So I finally bit the bullet and got Vortex Sliders to replace my "no cut" sliders. I've read every "how-to"/tutorial on the web and either they guys who wrote them didn't actually do it or Vortex has changed their slider dimentions! This guide for example:

https://cbrforum.com/m_55748/tm.htm

recommends a 1 3/4 inch hole saw. I test drilled a 1 3/4 inch hole like all the tutorials said, and the slider WON'T fit through it! I found a 1 7/8 inch hole saw and the slider fits with quite a bit of space around it. I would guess that a 1 13/16 inch hole saw would be perfect, but I can't seem to find one anywhere! Maybe I should just use the 1 7/8 inch one and have a bit of room for error. I'd love to get some feedback from someone who hasactually done the cut on an F4i (mine's '05) and installed Vortex sliders regarding hole size.

Anyone?

 

i just did mine this week and used a 1 3/4 inch hole saw and had no problems fitting them through on an '01 f4i....my only thought is you didn't cut the hole perpendicular to the fairing but more on an angle making it more oblong in shape which would lead to an incorrect fit.....but to anwer your question...yes, a 1 3/4 inch hole saw works just fine....they fit is so good actually, they look stock...

 

I used a 2" hole for Vortex sliders bought last summer and will post a pic when photobucket decides it wants to get off its lazy ***. Anyways, I'd say 2" is fine but no bigger.

 

Just checked my toolbox. I used 1-3/4" hole saw. Fits ultra snug.

 

2" hole

 

okay well commenting on that pic...mine are much more snug than that....in fact mine are butted up right against the fairing on all sides....just FYI...i can take a picture later this week...

 

If you cut the hole big enough you can line the edges with weather stripping to make it look clean.

 

when you drop a bike on sliders what part of the bike gets scratched? it seems like it would still **** the bottom of the fairing or handlebars, gas tank or something up, if thats the case they don't seem worth it.

 

They are really meant to protect the frame hence the name 'frame sliders'. I have bar end sliders on mine made of derlin too. None of those pointed things to jab me in the leg or wut not.

And I used a 1 3/4 hole saw. Heres how mine look.

 

Sliders are good for everyone from trackday guys to street gods......sliders always prevent more damage than what there would have been if none were used.