Frame sliders for the Ninja

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WickerMan
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Frame sliders for the Ninja

Post by WickerMan » Thu Dec 14, 2017 5:02 pm

I got some clear grips and tank protection and I was going to get some frame sliders. But there is a guy I know of on the Zx-6 forum who races, who recommends against getting them. He said because they attach with one bolt hole, and they go through the frame spar that attaches directly to the engine, that in the event of a screw up, you can bend a frame spar (maybe F up the case) that it’s best to let it go down on the plastics and replace them instead of risk a bent frame.

I thought I’d get a second opinion. What say ye? One side cowl alone is $505 and the tank is $800-900. A frame and case swap would make that look like pocket change I’m sure.

The covers are totally behind the cowls so they are covered.
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Re: Frame sliders for the Ninja

Post by DarcShadow » Thu Dec 14, 2017 5:21 pm

I don't use them anymore, but it all depends on how you go down. Some go downs they save you, others they cause more damage. I had them on a 2000, ZX-9R and had it fall over in a parking lot and technically broke the frame, although in reality the damage was minor.

Other have had them one and gone down at the track then have the bike slide off into the grass and catch and cause the bike to flip.
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Re: Frame sliders for the Ninja

Post by JeffStrom » Fri Dec 15, 2017 7:55 am

Seems like it just depends on how you crash. If you are really paranoid you could get some cheap Chinese fairings and put your stock ones in a safe place.
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Re: Frame sliders for the Ninja

Post by fixxervi6 » Fri Dec 15, 2017 10:12 am

DarcShadow wrote:I don't use them anymore
You pick something up without telling us?
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Re: Frame sliders for the Ninja

Post by JeffStrom » Fri Dec 15, 2017 1:15 pm

:-o
fixxervi6 wrote:
DarcShadow wrote:I don't use them anymore
You pick something up without telling us?
I gess not having a bike is not using them.
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Re: Frame sliders for the Ninja

Post by JTChiTown » Sat Dec 16, 2017 2:10 pm

I've heard both sides of this as well. I've personally had my bike saved by them (02 955i at 15 mph) where they, the bar end, and the passenger footpeg took all the damage.

Personally, I believe that the likelihood of the parts alone causing exponential damages when minor damages would have existed is small. If it hard enough to punch through, would it be hard enough to crack off mounting bolts and steering stops as it is?
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Re: Frame sliders for the Ninja

Post by DarcShadow » Sun Dec 17, 2017 10:50 pm

One thing to consider, and we all hate to admit it, but the plastics are there to protect the bike as much as they are to look good. Don't fret it, after your first go down you stop worrying about how the plastics look anyway. :)
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Re: Frame sliders for the Ninja

Post by WickerMan » Mon Dec 18, 2017 11:36 am

Thanks for the replies. I guess I will go without them.

@ Jeff: I hadn't considered a fairing swap, and they have a Chinese set, in my stock colors (or close), for less than one side cowl. But after doing a front and side on the 500, I swore to never do body work again. The odds of going down are pretty low, I hope, but it's something to think about.
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Re: Frame sliders for the Ninja

Post by DarcShadow » Mon Dec 18, 2017 1:37 pm

One caution on Chinese body work, from what I've heard, they rarely fit correctly and require some finesse to make them work.
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Re: Frame sliders for the Ninja

Post by fixxervi6 » Tue Dec 19, 2017 5:02 pm

If I were to dedicate a bike to track only use I'd just run plastics.

I just to run sliders because one ding in the frame and it's totaled - I don't run a dedicated track bike.
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Re: Frame sliders for the Ninja

Post by WickerMan » Fri Dec 22, 2017 10:01 am

fixxervi6 wrote:If I were to dedicate a bike to track only use I'd just run plastics.

I just to run sliders because one ding in the frame and it's totaled - I don't run a dedicated track bike.
And it is a mostly a track bike. I rode it once to work since I got it and it seemed out of its element. I can't imagine riding it around on a long trip until I strengthen my core.

I rode the 500 to work yesterday, it really is a great commuter, and the ride was a blast.
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Re: Frame sliders for the Ninja

Post by Jenson » Tue Jan 02, 2018 12:12 am

Have you considered NRC covers? They are heavy cast aluminum. I installed on my bikes. I estimate 4x weight and thickness vs stock. Haven't crash tested, but they are well reviewed.

https://www.ebay.com/i/152177611286?chn ... 6630505933
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Re: Frame sliders for the Ninja

Post by WickerMan » Thu Jan 04, 2018 12:26 pm

Jenson wrote:Have you considered NRC covers? They are heavy cast aluminum. I installed on my bikes. I estimate 4x weight and thickness vs stock. Haven't crash tested, but they are well reviewed.

https://www.ebay.com/i/152177611286?chn ... 6630505933
With the cost of parts I had considered covers but the are completely behind the side cowls so I don’t think they will be needed
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