TM Designworks Baja Skid Plate
MSRP: $139.95
$111.96
Exact Fitment Guarantee
The TM Designworks Baja Skid Plate is an ultra-rugged, full-coverage off-road skid plate engineered in the USA to conquer extreme rocky desert terrain, GNCC mud courses, and hard enduro obstacles. When negotiating rock gardens, boulder fields, and fallen logs, heavy aluminum skid plates easily hang up on obstacles, rattle loudly, and transmit severe impact shocks into the frame. TM Designworks resolves this with their championship-winning Return-Memory composite design.
Manufactured from a proprietary high-density, low-friction composite plastic with built-in silicone lubrication additives, the Baja Skid Plate provides an ultra-slick underside that allows the motorcycle to glide effortlessly over logs and jagged rocks. The material absorbs punishing vertical and lateral impacts, flexing to dissipate energy before returning instantly to its original shape without cracking or permanently bending. The Baja model features extended side-protection ears that wrap high around the water pump, clutch cover, ignition cover, and lower frame rails. Furthermore, the plastic composite dampens internal engine resonance, resulting in a noticeably quieter ride with zero frame-binding stiffness.
- Material: Proprietary Return-Memory UHMW composite with infused slicking agents
- Coverage: Full cradle coverage with tall protective side ears for water pump and ignition
- Glide Coefficient: Ultra-low friction bottom surface glides over rocks without sticking
- Chassis Compliance: Preserves engineered frame flex characteristics without harshness
- Manufacturing: 100% designed and manufactured in the USA
- Fasteners: High-tensile stainless steel Allen bolts with aluminum countersunk washers
### Step-by-Step Installation & Safety Protocols Installation is straightforward and utilizes heavy-duty aluminum mounting brackets. Clean the underside of the frame cradle. Place the TM Designworks Baja Skid Plate against the frame rails, hook the rear bracket over the frame cross-brace, and align the front mounting holes with the chassis brackets. Insert the provided countersunk stainless steel Allen bolts with thread locker and torque to 10-12 Nm. Verify that the plate maintains adequate clearance around water hoses and the exhaust header.
### Maintenance & Care Routine Maintenance is exceptionally easy: wash with water and a brush. The composite plastic will not rust, corrode, or dent. Remove during major engine overhauls to clean accumulated dirt from the frame rails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why choose a TM Designworks composite skid plate over aluminum?
A: Composite plastic glides smoothly over rocks without catching or gouging, absorbs engine noise rather than amplifying it, and flexes with the chassis without creating a harsh, rigid ride.
Q: How does Return-Memory composite withstand rock impacts?
A: The ultra-high molecular weight composite has immense elastic memory; when struck by a boulder, it temporarily deflects to absorb the kinetic shock and instantly springs back to shape.
Q: Is there an oil drain hole in the bottom of the plate?
A: Yes, the plate features a precision-molded drain access hole allowing quick engine oil drainage without removing the skid plate.
Q: Does this skid plate rattle against the frame?
A: No. The pliable composite plastic sits snugly against the frame tubes without metal-on-metal rattling, eliminating irritating engine vibrations.
Q: Can the plate withstand sub-zero winter temperatures?
A: Yes. The UHMW composite formula is freeze-tested to resist cold-temperature embrittlement down to -40°F without shattering on rock impacts.