Project Honda CRF450 - DH Racing Skidplate - - Dirtbike at Off-Road.com
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Project Honda CRF450 - DH Racing Skidplate
Publish date: Jul 1, 2002
By:  Kevin Gorzny
Source: Dirtbike at Off-Road.com
The DH1 Racing skidplate is one of the most heavy-duty on the market.
When Honda began the thought process geared for an aluminum frame, I doubt they were as concerned as most off-road riders when it comes to protecting the softer frame material. The Red Engineers sought after something revolutionary, light and ground breaking for the motocross market. They succeeded, but as a result the enthusiasts and racers alike, who slam their way up, over and around rocks, tree roots and logs suffer. Why? Aluminum is a notoriously soft metal, relatively speaking. This could result in a severely damaged frame is one was to hit a rock "just right" (or just wrong, I guess). DH1 Racing is known for it's billet products, such as triple clamps, shark fins, bar mounts and the like, along with vital protective items such as the skid plate tested on our 450.
The negative? No holes to ventilate the motor...but we drilled our own!
This was the first item we received shortly after taking shipment of the '02 CRF. Based out of Vegas, I was not about to even break the bike in without the frame protected with a skidplate. The DH1 unit is made of the thickest 3/16" aluminum which will resist nearly any hit. Mounting the skid was as simple; it took longer to dig the skidplate out of the box. The downside? For some reason, the skidplate comes to a "V" shape as it heads toward the back of the bike, which exposes part of the frame rails; this isn't good. The only other downer is the fact that the skid may hinder the motor from much needed ventilation (we layed the plate under a drill press and quickly solved that problem).Overall, the thickness of the aluminum alone is a positive point that typically out-matches many competitors. Fit, finish and quality were top notch, the owner negative being the lack of coverage underneath the frame.
DH1 Racing
Prices as tested:
ProductPrice
Skidplate$ 75.00
HoleshotEndo
  • Constructed of heavy-duty 3/16" aluminum.
  • Excellent quality
  • Bolts up in minutes
  • No vent holes to help keep the motor running cool
  • The skidplate comes to a "V" shape as it heads toward the back of the bike, which exposes part of the frame rails.

DH Racing Skidplate
Rating System
1 = poor / 10 = excellent


 (775) 351-1901
info@dh1racing.com

If you have any questions, opinions or comments, let us know! Kevin Gorzny
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Source: Dirtbike at Off-Road.com, 7/1/2002
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