Best Dirt Bike Skid Plate – Many features and accessories on a bike provide protection for both the rider and the bike. One of them is a dirt bike skid plate. What is a skid plate? A dirt bike skid plate is a protective cover mounted under the frame of a dirt bike, shielding the engine and frame from debris and potential impact damage. It serves as a safeguard against flying gravel, mud, sand, and rocks, preventing harm to essential components. Skid plates come in various sizes, shapes, and materials, and they not only shield the bike but also influence its frame flexibility and performance when navigating obstacles.
Is it necessary? The short answer is yes. A skid plate protects your bike’s engine from rocks, logs, and debris that could cause expensive repairs or render the engine unusable. Investing in a skid plate is a small cost compared to potential damages to parts like cases, shifters, and brake pedals. Even if your bike seems fine without one, relying on luck is not wise. Being prepared and avoiding the risk of engine damage is crucial, especially when riding in remote areas. If you’re on a tight budget, consider affordable options, but having a skid plate is vital for trail riding.
Different Types of Skid Plates
As stated, a skid plate comes in various sizes, shapes, and materials. When selecting a skid plate, consider factors like durability and performance in different riding conditions. Some skid plates even offer additional coverage for the rear shock linkage and expansion chamber in 2-stroke dirt bikes, providing extra protection for your bike. If you are unsure what kind of skid plate to get, here are some general things to know about its different types:
Plastic and Composite Skid Plates:
- Made of plastic (polyethylene or polypropylene) and carbon fiber.
- Durable, lightweight, and flexible.
- Less durable than aluminum and steel, but quieter and slide easily over obstacles.
- Dents can spring back into shape.
- Do not affect frame rigidity.
- Plastic plates are the least expensive, while carbon fiber ones are the most expensive.
Aluminum and Steel Skid Plates:
- Heavier but withstand harder hits.
- Higher friction over obstacles, especially rocks.
- Some aluminum plates have rubber grommets to prevent increased frame rigidity.
- Louder and may rattle, but padding can reduce noise.
- Aluminum is generally preferred for its lighter weight and durability.
- Aluminum plates are usually thicker and stronger, lasting longer without corrosion or staining.
Best Dirt Bike Skid Plate Options
Once you have an understanding of the types of skid plates you can get, it helps narrow down your preference. If you are interested in the top options in the market, however, here are a few you can check out:
Richochet Offroad Skid Plate
The Ricochet off-road skid plate is designed to protect your dirt bike while riding in challenging terrains. It’s made from durable aluminum alloy plating and secured with high-quality steel clamps to withstand hits. The skid plate has maintenance cutouts for easy upkeep without removal. Available for popular dirt bike brands and models, it’s an ideal choice for adventurous riders who love pushing their limits.
Works Connection offers a variety of dirt bike skid plates, and their toughest option is the Works Connection Extended Coverage Skid Plate with RIMS. This durable aluminum skid plate has a perfect fit and finish. The RIMS (Rubber Isolator Mounting System) allows it to flex with the dirt bike frame, avoiding frame rigidity issues common with traditional aluminum skid plates. The Works Connection Skid Plate is designed for each dirt bike model, ensuring compatibility with many brands and models. It also features oil drain and maintenance holes, making it convenient to perform oil changes and maintenance without removing the skid plate.
Tusk Quiet Glide Dirt Bike Skid Plate
The Tusk Quiet-Glide dirt bike skid plate is made of premium 3/8″ thick HDPE plastic, providing great engine and frame protection. It is lightweight, quiet, and doesn’t vibrate like metal plates. The slippery HDPE plastics prevent hang-ups on rocks or trees, making it ideal for gliding over obstacles. The absence of plastic frame mount brackets ensures strong mounting, and it’s easy to install and remove, making oil changes hassle-free.
Want to learn about other dirt bike features? Check out our Best Dirt Bike Exhaust and Best Dirt Bike Air Filter.
