DIY Slide Plates

[Fencejumper09]

I am about to pull the trigger on a half sheet of black UHMW and try to make my own skid plate for the YZ. It is a big sheet at 2'x10' but it is a drop in the warehouse so they have offered it to me at a fair price.

Would anyone else be interested in making their own skid/slide plates? I have heard good reviews of the companies that are using UHMW for plates!

We will see how it goes!

SX Slide Plate is a top of the line option!

[kylepeterson]

yes. I just want a skid plate with wings(to slide and cover the water pump), around 10"*12" should do it. it might be a good idea to warm a piece up and conform it to your clutch/stator covers also.

I'd you have enough left over, a trick swing arm cover would be cool. and of course fork guards

[Fencejumper09]

haha I will have plenty left over! I do plan to use a good bit of heat to form the skid plate. I will ask the guys at Interstate Plastics if they have any 1/16" thick drops for the other guard stuff. I am planning to use 1/4" for the skid!

[DonJuan]

I'd be interested too


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[Fencejumper09]

Let the prototyping begin!!

[springer]

Let the prototyping begin!!

Dang! that aughta make a side plate or two!  ???

[Fencejumper09]

I've got two of those! It was a drop piece! 2'x10' for muich cheaper than internet prices!

Taking shape with a little heat and some clamps!

[Fencejumper09]

Good first Day! Need to get some mounting hardware and see how it does on the bike!

[DonJuan]

How are you planning to mount it?


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[kylepeterson]

make sure to put a big radius in the corners, it'll last a lot longer...


it looks great!

[Fencejumper09]

How are you planning to mount it?


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Planning to buy or fab up some z-shaped brackets

[Fencejumper09]

make sure to put a big radius in the corners, it'll last a lot longer...


it looks great!

right now the inside corners have 1.5" diameter. We will see how it holds up. The flap that protects the water pump I don't expect to lat long! It is more of just a deflector

[Fencejumper09]

Quick Update and First Rides Review!

The plate is complete and fits well! It slides between the frame and pipe at the front and I bent some flat aluminum bar stock to mount the rear. I used some concave washers and countersunk them 1/16" into the UHMW. They only protrude slightly but with the shape, they shouldn't catch on too many things.

View from the front


Right side


Left Side


Rear mount from above (with some debris)


Rear mount from the bottom


Impressions;

I have only banged it off of a few rocks but the plate shows no signs of impact! This stuff is tuff! I am not sure how the aluminum will hold up for the rear mounts as I had to put a pretty sharp bend in them. To mount the rear bracket I threaded the 1/8" thick aluminum. So I foresee those threads being an issue.

The only thing I need to do is drill some holes for air flow in the front and oil draining in the bottom!!

Plenty of UHMW left over if anyone wants to try it out too!

[jrou111]

Man that looks great! I've got a bunch of that material in 3/8" that I've used for some projects around the shop. It was left at the house by the previous owner.

I need to make a slider for the GasGas since it doesn't have a skid plate. You've inspired me.

[Fencejumper09]

DO IT! That 3/8" may be a little difficult to bend and keep bent! One pointer is to keep it in the "over bent" position until it cools. It will spring back slightly when the clamp or weight is removed!