After installing the frame sliders, it was time to choose some protection for the wheel axles, specifically for the front and rear forks of the motorcycle. I considered options from GSG, R&G, and several other manufacturers, but eventually decided on the LighTech wheel axle sliders . From the photos, they didn’t look particularly robust, yet I opted for them primarily for aesthetic reasons. Some protection is still better than none, so I was ready for that compromise.
These wheel axle sliders come in black, like most others, but they feature colored rings in the center that can be matched to the motorcycle’s color scheme. Available options include black, gold, red, and grey. I chose red, which suited my Thunder best. Each of the four sliders uses a different mounting adapter, and the manual specifies a tightening torque of 6 Nm.
If that value hadn’t been stated, I would have tightened them by feel. However, since the manufacturer clearly listed the torque specification, I decided to use a torque wrench. Three of the sliders were tightened without issue, but the fourth, the front right one, slipped during installation. Later I discovered that it was the only one without any firm support from its adapter, meaning the plastic alone provided resistance during tightening, and it eventually gave up.
I contacted the manufacturer, explained the situation, and they promptly sent me a replacement slider without any hassle. It’s worth noting this detail if you decide on this product, but the after-sales support from LighTech was efficient and professional.
As mentioned earlier, the LighTech wheel axle sliders don’t appear particularly sturdy, but in my view, they are among the most visually appealing. If you ride your motorcycle on track days, you might prefer axle sliders with a rod passing through the entire wheel axle, a considerably more robust solution. In my case, however, aesthetics were the priority, so for now, these sliders stay on the bike.
