Moose Racing Pro Skid Plate: Light, Tight, and Right

Yamaha’s WR250R may be one of the best 250cc dual sport bikes around and it deserves good protection. Small and narrow dual-sports often don’t need side protection (aside from radiators). Most of the protection needed is for the frame, engine and lower rear suspension linkage, which can all be done with a proper skid plate.

Moose Racing’s Pro Skid Plate offers a host of benefits which are hard to beat, largely thanks to its 6mm High-Density Polyethylene build (HDPE). HDPE is a type of plastic used every day from cutting boards, to pipes and fuel tanks. In terms of skid plates, its strength, resistance to cracking and light weight make it an ideal protective material, especially for smaller dual sports where extra weight can hinder performance. 4mm aluminum skid plates can weigh 40% more, and may permanently deform or even crack when hit. HDPE will often bounce back into shape and won’t corrode or rust. Since it’s plastic the Pro Skid Plate dramatically reduces the chance of any metal on metal rattles.

Installation is very easy but unlike a metal plate which is formed to fit, the Pro Skid Plate has to be slightly flexed into shape. It’s not difficult to do, but it may look a little funny on initial placement. Simply install the front screws first, then work your way back one at a time. All of the countersunk mounting holes on the Racing Pro Skid Plate lined up perfectly on our WR250R, but even if they didn’t HDPE is easy to modify. An oil drain access hole is included in the bottom which works fine but could be a little larger.

A downside to skid plates is that most will reflect engine noise up to the rider. It’s a minor point, but HDPE doesn’t have the sound dampening effect I had hoped. We’d love to see a noise deadening skid plate or hear from someone who’s tackled this issue.

Ultimately the Moose Racing Pro Skid Plate for the Yamaha WR250R is a top notch addition to the bike and it’s available for dozens of 500cc and smaller dual-sport and dirt bikes. Sporting light weight, corrosion free, high impact protection with easy installation, we only wish they were available for larger bikes! MSRP: $131.95 MooseRacing.com