As always, we try to avoid attachments to the engine, and this is no exception.
The skid plate has three very special brackets, plus four shock-absorbing pads attached to the engine, in conjunction with the original mounting points.
The two side brackets have a special design; thanks to the lean angle, they ensure superior rigidity to absorb violent impacts and prevent the skid plate from sliding backwards.
The bottom bracket is the most complex we’ve ever developed, featuring four attachments to the bike’s frame, two to the linkage support, and two to the engine mount.
The attachments used on the original skid plate, which are weaker than those used by Thor, are instead used to position shock-absorbing pads, providing additional safety in the event of serious impacts.
The rear brackets are made of special steel, while the front ones are made of stainless steel.
There are seven bolts securing the Thor to its brackets: three at the rear, under the skid plate, and four at the front.
Nevertheless, once the brackets are attached to the frame, disassembling and reassembling the Thor takes just a few minutes.
The skid plate weighs 3.1kg / 6.9lbs.
Lower part, the one most exposed to impacts, 5 mm. Sides 3 mm.
There are many types of aluminum, each with different characteristics. Having worked with aluminum since 1991 and transforming tens of tons of it every year, we know it well.
The aluminum we used to build Thor for the Kove 800X is the best material for this application, the same alloy used in many luxury car parts.
The skid plate’s exterior is hand-TIG welded, meticulously checked for completeness.
The interior is reinforced with TIG/MIG welds. The welds are intentionally large and visible. On an adventure bike, visible welds, if done well, are a touch of quality.
Every weld is done by me; I don’t delegate it to third parties.
Thor ensures complete ventilation; the fin system directs air to the engine.
The engine temperature does not change when installing the Thor compared to not installing a skid plate.
