Exhaust Valve Guard Protector Silver V-Strom 1000

[tonybro]

Is there anyone that can offer any help re the Exhaust Valve Guard Protector for VStrom 1000 2018?
For what appears to be a small piece of aluminium plate, (SW Motech) it expresses a cost of over £30 plus postage costs.
I'm aware the exhaust valves are susceptible to damage, although having not owned a VStrom before unsure if damage is a problem?
Can anyone suggest any cost effective alternatives apart from fabricating one myself?

[Paul Dowe]

Hello I bought the SW Motech one before I pick up my new XT as it looked ugly with the pulley wheel and 2 cables on show and in a vulnerable place. As I tour abroad a lot I wanted the added protection although not sure what happens to the running if this was damaged. Yes it is dear but looks great and the Suzuki dealer said it was a nice mod also keeps the crud off the workings. So yes go ahead and fit this, but don't bother with the rear brake Reservoir guard from SW as it's for show and not protection.

[tonybro]

Appreciate you help

[paulja]

Try https://ravetechmotorcycles.com/ they do a lot of vstrom parts.

I put the Motech one on, as you say, pricey for a bit of metal.

[infidel]

Or get a servo buddy and remove the damm thing. Its probably just for noise anyhow.

[Relevant11]

I can confirm that Infidel ! I decatted mine ( delkevic mid section usedJ and now run  with a power commander fuel controller and O2 sensors removed from exhaust system as well. During the conversion I disabled the exhaust valve and used a servo buddy still running stock exhaust at this point.
 Fuel economy the same ridability probably slightly better as much happier to run into high rpm range, plus a much better sound track not silly loud though. I had an exhaust valve fail  at about 3000 miles which was replaced under warranty and they’re seeing a few on the stromtrooper  website in the states too.
   So from my personal observations it’s a noise/emissions device which they try and sell as a engine characteristic  improvement.