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I'm buying a stock 01' 400 EX and going to the Land Between the Lakes in a few weeks, also I will go to the Badlands frequently this summer. Mostly trail riding and some MX course for fun. Is a skid plate needed? Is the risk that a small rock will bounce up and crack the engine case? How about the swing arm, whats at risk without it?
Thanks in advance for patience with the newbie questions.
I believe the 01 400ex stock has a metal swingarm plate. Mine had one on it when i bought it. If it doesnt have one or has a plastic one it would be a good investment. You protect the one you love lol
i replaced my plastic swing arm skid with an aluminum one.the stocker had a metal piece on it under the rotor that got bent and hit the rotor on thefirst ride.i also have lower arm skids on thefront only cuz where i ride hada ton or rocks from small tohuge.it would suck to get stuck on a rock with the lower arms.im also gonna get a skid for the chassis under the engine.no chances of arock grabbing an open area on the bikesandstopping me or breaking something.
IMO skidplates are well worth teh money. on the swingarm it keeps you sprocket and rotor from being bent by rocks and any other trail hazzard. on the engine, i figure it is worth spending teh money on a skid rather have to replace teh engine cases. there is a small chance your engine may be damaged with out one, but it is worht it to me just for that extra bit of security. i always run the on the frame and teh swingarm nomatter where i ride at.
I broke my stock skid on my 05 after a few rides. The bummer was, it decided to shatter on the first day of a riding trip in WV. On the 2nd day I caught a rock pretty good in a creek and bent my brake rotor, so I had to ride the following two days with front brakes only.
I invested a little more in a stainless swingarm skid.
for trails, get at least a .250" thick swinger...one of them is cheaper than repeatedly buying a $100 rotor and another $100 or so chain and sprocket set. for a "belly pan", any thinkness will do, but it is also a "must have", just a little bit less of a "must"
how much about does a full skid set cost for decent ones???
Definitely get a skip plate. At Land b/w the lakes if you take the trail that goes around the lake you are sure to break a tooth off your sprocket. Were supposed to be up there Feb. 11th
i have full D.G. baja armor and i just ordered full laser cut D.G. armor both are worth every penny knowing that you can land from a jump on a rock or skate over one with out getting off and looking to see an "uht oh" lol