6mm skid plate or 8mm Hard Enduro: which one should you choose?

A skid plate protects the frame, engine cases and water pump from rocks, stumps and contact with the ground. At AXP, both ranges, 6 mm and 8 mm thick, are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), but they aren't aimed at the same rider. Discover their differences and choose the one that best suits your riding!

The 6mm HDPE skid plate: the all-rounder

The 6mm HDPE skid plate is proven off-road, and many MXGP teams use it today. It protects the frame, lower engine and engine cases, as well as the water pump on some models.

  • Lightweight: from 0.65 kg (KTM 85 SX) to 1.2 kg (Honda XR650R), 30 to 40% lighter than an aluminium skid plate.
  • Flexible: it absorbs impacts and returns to shape, without bending like aluminium.
  • Quiet: no vibration, and less noise when stones hit the underside.
  • Strong: it supports the bike's weight on a stand.
  • Price: €99 to €149

The 8mm Hard Enduro skid plate: built for the extreme

The rise of hard enduro has created a new need, and AXP answers it with the 8 mm HDPE Hard Enduro skid plate. It uses the same material as the 6 mm plate, with 2 mm of extra thickness and a redesigned shape.

  • Full coverage: it protects the frame up to the footpegs, the engine cases and the water pump.
  • Linkage protection: a rear extension covers the linkage, with a 16 mm reinforced area (double thickness).
  • Glide: it slides over rocks and logs without catching.
  • Weight: 1.2 to 1.5 kg depending on the bike, still lighter than an aluminium equivalent.
  • Price: €159 across the whole range

Which skid plate for which rider?

The right choice depends on how you ride and how often your bike hits the ground. Whichever you choose, AXP Racing products are 100% made in Europe and come with a one-year commercial warranty against premature breakage.

Choose the 6mm if you ride:

  • motocross or supercross, where every gram counts;
  • classic enduro, trail riding or racing on flowing terrain;
  • a small-displacement bike (85 cc) or on a tight budget.

Choose the 8mm Hard Enduro if you ride:

  • hard enduro or extreme events (Erzberg Rodeo, Romaniacs, TKO…);
  • over rocks, ledges and logs, where the underside of the bike scrapes the ground;
  • a bike with an exposed linkage you want to protect.

Our verdict

The 6mm remains the most versatile and lightest skid plate, perfect for most riders. The 8mm Hard Enduro is insurance for riders who seek out the tough stuff: thicker, with more coverage, and the only one that protects the linkage.

Find the right model for your bike on axp-racing.com