When you’re pushing your dual-sport or enduro bike through rocky terrain, your engine case is the last thing you want to worry about. AXP Racing skid plate solutions have become a go-to choice for serious off-road riders who demand lightweight, durable, and quiet protection. Unlike traditional aluminum guards, AXP utilizes high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to offer a unique blend of slide action and impact resistance.
Since 1999, this French manufacturer has specialized in protecting the vulnerable parts of enduro and adventure bikes . Here is why an AXP Racing skid plate might be the best upgrade you make this season.
Why Choose HDPE Over Aluminum?
The most significant differentiator of an AXP Racing skid plate is the material. Made from 8mm thick HDPE, these guards are engineered to be 30% to 40% lighter than comparable aluminum plates . This weight reduction is crucial for maintaining the handling characteristics of your bike.
Furthermore, HDPE offers a distinct performance advantage: it slides over obstacles rather than snagging on them. Aluminum guards can dent, deform, and create loud resonance. In contrast, AXP’s plastic construction absorbs impacts without permanent deformation and significantly reduces vibration and noise . Riders who have tested these plates over months of hard enduro riding report that they remain in good working order despite extensive abuse.
Full Coverage You Can Count On
An AXP Racing skid plate isn’t just about covering the frame rails. Depending on your model, these kits are designed as full-coverage systems. For example, on bikes like the KTM 690 or Husqvarna 701, the plate extends to protect the engine cases, clutch cover, ignition cover, water pump, and even the rear suspension linkage and master cylinder.
For modern electric bikes like the Stark Varg, AXP has developed “Xtrem” versions that protect the critical battery unit while maintaining airflow through ventilation holes, and even include “wings” to shield the footpegs and hangers.
Real-World Performance and Installation
In long-term tests, such as on a 2024 KTM EXC, the AXP Racing skid plate proved its worth by protecting the lower frame rails from damage that occurred on the very first ride without a guard . The design often features smart solutions like a plastic hook that loops over the rear cross frame rail, allowing for easy removal to clean out mud and debris mid-ride.
Installation is generally straightforward. While some users note that the paper instructions can be difficult to follow, AXP provides online tutorial videos that make the process easy—usually taking about 15 to 30 minutes . Most kits come with all necessary brackets and fixings, and many utilize the existing threaded lugs on your motorcycle’s frame.
Available for a Wide Range of Bikes
AXP Racing covers an extensive range of motorcycles. Whether you ride a KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas, Sherco, Beta, Yamaha Ténéré 700, or even a Kawasaki KX450, there is likely an AXP model available . The “Xtrem” line is particularly popular for hard-enduro and extreme terrain, offering additional linkage and case guards to complete the protection package.
Pricing is competitive, typically hovering around €125 to €199 ($149 – $238 USD), which is a small investment compared to the cost of engine repairs.
The Verdict
If you ride off-road with any seriousness, bolting on an AXP Racing skid plate is a smart move. It offers the perfect balance of lightweight construction, silent operation, and rugged protection. By choosing HDPE over metal, you are opting for a guard that will bounce off rocks and slide over logs without hanging up your bike.
Protect your investment and keep the rubber side down with a skid plate that has been race-tested in the EnduroGP and Hard Enduro World Championships. Check the AXP Racing website or your local dealer to find the exact fit for your model today.
