Look under almost any adventure bike that's seen real trails and you'll find a skid plate covered in scrapes, dents and gouges. Every one of those marks is a hit that didn't reach the engine. This guide explains what a motorcycle skid plate does, when you need one and how to choose the right plate for your bike.
What Is a Motorcycle Skid Plate?
A skid plate (also called a bash plate or belly pan) is a protective plate bolted under the engine. Its purpose is simple: when the bike bottoms out on a rock, a log or the edge of a rut, the plate takes the hit instead of the engine cases, oil filter, exhaust headers or frame rails.
On adventure bikes, the engine often hangs lower than on dirt bikes, and the bikes are heavier. That combination makes the bottom of the engine one of the most exposed areas off-road.
What Does a Skid Plate Protect?
- Engine cases and oil sump: a cracked case means an oil leak and, often, the end of your ride.
- Oil filter: on many bikes it sits low and forward.
- Exhaust headers: the pipes often run under the engine.
- Frame rails and linkage: some plates extend back to protect the rear suspension linkage.
- Water pump and hoses: on liquid-cooled bikes, these are often low and exposed.
Do You Need One?
Yes, if you ride:
- rocky trails, ledges or dry riverbeds;
- forest tracks with fallen logs;
- deep ruts where the bike can high-center;
- loaded with luggage, which compresses the suspension and reduces ground clearance.
Optional if you ride:
- pavement and well-maintained gravel roads only.
Even then, a skid plate protects against debris thrown by the front wheel, so many riders fit one anyway.
Stock Bash Plate vs Aftermarket Skid Plate
Many adventure bikes come with a small factory bash plate. Factory plates are often thin or only cover the front of the engine. Aftermarket skid plates usually:
- use thicker aluminum or steel;
- extend further back and up the sides;
- mount to more points on the frame;
- sometimes integrate with crash bars.
How to Choose a Skid Plate
Material
Aluminum is a popular choice: light and strong, and it dents rather than cracks. Steel is stronger but heavier. Composite or plastic plates are light and slide well over rocks but offer less impact protection.
Thickness
Thicker plates protect better but weigh more. For most adventure riding, a solid aluminum plate is a good balance.
Coverage
Decide how much you need: front of the engine only, full underside, or full underside plus linkage. More coverage means more weight.
Mounting
Look for several mounting points and rubber dampers that limit vibration and noise.
Serviceability
Check whether you can drain the oil or change the filter without removing the plate. An access hole for the drain plug saves time at every oil change.
Compatibility
If you already have crash bars, or plan to add them, make sure the plate and bars are compatible.
Skid Plates in Our Catalog
- CFMOTO 450MT / Ibex 450: radiator guard and engine skid plate (2024 to 2026).
- CFMOTO 800MT / Ibex 800: skid plate belly pan engine guard and radiator guard and engine skid plate (2021 to 2027).
- CFMOTO 1000MT: radiator guard plate.
Riding a CFMOTO? Our Ibex 450 guide and Ibex 800 guide cover the full protection setup. For the Ténéré 700, see our Ténéré 700 protection guide.
Installation Tips
- Check that the plate doesn't touch the exhaust, the oil filter or the sidestand.
- Use thread locker on bolts unless the instructions say otherwise.
- Re-check the bolts after your first off-road ride.
- After a hard hit, inspect the plate and its brackets. A bent bracket can let the plate touch the engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a skid plate on a motorcycle?
To protect the underside of the engine, oil filter and exhaust from rocks, logs and ground contact.
Is a skid plate the same as a bash plate?
Yes. The terms are used interchangeably. Belly pan usually refers to a larger plate that wraps up the sides.
Does a skid plate make the engine run hotter?
A well-designed plate leaves enough airflow around the engine. Clean out packed mud after muddy rides.
Browse all motorcycle skid plates.