One more question - does the factory optional skid plate add adequate protection for the avg guy? I realize there are better ones but if I can get a factory one discounted I may go that direction.
Idk about the 1000 but my 700 one sucks it only covers the middle of the machine and its a plastic one that I bent really bad on my first trip out regular trail riding just hit a rock just right and bottomed out I was looking at aftermarket ones that are made of a really durable plastic or an aluminum one probable make it myself for 1/4 of the price
I think he is referring to the optional skid plate package available through Honda.
Sorry I don't have any input on your actual question but I did just order the Trail Armor 1/2 inch skid plates after reading a bunch of reviews.
Don't go the OEM way, not for the skid plates...my cousin went that way and regrets it. I went factory UTV and am very very happy. The OEM one doesn't cover anything