Shortly after I purchased my 400EX, I decided that it needed more protection
from damage than the stock plastic skid plate provided. Based on DG's
positive track record, I bought their Baja series full chassis skid plate.
It is constructed of 3/16" thick aluminum. The sides are bent up slightly
to increase the stiffness and protect the sides of the lower frame tubes.
The skip plate provides coverage for the complete underside of the frame.
There is even an oil drain hole.
The installation of the skid plate was straightforward. There were only
five fasteners, two on each side and one at the front. Contoured aluminum
blocks wrapped over the top of the lower frame tubes and were secured to the
skid plate with bolts. All of the bolt holes were countersunk to prevent
them from catching on obstacles. As the photos show, my mounting blocks did
not fit around the frame tubes very well. It seemed like the holes in the
skid plate should have been located further towards the outer edge. This
was my only complaint. (Has any one else experienced this problem?)
Functionally, the DG Baja skid plate has proven effective for protecting my
400EX's frame and engine. I have managed to put several dents and scars in
it over the past season. I am sure it prevented more serious damage. I
would recommend this product to anyone looking for quality chassis
protection.