MXA TEAM TESTED: WORKS CONNECTION KX450 SKID PLATE

WHAT IS IT? MXA installed a Works Connection aluminum skid plate on our 2024 Kawasaki 450, largely because the MXA wrecking crew is hard on its bikes and wants to protect them as much as possible. Typically, motocross bikes do not come with skid plates, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t needed. Even the most basic skid plate is worth it just to eliminate lower frame-rail damage that can be incurred by casing jumps, hitting rocks or landing on other bikes.

WHAT’S IT COST? $94.95 (part number 10-299).

CONTACT? www.worksconnection.com or (530) 642-9488.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Works Connection 2024 Kawasaki KX450 skid plate.

(1) Usage. Works Connection makes two styles of skid plates. (1) The motocross version is more of a glide plate. It bolts to the KX450 frame rails just below the center-port exhaust pipe and extends back to the cross brace under the frame in line with the footpegs. (2) The off-road version covers the same frame rails as the motocross model but has welded-on winglets that provide protection to the left-side water pump and right-side ignition cover. While both styles can be used for both motocross and off-road racing, there is a clear choice between them.

(2) Installation. The all-new Works Connection KX450 skid plate is made from aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum. It has Works Connection’s unique Rubber Isolator Mounting System (RIMS), which allows more frame flex than a rigidly mounted skid plate. There is an oil-drain access hole precut into the plate to allow for easy oil changes, and the mounting holes are pre-drilled to mate to the frame bracket. Easy mounting is achieved via a CNC-machined, one-piece, aluminum front bracket that slips behind the frame’s down rails with supplied hardware to secure the skid plate to the front of the frame rails. The KX450 has pre-drilled threaded holes to hold the rear of the skid plate. The skid plate is shaped to fit snugly against the contours of the frame, reducing space for mud collection.

(3) Caution. After you ride your bike for the first time, be sure to double-check the fitment of the skid plate. The extreme loads placed on the frame can loosen up the skid plate. 

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? No major complaints, but we put rubber insulation tape between the skid plate and the frame rails to cushion the stress.

MXA RATING: A skid plate is cheap insurance against bad things happening.