@ Reply #27: Judging from the clothing, it looks like the boys were sorely in need of some anti-freeze...
@ Reply #26: The Bullet was rather "The best (off road machine) there was when it was all there was." back in the 1930's. Modern dirt hardware has had 80+ years of refinement. Rather than worrying about breaking the bike, maybe dial it back enough that the bike doesn't get the upper hand...
After riding my Bullets on Forest Service roads I have a
real appreciation for the actual skill levels demonstrated by the early days International Six Days Trials riders. That giant flywheel is a wonder at finding traction, but that extra 150 pounds of iron and early days geometry sure ain't your friend. But it's still a fun ride when used within its operating envelope, and it definitely makes you appreciate your modern hardware.
Stinkwheels skid plate idea is a really good one, there's a lot of exposed alloy down there. The older guys I rode desert with liked to use steel (repurposed flat-point shovel heads!) as it slid over rocks better than the lighter but "stickier" aluminum. A bit of extra weight down low is not a big concern on these machines.