[Review] Beta Xtrainer Skid Plate (w/ exhaust pipe guard and linkage protector) by P-Tech

I’ve never purchased an aftermarket skid plate for my dirt bike but after getting a new 2018 Beta Xtrainer, I knew I needed to go above and beyond with protection for the bike. What drew me to the P-Tech Skid Plate was the exhaust pipe guard and plastic bottom add-on as well as the build and high-quality construction of the guard. This skid plate only weighs about 4.5 pounds (2000 grams) and is absolutely worth the weight in my opinion. Made from billet aluminum (5754), this plate is clean and durable.

The well thought-out design of the P-Tech skid plate allows debris to fall through and not get caught between the moto and the plate. I’ve not yet had one instance where a rock was caught up in a skid plate and that’s different than any other skid plate I’ve owned. Most often times when I remove the plate, there are many rocks that are inside. I removed my P-Tech Skid Plate after about 300 miles and there were no rocks living inside.

I really like the pipe guard integrated into this skid plate, however, I do wish it came up just a bit higher. I feel as though quite a bit of the pipe is still exposed which I know I’m bound to destroy. Prior to this skid plate, I did have a carbon guard installed and it would be nice (although maybe a little overkill looking) if I could double up and still install the P-Tech over the carbon guard. My particular setup did not work and so I removed the carbon altogether.

Upon ordering the skid plate with the plastic add-on, I was a bit hesitant as to what the “plastic” would be. I was very impressed with this add-on and definitely felt as though it’s worth it. Not only does it add some protection to your linkage it also adds a bit of protection to the actual skid plate, which I like. It is a really thick plastic and will take a lot of abuse. It has enough play so it won’t snap under pressure but enough thickness to ensure protection.

The install is obviously very straight forward and simple and takes less than 15 minutes. I would highly recommend everything is clean before you install the skid plate because even though it has rubber strips installed where the plate contacts the frame, if there is debris on the frame it may scuff it up.

Except for the vulnerability I feel with the upper portion of my pipe exposed, I’m really happy to have installed the P-Tech Skid Plate with exhaust pipe guard and plastic bottom. I know it’s giving my bike the ultimate protection it needs, not adding too much weight or bulk, and is built to last. Like I stated earlier, I’m not one to buy an aftermarket skid plate but for this new of a bike and being a relatively low expense, I’m really happy I did.

Be sure to check out the other products that P-Tech offers for the Beta Xtrainer, including the Clutch Slave Cylinder Protection, which we have also reviewed. I ordered my Skid Plate directly from P-Tech in Estonia and had a really great experience with customer service and the skid plate arrived safely at my door in the US without issue.