There are skid plates and there are Black Dog Cycle Works ULTIMATE Skid Plates. Most you come across are more fashion than function. And, what good is fashion statement if it can’t get you back for happy hour? The folks at BDCW are riders, too, and they took out all the stops to create a skid plate that protects your engine from front to back.

What sets the BDCW plate apart from the others is the use a hefty 5mm thick aluminum, the full engine coverage (including the headers), and that it’s mounted to the frame—not the engine(!). BDCW also utilizes a hard rubber bumper “Shok-Blok” that helps with additional shock absorption and cuts down on the hollow sound some skid plates emit. However, the BDCW plate is quite hefty; but when you think about it’s purpose and what it must withstand, it’s not wise to swap weight considerations for function—and that extra metal will definitely protect your $17,000+ machine, too.

A unique feature of BDCW’s big KTM versions, and one of company’s claims to engineering fame, is the Sidestand Relocation Kit that comes with the skid plate. Many KTM don’t realize that their sidestands are mounted to the engine, and that if it takes a rock, or even if you mount the bike from the left side a little too enthusiastically, it could rip a hole in your engine. BDCW’s patented design repositions the sidestand so that can’t happen. You simply remove stock peg mount, replace with the BDCW mount, re-attach foot peg, and remount side stand to the specially designed bracket. Although this is a brilliant solution, I didn’t like the lean angle of the bike once it was relocated*. (Note: BDCW’s co-owner, Kurt Forgét, informed me that there is an optional bracket that gives a little more lean angle.)

Other unique features include: A simple four bolt removal process for quick and simple oil changes; it’s made in U.S.; and that instead of a paint or an anodized coating it’s powder and clear coated (I’d like to see a black version). If you like riding gnarly terrain, then do yourself a favor, install a BDCW ULTIMATE Skid Plate on your machine—think of it as cheap insurance that’ll save you a pile of money in the end. MSRP: $550 BlackDogCW.com

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