After the KTM was brought home, the next thing was removing the parts I did not like or wanted to replace in first place. First I decided to remove the mirrors, chain guard and number plate holder. I have to mention that chain guard is attached to real fender and they can't be separated, so If you want to remove the chain guard, you also need to remove the real fender. But as I wanted to keep the real fender, there are 2 options. First you can cut it separate, but this is not the best solution. Second, you can order a rear fender from previous generation bike and it will be direct fit, but then you cant use the chain guard. I went with 2 option as the chain guard was too much plastic feel on swing-arm for me.
This is previous generation one.
This is new generation one. (the carbon fiber one is aftermarket kit, but KTM OEM is in same shape)
After that, my main concern was how to protect the engine. The KTM powerparts offer the side bars, but they are from metal and they are heavy. They also offer the small metal covers to protect both lower sides of the engine. But they were in orange, and I wanted to keep engine area in black. So I found the protective engine cases for engine in R&G racing web site. As they produce them to many race bikes, I was sure that they will use high-quality material and low weight options. I also did not want to go with the bobbins type crash protectors as for naked bike, they quite ruin the image in my head. So the racing engine cases were chosen. After installing them, I start thinking about painting the exhaust to black also. As I have seen many Dukes, the exhaust turns darker from time, but for me the whole black engine area was something I looked forward to. So I decided to remove it weeks later and paint it fully mat black.
Here is pic of installed engine covers. I Just love them.
Check out my Instagram to see the final result with black exhaust pipes. Forward we go >>
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