For riders who prefer a lightweight plastic skid plate over an aluminum unit, the Moose Racing Pro Skid Plate is a bolt-on solution. Made of 6mm-thick high-density polyethylene plastic, the skid plate is available for all four Japanese brands and the three Austrian brands, including most dirt bikes, and select dual sport and adventure bikes. Prices range from $85 to $320, and mounting hardware is included.
We found installation to be as simple as can be. Using a 10mm wrench, it took just 10 minutes to install on a Husqvarna FE 450, even though it’s not listed on the Moose Racing fitment chart. We went with the plate that fits the FC 450 and FX 450, which runs $120.
The fit and finish of the Moose Racing Pro Skid Plate are excellent. The coverage of the frame and side cases is more than adequate. The skid plate comes up and around on both sides of the engine to protect cases quite well. Boots don’t snag on the skid plate, and it did not get in the way of the foot controls.
With the Moose Racing Pro Skid Plate installed on the Husqvarna FE 450, you can remove the side oil plugs for oil changes. However, to access the bottom drain, you will either have to remove the skid plate for oil changes, or do what I did—drill a 2.5-inch hole in the skid plate centered over the drain plug for full-time access. This is a typical issue with most skid plate brands. Even when they come with pre-drilled drain holes, they aren’t always in just the right place, or they’re too small.
The version of the Moose Racing Pro Skid Plate we tested does not offer linkage protection. If you have a bike with linkage and want it protected, get the LG version, which extends farther back towards the rear wheel.
We liked the Moose Racing Pro Skid Plate, as it’s quieter than an aluminum equivalent—it reflects less engine noise, it doesn’t rattle, and rocks make less noise when they hit the plastic. Also, the plastic slides better, doesn’t dent, is lighter, and will soften a hit better than aluminum. However, plastic doesn’t offer the same absolute impact and puncture protection as aluminum. We didn’t smash the frame into rocks to find out, but suffered no damage on our dual sport excursions onto rocky single-track trails.
