Should i get a skid plate???? - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

wozyman · 10-28-2012, 08:38 AM

im thinking about getting this...New Polaris Sonic Blue Edge XC RMK Skid Plate Skidplate | eBay

for my 2001 polaris xc500sp. My question is it worth having a skid plate or just not have one?

JheLrey · 10-28-2012, 09:19 AM

GET ONE! But you can find them cheaper than above

ridgerunner · 10-28-2012, 09:22 AM

I have one on mine and love it. It has taken a thump or two and still looks great. I used it as a way to add accent color to the sled though... not a fan of the skid plate being the same color as the sled IMO

**BC_Dan** · 10-28-2012, 10:28 AM

Simple answer. Yes.

When you hit something in the snow, and the skidplate takes the brunt of the force, you may have to replace the damaged skidplate instead of replacing the sled or bulkhead.

wozyman · 10-28-2012, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JheLrey

GET ONE! But you can find them cheaper than above

where? craigslist? i thought that was pretty cheap.

Which color should i get yellow or red?

2004polaris · 10-28-2012, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ridgerunner

I have one on mine and love it. It has taken a thump or two and still looks great. I used it as a way to add accent color to the sled though... not a fan of the skid plate being the same color as the sled IMO

nice sled, ive got the same one but a 600. i also went with the red skid plate, yes i would not ride my sled without one. deffinatly protects the sled nicely.

Phaze · 10-28-2012, 01:19 PM

Either one would look good on your sled. I'm going with yellow, makes the sled pop.....

JheLrey · 10-28-2012, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wozyman

where? craigslist? i thought that was pretty cheap.

Which color should i get yellow or red?

Prob. find one on CL for $20

jordandakota · 10-30-2012, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phaze

Either one would look good on your sled. I'm going with yellow, makes the sled pop.....

First time I read that I thought the last word was poop. Haha. x2 on the yellow. Those sleds look pretty sweet with the blue/yellow theme.

wozyman · 10-30-2012, 01:55 PM

i put a wanted ad on craigslist, i might go with red because the shocks, bogie wheels and the mesh that lets air in the engine are all red, but ill take what i can get

jordandakota · 10-30-2012, 02:01 PM

Then go with red. If you've already got the red/blue going, keep it that way.

PolarisINDY500 · 10-30-2012, 06:01 PM

yes - i definatley suggest a skid plate. more ways than one they'll come in handy.

however, because you have radius arms, i suggest you notch the skid plate to allow the arm to push the snow out. if you leave the plate as is, snow can build up between the skid plate and the bottom of your radius arm. and when you hit a bump or jump, or over time, the arm will push the ice into the skid plate and pull out rivets. by notching, when the radius arm goes through its travel it will clear any snow that builds up.

wozyman · 10-30-2012, 06:24 PM

where would i notch it out? the radius arms are far away from where the skid plate is

Phaze · 10-30-2012, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jordandakota

First time I read that I thought the last word was poop.

Maybe that too! lol j/k.

I went with yellow from the graphics. Tough to go wrong IMO..........

Renagade · 10-31-2012, 07:18 AM

i install a skidplate on every sled i own,
cheap insurance.
looking for a yellow one for my formulaIII.

PolarisINDY500 · 10-31-2012, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wozyman

where would i notch it out? the radius arms are far away from where the skid plate is

i circled it in yellow. just cut off the portion that "sticks down" that fits the profile of the radius arm when its extended down. you can cut this flush to match the bottom profile of the skid plate and be done with it. ive used my dewalt 4" cut off wheel only takes a few minutes to cut and remove the leftover plastic boogers.

powerranger262 · 10-31-2012, 08:59 PM

I did the same notch on my xlt. Found out after i mounted it that it was rubbing, so i pulled it back off and trimmed until none of the suspension parts hit at full travel.

XCRacer440 · 11-01-2012, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PolarisINDY500

i circled it in yellow. just cut off the portion that "sticks down" that fits the profile of the radius arm when its extended down. you can cut this flush to match the bottom profile of the skid plate and be done with it. ive used my dewalt 4" cut off wheel only takes a few minutes to cut and remove the leftover plastic boogers.

That makes no sense. The drop parts on the plate are there to make it "skid" over whatever obstacle there is. If you cut them off, the grunt of the force will be exerted on your radius rods. Don't cut them off, I've had probably 20 edge sleds and every one has never had a problem with ice there.

JheLrey · 11-01-2012, 08:23 PM

Nor have I...

Brummo · 11-01-2012, 08:39 PM

I kept mine on too..