Skid plate: with or without linkage guard ?

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You’ve just bought a new off-road bike, and a key question arises: which engine guard should you choose?

And more importantly, should you choose a skid plate with or without linkage guard?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends first and foremost on your bike, but above all on how you use it off-road.

For motocross or sand: lightweight, optimized protection

If you mainly ride motocross, supercross, or in sand, the demands are relatively different. Impacts are frequent but generally less violent. In this case, a 6mm HDPE skid plate is an excellent choice.

Lighter and less bulky, it effectively protects the frame, cases and lower engine from debris and contact with the ground. Some models also include water pump protection, a real plus for securing sensitive components.

For hard enduro: reinforced protection is essential

On the other hand, if you ride enduro over rocks, roots, or steps of varying sizes, impacts are more direct and often repeated on the lower part of the bike.

In this context, more robust protection becomes essential. The 8mm HDPE Hard Enduro skid plates offer greater thickness to absorb impacts and effectively protect the engine.

The 16mm-thick linkage guard at the rear helps absorb impacts in this particularly vulnerable area and significantly reduces the risk of breakage.

With or without linkage guard: the right choice

Whether you choose a guard with or without linkage guard depends entirely on how you ride:

MX / SX / sand riding: lightweight and simple, without linkage guard
Enduro / hard enduro riding: maximum protection, with linkage guard

Whatever you choose, the key is to adapt your equipment to your riding style so you can ride with confidence… and keep your bike in a good shape all ride long.

One thing is certain: the right skid plate makes all the difference.