Ride the FTR in gravel or two track and you wince every time you hear a ping or a chunk from below. This is 4.75mm 5052-H32 aluminum between that noise and the parts that matter.
It sits close to the sump, the oil cooler, and the exposed battery and electrical connectors behind it. Even if you mostly ride pavement, those are precious bits and road debris ricochets.
It is thicker than most in its class, which is what lets it keep a low profile and still take a hard hit. Formed bends do the stiffening, so the strength does not come from bulk. When you look at the bike you see the bike first and the skid plate second, which is the way round it should be.
Mounts to the engine block and the factory kickstand mount. Nothing is drilled. It comes off in five to ten minutes when you change the oil.
Satin black powder coat, applied after forming so the edges are covered. Tested on BDR routes, where it makes the rough sections a good deal less anxious.