Author Topic: Front bumper alternatives? (Read 1372 times)

Scawn · « **on:** May 26, 2015, 06:45:25 pm »

Is there a front bumper from another machine (ie: LTR450 / TRX450R / KXF450) that comes even close to bolting up to the zilla? Whether it be that the choices are slim or that everything has already been done, I'm just not finding what I want to put on this project. We powdered the oem bumper to match the frame and ended up deciding not to use it. After putting the DG bumper back on, we decided it sits entirely too close to the brand new OEM plastics and really don't care for the look of it. I'm extremely partial to the AC bumpers designed for the TRX250R but not sure exactly how close they come to fitting.

FX4Pitrone · « **Reply #1 on:** May 26, 2015, 07:14:05 pm »

If I remember when I tried, the lower mounts of the trx250r bumper were too close together for the zilla... Zilla has a wider lower frame mount....
I believe I tried a Z400 too and that didnt work... if you give me to the weekend I'll get my trx450r bumper to try but I'm guessing that'll be too narrow as well...
PRM is prob best bet for company that still makes nice bumpers.... armadillo still makes their I believe also... I got lucky and found an AC one for a Zilla on e-bay years ago!

Glamisrider · « **Reply #2 on:** May 27, 2015, 08:17:37 am »

The 88-90 front bumper is much better looking than the 87.

Might want to take a look at that chromed.

Q2W · « **Reply #3 on:** May 27, 2015, 09:37:15 am »

my favorite front bumper for the 500.

found here:
http://www.duncanracing.com/buyersguide/suzuki-lt500.html

Scawn · « **Reply #4 on:** May 27, 2015, 12:20:39 pm »

The Duncan front bumper is one of my favorite bumpers of all time when it comes to appearance. It kills me though to say that when it comes to functionality, it's lacking. Just like with the TRX250R version, this bumper leaves the lower mount area completely exposed and if you were to hit something in that area, your frame is going to take the hit and most likely be damaged. Isn't the purpose of a bumper to protect the frame in the event of hitting or "bumping" something? Maybe I'm bringing too much logic into it, but I want to know the frame will be protected if needed.

Q2W · « **Reply #5 on:** May 27, 2015, 01:10:11 pm »

guess it all depends on the riding you do.

Scawn · « **Reply #6 on:** May 27, 2015, 01:34:11 pm »

Quote from: Q2W on May 27, 2015, 01:10:11 pm

guess it all depends on the riding you do.

Agreed, and the DR bumper is still an option. I just love the way the AC bumper kind of "wraps" around the nose and looks beefy, just like you'd expect the zilla to have for a bumper. I just haven't seen an AC bumper made for it. I'd also like to find some nerfbars with heel guards built in.

Skeans1 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 28, 2015, 03:02:54 pm »

Can't do heel guards with the kicker

Scawn · « **Reply #8 on:** May 31, 2015, 06:31:30 pm »

Quote from: Skeans1 on May 28, 2015, 03:02:54 pm

Can't do heel guards with the kicker

Is that so? Someone seems to have already pulled it off quite nicely.

Scawn · « **Reply #9 on:** May 31, 2015, 06:52:26 pm »

I think the key is just finding a set that has the heel guards far enough behind the pegs, but maybe custom made ones are best for this. Just deciding on which ones to start with is the problem.

Skeans1 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 31, 2015, 07:05:12 pm »

Would you be able to get a good enough full kick with a set though?

Scawn · « **Reply #11 on:** May 31, 2015, 07:45:37 pm »

Quote from: Skeans1 on May 31, 2015, 07:05:12 pm

Would you be able to get a good enough full kick with a set though?

I'll double check the motion of the kick lever and get an idea of where it would be in comparison to the heel guards in the pic I posted. I'm thinking it has to be very close. But my thought is that I may end up taking a set of nerfs and having heel guards added to them so how hard would it be to curve that a little if necessary? I really like the design of Rath nerf bars and I would like to try and adapt a set of those to the quadzilla, but I don't care for the style of footpegs built into them. They are entirely too big. I may get something figured out, but for now the OEM footpegs are powdered to match and will work.

Dutch_Rutter · « **Reply #12 on:** May 31, 2015, 08:12:17 pm »

Might just be me but it looks like in that picture the nerfs are lower on the bike then normal at least in the rear. The kick would clear like that however you would be losing ground clearance. Might not be that big of deal for your riding style. If you manage to pull something off let us know.

Skeans1 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 31, 2015, 09:37:00 pm »

Seems like a full kick was down below the pegs a ways or at least mine did with the pdxtrx kicker.

Dutch_Rutter · « **Reply #14 on:** June 02, 2015, 08:32:34 am »

Mine feel just to the foot rest or slightly lower. We do kinda get hosed on options for things like this with the LTs. I would like to run guards when my bike is all done. But I doubt that will happen.

Gusto · « **Reply #15 on:** June 14, 2015, 06:42:17 pm »

PRM desert bumper looks great

Knock10090 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 15, 2015, 08:00:35 pm »

I will make you one. You sketch up a design you like and I will make it out of aluminum. My buddy has 3 zillas and I can mock one up for you.

Here is a picture on one I just built for my 250

Scawn · « **Reply #17 on:** July 04, 2015, 05:42:01 am »

PM sent Knock

Sixpack577 · « **Reply #18 on:** September 28, 2015, 12:23:21 am »

My experience with aftermarket bumpers has always been this;
Aftermarket aluminum bumpers are made much stronger than the factory steel bumpers.
Hit something hard with the factory bumper, and the bumper will bend, usually saving the frame.
Hit something hard with a quality aftermarket bumper and the bumper will be fine...and transfer most of the impact to the frame, usually bending or damaging the frame.
Not always, but I have seen it happen and done it on several occasions.
I like a bumper for it's looks only for that reason.
Just my two cents, for whatever that's worth.

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Author Topic: Front bumper alternatives? (Read 1372 times)

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