Does the belly pan protect engine / exhaust?

[TorontoAlex]

My long trip through northern ontario was hard on the engine and exhaust. Gunk everywhere. Rode through a million tar patches where the entire sections of road has loose tar and at one point rode through freshly oiled tar so I had a hard time cleaning that up. Would the belly pan have protected better?

 

[Teslank]

the yamaha oem belly pan doesnt protect anything at all, just a comestic decoration, maybe other aftermarket brands that wrap under the engine could have...

cleaning tar and gunk on your bike is part of the pleasures of motorcycles

 

[TorontoAlex]

Oh not this time. I bought the tar remover and tried gas and mineral spirits. The shit was baked on good. To boot, when I wiped it off the top of my fenders they got scratched up pretty bad. Up to that point i took pride in keeping my bike immaculate.