Need a replacement skidplate - 300RR

[dirtbird]

Well, the stock skidplate is fine for Iowa logs and such, but not up to a good rock run as found in the UP of Michigan. Two significant cracks in my stocker, so like Scotty often said to Captain Kirk (who's also from Iowa), "She can't take many more more hits Captain!" I'm looking for a replacement skidplate, and I'd prefer plastic over aluminum. Looking at the Hyde pretty seriously, any suggestions or recommendations?

Here is my 'just arrived' guard made by CROSSPRO in Portugal. Fully plastic made from PEHD (High density polyethylene) offers good cover and can be ordered in almost any color. Moreover it fits perfectly using standard attachments and if somebody could ask more that would be a small hole for the PV adjustment (perhaps I will drill one...).

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For my bike I ordered the blue one (it matches almost perfectly the 2014 racing graphics) but there are also available in red, white and black.

There are also available for 4-stroke RRs as well, again in any color and using std attachments.

I've also got radiator guards (on the floor) but haven't installed them yet.

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They are also available in color and I liked this mostly because it would be easier to asses a dent after a big crash. I am not a fun of the full cages available mostly in US since they will certainly decrease air flow and maybe steering angle. Instead I prefer this design which increases radiator stiffness without any side effects. 4-stroke ones are semi-cage design (see photo) and actually are... lighter.

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[Enmerdeur]

Looks like a rebadged TMD skid plate

[Hyde]

Hyde Racing has the red skid plates in stock now.

[GMP]

I have in my posession, a Force Accessories alloy combo pipe guard/skid plate I got from Beta Austraila. Looks very nice and well thought out, lots of intricate bends and welds. Should be perfect for the sliding over rocks and logs without fear. Two bolt R&R for easy cleaning. When I get the suspension and wheels back on I'll mount it and take a pic.

As far as rad guards and airflow, I have braces that I added grills to. I NEED frontal protection here, no question about that. NO heat problems even crawling around in the trials stuff. The bike has BIG radiators, like a GasGas, bigger than a KTM. I'm also in the process of making a coupling to replace the thermostat/housing. No need on a race bike and I found mine with the corner bolt half worn through from vibrating on the frame where its a tight fit.

[Hubert Carpet]

Do any of these guards give you better fixings, especially the front one behind the pipe?

[Hyde]

What was the weight of the Force guard.

[GMP]

Not sure, but real close to the combined weight of the AMBeta skid plate and alloy pipe guard I have on the bike now. Certainly heavier than the Hyde, but all alloy plates are.

As far as mounts, it uses the rear bolt but has a bend that captures the frame and holds it in position for easy install. The front is a "T" bar type mount, but with one bolt also. Looks very sturdy and fairly easy to hold in position. I'm going to fab a bracket to use the OEM front mount to hold the T bar, so its almost like having a frame tab type mount then, easy R&R. That is very important with these guards as they WILL collect mud and have to be removed for proper cleaning. The lower and frontal pipe protection is worth it to me.

[Darkside]

So, what did you finally end up getting for a skid plate?

[GMP]

So yes its frame mounted. Stock rear mount and a single front bolt into a T bar. Easy to acccess and hold, plus the rear has a bend that retains it on the frame while being bolted up. Pipe does not touch the guard, unlike the Hyde. I think it will be a lot easier to clean out and may not even have to be removed all the time. Its lighter than it looks, and it actually looks a lot cleaner and nicer than that close frontal photo indicates. Time on the trail will tell but initial impression is very good. The KTM and GG versions have been out for a couple years now, but not cheap so not too many to be seen here.

I'm not a Carbon Fiber guard fan at all. I'm waiting for the day when a guy posts here about a broken exhaust flange. I don't want to be that guy, forks causing me enough headaches. Take a good look at that flange, its not exceptionally tough looking. Plus on a Beta it means a whole new cylinder, one design aspect I think was a mistake. Many guys here now just treat pipes as consumables and run with no guard, or have several pipes in rotation and do there own repairs. I would be doing it every ride!

[dirtbird]

Looks like a rebadged TMD skid plate

For some http://www.crosspro.pt/?show_intro=1* strange reason, I think that its the other way http://pt.calameo.com/read/0026115708351cdc7d129** round. But that's not bad.



* = choose 'OWN PRODUCTS'
** = go to page 2, read