Is the skid plate structural?

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Michael Woodcock

New Member
I have a ct70 with no skid plate and I'm curious if I should get one. Is it structural? If so do I risk damage or frame flex without one?
 
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CLEC66

Active Member
What year CT70 do you have? They stopped putting the skid plate on in 1978. Apparently Honda figured it didn't need one so I would say it's purpose was always just a rock/mud deflector to keep from damaging bottom engine cases.
 
cjpayne

cjpayne

Well-Known Member
Tripod said:
It helps bike balance on the milk crate.:sneaky:
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IMGA2210.jpg
 
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copperhead

Member
CLEC66 said:
What year CT70 do you have? They stopped putting the skid plate on in 1978. Apparently Honda figured it didn't need one so I would say it's purpose was always just a rock/mud deflector to keep from damaging bottom engine cases.
Click to expand...

No idea if they do help structurally, but they certainly can't hurt, and IMO make the bike look better. While they stopped adding them after 1978, my 79 still has the welded nuts in place to mount one.
 
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CLEC66

Active Member
I like the looks of the guards myself. Always been curious why the early K0's had guards but early Dax bikes never came with them?
 
cjpayne

cjpayne

Well-Known Member
I think the guards definitely make them look better. IMO, they just look like something is missing if it isnt there. Besides, they really do help protect the engine. The plug guard also helps to keep your plug wire from getting damaged or tore off.
 
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ChrisID

New Member
My '71 hasn't had the skid plate for over 30 years and it was abused (jumped, overloaded, etc...) in that timeframe with no frame failure/stress. So no, it is not a stressed member.
 
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