AS3 Performance Aluminum Bash Plate
MSRP: $145.00
$116.00
Exact Fitment Guarantee
The AS3 Performance Heavy-Duty Aluminum Bash Plate is a rugged, full-coverage protective skid plate engineered in the UK to shield engine cases, water pump covers, oil pumps, and frame rails from devastating impacts in extreme off-road, hard enduro, and motocross environments. A single rock strike can crack cast magnesium engine cases, causing rapid oil loss and catastrophic engine seizure. The AS3 Performance bash plate delivers impenetrable protection across the most hostile terrains.
Precision-formed from 4mm thick aerospace-grade 5083 structural aluminum plate, this bash plate delivers exceptional impact energy absorption and high resistance to puncture and shearing. CNC laser-cut venting slots across the front and sides maintain continuous cooling airflow around the engine cylinder and crankcases while allowing mud and wash water to drain rapidly. The side wings extend upward to provide full wrap-around defense for the water pump housing, ignition cover, and lower frame spars. The plate is finished in a durable, corrosion-resistant anodized or satin finish with laser-etched AS3 Performance branding.
- Material Thickness: 4.0mm heavy-duty 5083 marine/aerospace-grade aluminum plate
- Manufacturing: CNC laser cut, precision press-brake formed, and TIG welded
- Wrap-Around Protection: Extended side wings shield water pump and ignition covers
- Venting & Drainage: Laser-cut airflow louvers and bottom mud-evacuation slots
- Mounting: Heavy-duty stainless steel frame clamps and countersunk hardware
- Country of Origin: Engineered and manufactured in the United Kingdom
### Step-by-Step Installation & Safety Protocols Installation requires approximately 15 minutes. Clean the lower frame cradle of dirt and debris. Position the AS3 Performance bash plate underneath the frame rails. Fit the rear mounting clamps or brackets over the frame tubes and align the front mounting holes with the factory frame tabs. Insert the provided high-tensile stainless steel Allen bolts with countersunk washers. Apply blue Loctite to all fastener threads and torque to 12-14 Nm. Check that the bash plate does not contact the exhaust header pipe or water pump hoses.
### Maintenance & Cleaning Maintenance involves periodically checking mounting bolt tightness and removing the plate during major annual deep cleans to flush trapped gravel from between the plate and frame rails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is 5083 aluminum used instead of standard aluminum?
A: 5083 aluminum is a high-strength, work-hardenable alloy renowned for extreme impact toughness and corrosion resistance, making it substantially more resistant to cracking and gouging than soft standard alloys.
Q: Does this bash plate protect the water pump and ignition covers?
A: Yes. The AS3 Performance plate features extended, formed side wings that wrap upward around both the water pump and ignition/stator covers, providing complete lower-engine protection.
Q: Do I have to remove the bash plate to change my engine oil?
A: The plate features a precision CNC-machined drain hole aligned with the factory engine oil drain bolt, allowing routine oil changes without dismounting the skid plate.
Q: Does the bash plate include all necessary mounting brackets?
A: Yes, AS3 Performance supplies all model-specific stainless steel frame clamps, Allen bolts, and countersunk washers in the box.
Q: Will this bash plate fit with aftermarket oversized exhaust headers?
A: Yes, the front contour is shaped with generous curvature to ensure adequate clearance around aftermarket headers such as FMF Megabomb and Pro Circuit systems.