Suspension Linkage / Side Stand Protection?

[CJMN12]

Hi Everyone, I'm browsing skid plates and wondering how necessary it is to find one that protects the rear suspension linkage or the side stand. I'm seeing the Outback Motortek skid plate covers both, some cover or have a flare near the suspension, and some others do not reach that far back. What is your experience with this? Is covering that linkage a necessity?

[Alan M]

I always add a small plastic flap to the back of my enduro bikes skid plate and done the same on my  T7. 
 

I would say it’s more to stop things catching and hanging up in it and also keeps the crap of it than hard impact protection.

 

One time I was out riding with a few friends on our enduro bikes and boy in front rode over a wire fence that was hidden in the grass, bike done a perfect forward 360 roll and he went airborne. No real damage but his face was a picture, he didn’t know what had happened . Linkage had hooked up.

 

I use a rigid plastic material, it’s used for underbody protection on rally cars.

Edited January 22, 2021 by Alan M
Pic added