Works Connection Skid Plate With RIMS - Dirt Rider Magazine

Many of the modern aluminum-framed motocross bikes feel a bit rigid to me and produce some odd sounds to my ears when equipped with a metal skid plate. Rigid aluminum skid plates can adversely affect the handling, and reflect disconcerting engine sounds. Now Works Connection has a patent-pending Rubber Isolator Mounting System (RIMS). On the Yamaha I selected as a test mule, the RIMS skid plate bolts metal-to-metal at the stock rear mount. In front, instead of bolting metal-to-metal, the RIMS skid plate has a rubber grommet with an internal collar like a muffler or radiator mount. The system even uses a nylon washer to avoid twisting the grommet out of shape while it is being tightened. The front of the skid plate is not rigidly attached so the skid plate does not reinforce the frame. Installing the skid plate would be a breeze, but it comes with a chunk of mud-blocking foam. If you leave the foam out, the plate jumps right on. Use the foam, and lining up the fasteners is more of a challenge. Mounting the motocross skid plate on a Honda CRF250R, on the other hand, requires aligning tight-fitting frame clamps and can take a delicate touch or a helping hand. They were both bolt-on, just not simple. In terms of sound and chassis feel, I never even knew the plate was on at the track. This was a model with extended protection compared to stock. For $129.95 (regular-coverage MX plate $69.95) you are protecting thousands of dollars in delicate parts. This is my favorite aluminum skid plate.

-Karel Kramer