What parts are most important?

thats because depending on the crash protection you get, it can actually make it worse. its just one more thing to dig into the ground and catch.

also one more thing to fix/replace = more money out.

 

So true, plus if frame sliders use the engine mounting bolt hole you can strip/damage that bolt hole.

Engine side covers are good protection:up:

 

Its not necessarily a matter of "outriding" the stock suspension. If your bodyweight is outside the range of what the stock springs are intended for, you are already outriding in effect because the suspension is not operating in the proper area of the stroke if rider sag can't properly be set.

$200 for proper fork and shock springs is not a giant investment, but it is certainly worthwhile as I said if you do weight appreciably more or less than the intended range of the stock springs......not necessarily ripping into the valving and such.