A lot of things do get blown out of proportion on here for sure.
I've straightened and re-braced quite a few tunnels that had suffered from "just the right hit" from rock or a stump.
My take on the reinforcements..this is only my opinion and there are lots of others as well.
If you are an average rider that goes off trail...
For ALL 2011 RMK/PRO-RMK's... bond the chaincase to the bulkhead like they did from the factory in all subsequent years.
On The PRO RMK's and RMk's add the FTX braces to all that are straight for good peace of mind.
For all that are damaged.. use the aftermarket braces available from FNI, VE Etc.... IMO... IMO, use the FTX bracing in conjunction with these for the best possible result.
The FTX sandwitches the different layers of the tunnel together at these locations to tie it all together.
Also with these full plate replacements... I recommend the ones that cover the most area.
If you are going to carry weight on the back of the tunnel...Go with a rear tunnel brace type full bumper that goes up the sides.... like the ones that AKSNOWRIDER makes... VE has a bumper kit that goes up the full sides as well as other I believe.
If you are running a coupled suspension like K-Mod, Baker or Timbersled OR... ARC from SPG or coupling with a strap like some... then you should brace the rear of the tunnel above the drop brackets for sure...T-sled, K-mod/FNI and others make these... or the full tunnel bracing mentioned above.
Do a lot of people not need them and have straight tunnels with hard riding for 1000's of miles... YES... as the saying goes though... "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"
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