS and FEDEX drivers Beep and wave to you like an old friend when you pass them on the street?

[jlig]

Lots of bikes have oil filters, cooling reservoirs and radiators exposed to the possibility of getting punctured/hit by road debris or other means. I'm choosing not to invest in the Belly Pan. Had one one my 2004 Wing, but not doin that again. Just sayin ....

[Texas TC]

I bought mine to protect the exposed engine components and to keep the hot Texas winds from catching in the void under the frame. It seems to be doing a good job on both. It is really cheap insurance and, like said, easy to install.

[commuter1]

I was looking at accessories (no Really??) and I saw an ad for a belly pan for the F6B. It looked nice, but I'm trying to determine if it is really useful other than to satisfy my accessories addiction. The ad mentioned the water reservoir located down low and the possibility of kicking up rocks or debris and damaging the reservoir and losing coolant.

Has anyone actually heard of this happening?

It also mentioned better air flow for the engine.

So what do you think? Is this just bullS#**, or is there some valid reason to install a belly pan?

Yup, Just happened to me! $ 50. for coolant reservoir & 3 hrs. install @ $ 87.50 per!!! Ouch! Bought it, gonna install myself & buy belly pan w/savings!!! Get one now!

[Steve 0080]

Just ordered one of these.... the others are .024, this one is .045 . twice as thick ,not including the raised "diamonds"
and of course ..... it is chrome !!!!!!

[Kawi69]

Hey Steve, Where did you get that pan and what's the cost.

[Big Dawg]

this might be a good reason to install a belly pan. This is a coolant bottle that came off one of my good friends Goldwing. He ran over this bolt in the road and it kicked up and speared his coolant bottle. I have a picture of a punctured oil filter somewhere but I can't find it. I bought a belly pan for my wing but I have never installed it. For some reason, I prefer not to run them, not sure why, but I just don't like them. To each his own.