Why choose a plastic skid plate instead of an aluminum one?

While almost all skid plates are made of aluminum, AXP Racing has chosen to develop plastic skid plates.

What are the advantages of plastic? We’ll explain everything! 

What kind of plastic does AXP Racing use ?

First and foremost, it is important to understand what HDPE is, a material frequently mentioned on our product pages. HDPE stands for High-Density Polyethylene, which is the material used to manufacture AXP Racing skid plates. High density means greater rigidity, strength, and wear resistance. HDPE also withstands high temperatures very well (up to 110-120 degrees), an essential factor for bash plates designed to protect the engine.

While plastic is used for the engine guards, AXP Racing also uses UHMW plastic (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) which offers excellent impact and abrasion resistance. This plastic is used in the manufacture of chain guides, among other components.

The weight

HDPE offers many advantages over aluminum, the primary one being weight. In fact, plastic is 30 to 40% lighter than its aluminum counterpart, resulting in a significant weight reduction, especially for pro riders, where every pound can make a big difference.

Vibrations

Choosing a plastic skid plate means opting for a material that doesn't transmit vibrations. Whether you're riding on the road or over rough terrain, you won't feel any vibrations from the skid plate. Once the skid plate is in place, you can simply rack up the miles without a care in the world.

Deformation

Thanks to its shock-absorbing material, your skid plate will return to its original shape no matter how rough the terrain gets. The plastic won't warp and allows you to glide over obstacles safely, without the risk of getting stuck on a tree trunk.

Noise

Last but not least, it muffles down the noise of impacts on the skid plate! If you regularly ride off-road, you’ve probably noticed that the sound of rocks hitting your engine guard can quickly become annoying. The plastic will let you forget about the road conditions so you can fully enjoy the sound of your engine and the great outdoors.

HDPE plastic offers optimal protection for your bike while ensuring a high level of riding comfort. Explore our website to discover our products and make your rides even more enjoyable!