Black Dog Cycle Works KTM 690/Husqvarna 701 Enduro Skid Plate

Asked to evaluate the Black Dog Cycle Works ULTIMATE Skid Plate, I wondered, “What’s to review?” A skid plate has no moving parts and should perform an apparently simple function. But, as it turns out, not all skid plates are created equal.

- Jim Cowgill

Black Dog chose 3/16-inch ASTM 5052 aluminum alloy plate for their ULTIMATE Skid Plate structure. The alloy’s properties include resistance to vibration-induced metal fatigue and greater energy absorption than more brittle alloys. Full penetration, evenly lapped TIG hand welds inside and out reinforce critical corners and provide strength to what is essentially one-piece construction. It’s an exceptional metal shield that provides a robust defense against off-road damage.

A dictionary entry for “Installation Instructions” should lead to Black Dog’s “How To” sheet! Truly a textbook-worthy example of what product instructions SHOULD look like, but often do not.