A fair wee while ago, EB asked about fairing protectors (magic mushrooms etc.) and a fair amount of comment was made about them regarding how ugly they are, how the fairing mounted ones simply punch holes in the fairing if you are unlucky enough to have a spill and so on.

At the time I mentioned I had been looking at the Skyking ones available for my Triumph Sprint. These seemed to be one of the few manufacturers with a version for Triumph and one of the very few that didn’t just attach to the outside of the fairing. I got in touch with Skyking in the USA, and got some very prompt information regarding their reseller in the UK and some other helpful information. So, I dug out my credit card and bought a set. I have to admit that I didn’t buy them from Jack Lilley (the only Skyking distributor in the UK as far as I can see) but direct from Skyking via their website. Why? I took a chance and saved about 30% on the cost. The total cost was ~ £61 (Total of USD $94 - only $9 for shipping!)

This is a little pricey compared to some others out there (and even pricier if you buy them locally), but when you open the packet you see why. They are very well made. They are an easy fit, especially if you look at the bike while reading the instructions, but it is really a two-man job because you need to undo the upper engine mounts and that involves one person working at each side of the bike. You also need a looooooong extension bar (or several good long-ish ones) and a torque wrench capable of about ~95Nm. Decent tools pay off in this case. You replace the normal engine mounting bolts with the supplied parts. They are serious pieces of kit. The actual “mushrooms” then attach to your newly fitted extended engine mounting bolts.

The end result is for all to see in the photos following on from this post. (Let the slagging commence - and yes, they are very useful for hanging carrier bags on. )

I’m happy enough with the look – especially when sitting on the bike. What convinced me was one of the customer reviews who chucked his bike down the road properly, damaging both sides. The fairings still got badly scuffed – but the radiator and oil cooler were totally unharmed and the guy was able to get home – some 400 miles away.

I hope to never have to report on their effectiveness, but if you are thinking of them, I can only recommend them so far.

www.skykingproducts.com

I don’t get any “kick back” from them for promoting them, but I always pass on news about a decent product when I encounter it.

... and a closer look on the right hand side ....

.. and a wee bit closer again ...

... and for you real alloy anoraks ...

I picked up some bits for my pals RS sprint today. A footpeg, a footpeg hanger and gear shifter.

That will be £201 please sir.  :O

That's on top of the money, he's already paid for casings as they took most of the damage, sliding down the road and having to strip down the engine to get it alloy welded.

Sounds like £61 well spent to me Spud.  :buttrock:

Indeed Dave, if it saves the casings it's a bargain. I had to cough for a new radiator when my Super Four had an unplanned tarmac, verge, boulder interfacing issue.

£300 to you sir. Let's not talk about the rest of the damage though..... (Tank repair, fairing repair, painting, small panels, levers, bars, spray of rear panel, .......)

I don't wanna go through all that malarky again.

Ain't timing a funny thing though ....