Best Enduro Skid Plate?

[gripitnripittx]

I know this is like asking the what the best flavor of ice cream is, but here it goes anyway.

 

I'm looking to replace the factory skid plate on my 2012 WR450F.

 

I know I want a one piece that protects the cases, water-pump, etc. but I'm looking from experience what you all think the best materials (Plastic, Carbon Fiber, Aluminum) and brand is. I'm riding mostly single track tight wood w/rocks & logs.

 

Thanks for your responses & Merry Christmas...yup I said it.  ?

[Gabex35]

I like my TMD skid plate. Pretty good coverage, doesn't rattle, and fits great.

[FORMA MOTO]

Hyde racing or Mohard racing

[AtomicGeo]

I second the TMD...lightweight & good coverage.

[FORMA MOTO]

My TMD full skid plate is not full coverage, at all.

Frame rails past the crank are fully exposed.

Doubt if it will make it through a second season.

Very soft, and it tears on rocks.

[DRZ04]

Get the one that you believe provides you the protection and coverage you want and feel is the best. I put a Works Connection on mine & I believe it has good coverage from rocks I might encounter where I ride. Good coverage on both sides, the bottom, and the front.

Edited December 11, 2014 by DRZ04

[vlxjim]

I use this one.

 

[Gabex35]

My TMD full skid plate is not full coverage, at all.

Frame rails past the crank are fully exposed.

I guess it depends on year. My TMD looks just like the one above, just in thick plastic. It's on a 2014 wr450f

[Nuklhed]

I've got a solid aluminum plate--sure is noisy!

 

Is the plastic quieter or is it just a sound reflection thing?

[SteveThe Snakes]

You might try the Moose pro plastic skid plate.

 

Moose Racing is proud to introduce a skid plate like no other.

• Made from a flexible high-density polyethylene construction.
• HDPE is an excellent material; a technical plastic which offers many characteristics to protect your bike.
• 6 mm thick for maximum protection of the frame and cases.
• Goes through a thermoforming process and welded.
• 40% lighter than 4 mm aluminum.
• No more vibrating or rattling.
• Mounting hardware and installation instructions included.

[KennyMc]

I've got a solid aluminum plate--sure is noisy!

Is the plastic quieter or is it just a sound reflection thing?

They are quieter as they don't resonate the metal on metal noise generated from the aluminum skid plates. It's amazing how quiet they can become ?

[Betarocker]

Emperor Racing if you're wanting aluminum http://shopcan.emperorracing.com/p/yamaha-wrf450-heavy-duty-skid-plate-1?pp=24

 

P3 if you're looking at Carbon http://p3carbon.com/shop/yamaha-sp/p3-skid-plate-yam-wr450f-07-12/

[AtomicGeo]

I guess it depends on year. My TMD looks just like the one above, just in thick plastic. It's on a 2014 wr450f

 

 

I agree, mine is full coverage too...like this:

 

[FORMA MOTO]

I agree, mine is full coverage too...like this:

 

 

That's what I have, and it's not full coverage.

The whole back underside of the motor/frame rails are not covered. 

It stops coverage just past the crank.

My frame rails are noticably damaged.

It is the only problem with that plate.

 

 

For some reason it's only like that on the WR skid plate

On other models it has coverage all the way back

 

Edited December 12, 2014 by Kah Ran Nee

[KennyMc]

I was gonna say, my KTM one is full coverage back to the swing arm. I don't have one on my WR. Got the moose plastic one after running the Flatland aluminum one since day . Much quieter and full coverage.

[guru]

I like the unabiker but it is less than full coverage.

[gripitnripittx]

Great feedback guys...much appreciated. It sounds like there are a few fans of the TMD, but that the coverage does not extend to the rear of the motor & lower frame rails for the WR. 

[1trackmind]

I've got a solid aluminum plate--sure is noisy!

 

Is the plastic quieter or is it just a sound reflection thing?

I have the Ricochet on my 06. It was noisy until I sprayed the inside of the skid plate with under armor for autos. it deadened the vibration and cut down on the echo. The coverage was good too.

[Wristrockit]

One thing, those captured nuts on the front of the frame, the two that hold the skid plate on, they're weak as Hell.  Be very careful about how tight you screw those bolts in.  Mine ('14) pulled right through the welded on brackets they were in.  I bought two of those automotive type spring nuts and a couple of matching 1/4"-20 bolts to put mine back on so no worries.  But if you can, take it easy on those or you'll have to do what I did.  Lol!

[Dakar Dan]

The Force Accessories alloy bashplates are very popular here. They aren't light, but the mass is carried very low and centrally, so you don't feel it. Use a small sheet of open cell foam between the plate and engine to cut down on resonance and mud buildup. Bombproof over rocks, logs and gravel. Also converts those three pesky bolts to a single allen-head bolt for removal. Pretty much the first mod most Aussies do, along with Barkbusters.