Q5: skid plate foam KDX220

Discussion specific to the 1995 - 2006 KDX200 (H Series) and 1995 - 2005 KDX220R (A Series) models sold in the USA
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freeindeed
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Q5: skid plate foam KDX220

Post by freeindeed »

I own a 2001 KDX220 with a Ricochet aluminum skid plate.
What size skid plate foam do you use (for riding in mud)?
The choices are 3/4" x 11" x 12" or 2" x 8" x 10".
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Re: Q5: skid plate foam KDX220

Post by bufftester »

I have never used skid plate foam on my bikes. Much easier to clean IMO after riding without it. Most people put it in to quiet the noise from impacts and rattling of loose fasteners. From a performance standpoint what is the difference between mud packed up against you r case and foam encased in mud packed up against it? Since it should be closed density I can't see getting a 2" thick piece up in there. I have a KTM buddy who just used an old yoga mat and cut pieces to fit (his wife still wonders where her mat disappeared to lol).
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Re: Q5: skid plate foam KDX220

Post by stnd »

I am looking for a skid plate for my kdx, do you have any pictures of the Ricochet one on your bike?
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Re: Q5: skid plate foam KDX220

Post by KDXGarage »

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freeindeed
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Re: Q5: skid plate foam KDX220

Post by freeindeed »

bufftester wrote:I have never used skid plate foam on my bikes. Much easier to clean IMO after riding without it. Most people put it in to quiet the noise from impacts and rattling of loose fasteners. From a performance standpoint what is the difference between mud packed up against you r case and foam encased in mud packed up against it? Since it should be closed density I can't see getting a 2" thick piece up in there. I have a KTM buddy who just used an old yoga mat and cut pieces to fit (his wife still wonders where her mat disappeared to lol).

My understanding was skid plate foam displaces the space where otherwise mud would accumulate thereby saving extra weight from mud.
And mud can add 50+ pounds of weight to a bike.

For noise/wear I use electrical tape between the frame rails and the aluminum skid plate.
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Re: Q5: skid plate foam KDX220

Post by freeindeed »

stnd wrote:I am looking for a skid plate for my kdx, do you have any pictures of the Ricochet one on your bike?
I just got my KDX220 in December 2017 and STILL have it apart and going through it. So I have not installed the skid plate yet.
But you can see the Ricochet aluminum one at Rockymountainatvmc.com. Its built very strong and durable.
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Re: Q5: skid plate foam KDX220

Post by ohgood »

plastic plates slide and don't rattle

use plastic
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Re: Q5: skid plate foam KDX220

Post by SS109 »

ohgood wrote:plastic plates slide and don't rattle

use plastic
If only someone made one for a KDX. I would love a TM or Hyde plastic skid plate.
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Re: Q5: skid plate foam KDX220

Post by KDXGarage »

Maeir used to make them, I think I have a green one somewhere for my 87.
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Re: Q5: skid plate foam KDX220

Post by bufftester »

freeindeed wrote:
bufftester wrote:I have never used skid plate foam on my bikes. Much easier to clean IMO after riding without it. Most people put it in to quiet the noise from impacts and rattling of loose fasteners. From a performance standpoint what is the difference between mud packed up against you r case and foam encased in mud packed up against it? Since it should be closed density I can't see getting a 2" thick piece up in there. I have a KTM buddy who just used an old yoga mat and cut pieces to fit (his wife still wonders where her mat disappeared to lol).

My understanding was skid plate foam displaces the space where otherwise mud would accumulate thereby saving extra weight from mud.
And mud can add 50+ pounds of weight to a bike.

For noise/wear I use electrical tape between the frame rails and the aluminum skid plate.
I also use electrical tape between the plate and the frame, but I figured there's not that much space between the plate and the motor to make a noticeable difference (certainly not enough space to add 50 lbs). Last weekend rode the Desert 100 here and it was the muddiest I've been in a long time. Most of it was around the pipe just behind the front wheel, under the fenders and built up really good on the swing arm around the shock and pivot...and you're right, it was probably about 50 pounds worth lol.
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Re: Q5: skid plate foam KDX220

Post by freeindeed »

bufftester wrote:
freeindeed wrote:
bufftester wrote:I have never used skid plate foam on my bikes. Much easier to clean IMO after riding without it. Most people put it in to quiet the noise from impacts and rattling of loose fasteners. From a performance standpoint what is the difference between mud packed up against you r case and foam encased in mud packed up against it? Since it should be closed density I can't see getting a 2" thick piece up in there. I have a KTM buddy who just used an old yoga mat and cut pieces to fit (his wife still wonders where her mat disappeared to lol).

My understanding was skid plate foam displaces the space where otherwise mud would accumulate thereby saving extra weight from mud.
And mud can add 50+ pounds of weight to a bike.

For noise/wear I use electrical tape between the frame rails and the aluminum skid plate.
I also use electrical tape between the plate and the frame, but I figured there's not that much space between the plate and the motor to make a noticeable difference (certainly not enough space to add 50 lbs). Last weekend rode the Desert 100 here and it was the muddiest I've been in a long time. Most of it was around the pipe just behind the front wheel, under the fenders and built up really good on the swing arm around the shock and pivot...and you're right, it was probably about 50 pounds worth lol.

I was in mud so heavy at the Stone Lake, Wisconsin enduro that unless I was on the gas the rear wheel would not turn. It was like riding a motorcyle with the rear brake stuck on.
At the time I had the countershaft sprocket cover on which is a no-no. One trick I read is to put a strip or two of duct tape under the fender and fold it on the end. Then when it fills with mud pull the duct tape off. You can also cover the duct tape with grease.

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Re: Q5: skid plate foam KDX220

Post by bufftester »

This was after the first lap. Then it really started raining! lol I like the duct tape idea, would make clean up at the end of the ride a bit easier for sure! Hard to see in this shot but my skid plate is very small, basically similar to the KX-F motocross style where it just covers the gap between the frame rails under the motor. It's just ok, I have been keeping my eye out for one similar to the ricochet which adds protection for the water pump and flywheel cover.
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Re: Q5: skid plate foam KDX220

Post by KDXGarage »

bufftester wrote:This was after the first lap. Then it really started raining! lol I like the duct tape idea, would make clean up at the end of the ride a bit easier for sure! Hard to see in this shot but my skid plate is very small, basically similar to the KX-F motocross style where it just covers the gap between the frame rails under the motor. It's just ok, I have been keeping my eye out for one similar to the ricochet which adds protection for the water pump and flywheel cover.
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Re: Q5: skid plate foam KDX220

Post by Friedom »

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