Skid Plates

Skid Plates for Harley Motorcycles 

Protect Your Ride — Heavy-Duty Skid Plates 

When you ride hard, tour long, or hit unpredictable terrain, a reliable skid plate can be the difference between smooth riding and costly damage. In our “Skid Plates” category, you’ll find aftermarket skid plates built to protect the underside of your Harley — shielding engine casings, oil pans, exhaust headers, frame rails, and other vulnerable components from rocks, road debris, and impacts.

Why Skid Plates Are a Smart Upgrade

• Protect critical components: Skid plates serve as a protective shield under your bike, guarding vital parts like the engine, transmission, and frame from impact or debris.

• Prevent costly repairs: A single rock strike could crack an engine casing or dent a sump — replacing a skid plate is far cheaper than repairing engine damage.

• Durability and protection for custom builds and heavy bikes: For Baggers especially, these bikes are built to go long distances. The more miles, the more debris you can encounter on the road. 

• Style: If you're going to add protection - you may as well do it with style. Brands like Thashin Supply and Speed Merchant made sure to put aesthetics at the forefront of their designs. 

Who Should Browse This Category

• Riders using their Harley on lond rides or rough roads — where the undercarriage is likely to get impacted.

• Custom or big engine builds where owners might want extra underside protection 

• Touring or long-distance riders who value durability, peace of mind, and protecting expensive components from rock chips, road debris, or drops.

How to Choose the Right Skid Plate for Your Harley

1. Match to your model: Choose a skid plate designed for your Harley’s frame type 

2. Check mounting hardware & clearance: Ensure proper bolt-on fitment, and that the plate doesn’t interfere with exhaust, frame, or suspension travel.

3. Consider maintenance needs: Some skid plates allow oil-change access without removal; others need full removal — factor in how often you service your bike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I really need a skid plate if I ride mostly on pavement?
A: Possibly — even paved roads can conceal potholes, debris, or uneven surfaces that can damage engine cases or exhaust. A skid plate adds insurance against unexpected road hazards.

Q: Will a skid plate make my ride heavier or affect performance?
A: A quality skid plate adds some weight, but usually minimal compared to the protection it gives. The trade-off often makes sense — especially for touring, custom, or lowered bikes.

Q: Can a skid plate protect against crashes or tip-overs?
A: Skid plates are primarily designed to protect against impacts from below (rocks, debris, road irregularities). For tip-overs or side impacts, consider pairing with crash bars or engine guards for better protection.

Start Browsing — Add Protection to Your Harley’s Underside

Shop our selection to find the skid plate best suited to your ride. With proper fitment and installation, you’ll protect your engine, frame, and exhaust from the hazards under the road.