[generatingpwr]

Hello,I have an 08 450x.I am considering a skid plate but would like a full skid plus the outer case gards.Who (if any) makes them and are they a hassel when changing oil?

[Back2-2]

Hello, I have the Works Connection WC skid plate now and had the Devol [sp?] before. The WC is the thickest and nicest made skid out there. It takes two bolts underneath and one on the front to drop for oil changes. No biggie. I added full rubber inner liner to help with noise generation and reverberation from the plate. So I do not use the long bolt that goes all the way through the plate and frame and engine on the bottom - Way over kill in my opinion.

Hope that helps a little.

[generatingpwr]

Thank you for the reply.There are so many skid plates out there they will make your head spin!

[driver3]

Works Connection +1

Mine has 3 smaller bolts up front, 8mm, 2x10mm. Then the Big shaft that replaces an engine mounting bolt. Then two underneath. I installed with the big one.

Best one out there imo.

[generatingpwr]

Has anyone tested any others?Other then Works or Devol?

[Back2-2]

I worked on a bike that had the Flatlands skid. It was maybe a little easier to take off than the Works Connection plate but very minimally.
It was a good plate also but no comparison in construction to the Works. Slightly lighter.

And as Mr Driver3 stated the Works has three bolts up front area. I forgot about the two on the sides plus the one right on the front down tube.

If you look around for used the Works Connection or the Flatlands would be good finds.

[JimDirt]

I have the Devol on both my bikes , it works great for protection (full wrap/side protection) , but it does reflect a lot of engine noise , as with any full skid plate , especially a Aluminum one , i use a rubber barrier between the plate and the frame ( i cut strips out of a toolbox drawer liner and glue them to the plate where it contacts the frame rails using contact cement), it serves 3 purposes

It gives a cushion between the plate and frame so it does not wear on either from direct metal to metal friction ... it deadens some of the reflection and vibration rattle noise .... and it allows the frame to still flex , since if you snug down a skid plate to the frame it will actually make the frame more rigid and change the handling and feel *harsher feel* of the chassis , the buffer between the 2 allows the frame to flex like it was designed to , but still offer full protection to the bottom case and ignition cover and water pump (it will not protect from direct side impacts, none of the will)

Hope that helped ....

[Kyle450x]

I have had the Moose skid for ~6 years now and really like it. I think it's the cleanest looking Al skid out there. However I will say that I am looking into a plastic skid plate though I have yet to find one that I like as far as offered protection goes.