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EspañolBehind every skid plate or other AXP product lies a rigorous design process, the result of over 25 years of experience in the world of motorsport. Discover the behind-the-scenes of our equipment manufacturing, from the first 3D drawings to the finished products.
Everything starts with a need identified in the field
At AXP Racing, a product is never born from chance. Everything starts with a simple observation: what problem are riders really encountering out there? Frequent breakage on a specific model, a request from our customers, or feedback from our sponsored riders in competition (enduro, motocross, adventure), every new product responds to a genuine need. We don't create generic protections, but solutions tailored to concrete situations.
This thinking process often also begins as soon as a new motorcycle model is released, so we can quickly offer suitable protection to the customers already waiting for it.
From measurement-taking to 3D modeling
Once the need is identified, our team carries out precise measurements directly on the vehicle in question using a 3D scanner. This step is crucial: it's what ensures that once mounted, the product will perfectly follow the lines of the machine, with no play or interference with other components such as the exhaust, the center stand, the footpegs, or the linkage, for example.
These measurements are then transposed into 3D modeling, using CAD (computer-aided design) software. This digital phase allows us to visualize the product before manufacturing, anticipate areas that need reinforcement based on identified impact points, and optimize material distribution to combine strength and lightness. It also allows us to check compatibility with the other components of the bike at this stage.
Material selection, a strategic step
Alongside the design process, we select the material best suited to each product, based on its function and the stresses it will need to withstand in the field.
HDPE plastic (high-density polyethylene), in 6 or 8mm thickness, is used for all our engine skid plates, notably for its resistance to impacts and friction while remaining relatively lightweight.
For chain guides, we favor UHMW, an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene known for its very low friction coefficient and excellent wear resistance.
As for our radiator guards, they are generally made from 4mm aluminum, an ideal compromise between rigidity and lightness to absorb impacts without deforming.
A new HDPE plastic range has also just been launched, featuring removable fins with a single clip for quick, tool-free cleaning.
From prototype to field testing
Once the 3D model is validated, it's time to manufacture the first prototype. This one-off piece allows us to physically check the fit on the motorcycle, confirm there's no interference with other components, and test how easy it is to install and remove.
But no AXP Racing product is validated on the basis of a workshop prototype alone. Each piece of equipment is then tested in real conditions: impact resistance against rocks and obstacles typical of off-road riding, wear resistance from prolonged friction, and durability over time against UV rays, mud, and temperature variations.
These tests are often carried out directly by our partner riders, in competition or intensive riding situations, or by our customers, which guarantees validation under conditions far more demanding than occasional use.
Fine-tuning to the final version
When necessary following testing, our team makes adjustments: reinforcing identified weak areas, modifying attachment points for greater stability, or simplifying the mounting system if needed. This process can require several prototyping cycles before arriving at a product that fully meets our quality and reliability standards.
Once this final validation is achieved, the product moves into series production: setting up production tooling, quality control on the first units, creating the installation guide, and filming the tutorial video before it goes online.
Improvement that never stops
The development of an AXP Racing product doesn't stop once it goes on sale. We continue gathering feedback from our customers and partner riders once the product is on the market. This allows us to identify potential improvements, quickly detect any unanticipated limitations, and sometimes evolve the product into an even higher-performing version.
This continuous improvement loop is at the heart of our philosophy: at AXP Racing, a product is never set in stone, it evolves along with the real needs of those who use it in the field.
A rigorous method in the service of reliability
The development process for an AXP Racing product relies on a structured method combining attentiveness to real-world feedback, technical precision, carefully considered material selection, and rigorous real-condition testing. This demanding standard at every step is our guarantee: reliable, durable protective equipment perfectly suited to your riding, whether for leisure or competition.
It's this rigor, applied for over 25 years, that makes the difference between a simple piece of protection and true technical equipment designed for performance and safety.
Discover the result of this expertise and explore our catalog of protections, designed and developed to accompany you with confidence on every terrain.
