P500 UPI 3/8" UHMW Skid Plates

[FuzzyGrub]

I was looking at the 2017 Honda Pioneer skid plates. I had heard that they are metal, vs the plastic of the prior years. Examining the parts fiche, it looks like only the middle plate is metal. The front and rear still had the same part number.

So started looking at other options. I saw UPI's 3/8" UHMW 3 piece skid plates on ebay, selling for $250. Doing a quick check found their website and the same skid plates are listed for $300. On a quirk, made an offer for $220 and it was immediately accepted. So, try lower if you go for them.

15-17 HONDA PIONEER 500 3/8 UHMW POLY SKID PLATE BASH GUARD OFF ROAD | eBay

The plates were shipped on the same day and was in the hands of FedEx, showing a delivery of 5/13. This was timed perfectly since the pioneer was still on the stands from my recent winch wiring.

They arrived this AM, and quickly removed them from the box. The 3 piece set is very close to the oem pattern. The main difference being the seem between the plates. The UPIs have a puzzle/interlocking seem that when installed makes for a very close to a one piece design.

 

[Admin]

 

[FuzzyGrub]

Since I already had the oem skid plates off, the install went very quick. They are slightly more effort to install than the oem, but that isn't much. They weigh a bit more, so installing like I did with only myself, took slightly more effort. Because of the interlocking design, you need to install all three pieces loosely, such that you can position them, before tightening down. The 3/8" UHMW is counter sunk for the mounting cups. There is also play at each so you have adjustability. They were all installed within a hour.

 

[FuzzyGrub]

Here are the two rear plates. The oem is only 1/8" compared to the 3/8" UPI.


Rear Plates overlapped:


Middle plates overlapped:


Front plates overlapped:

 

[Johnsee]

Thanks for the info. Was looking at those yesterday on ebay. Nice to know that they fit. Maybe that will force the greedy $$$ dude to rethink his outrageous pricing .

 

[JCart]

Another option is to build your own using UHMW sheeting, a scroll saw, drill bits, chisel and the stock bolts and washers. UHMW is easy to work with and wood working hand tools will do the trick. When I made mine I used 9mm thick material and didn't put drain holes in it only oil drains, engine and rear differential. After a couple years and 3,000 Kms it held up exceptionally well, one of the best protective mods you can do IMO. $220.00 is a good price pending the material make up. Think mine is UHMWPE, incredibly durable, like bullet proof, stock material would have been torn off by now.
cheers,
j

 

[GRANITE]

I installed the UPI skid plates yesterday in this UHMW plastic and they are very beefy, all holes lined up perfectly and I got them for $220 shipped as well. I highly recommend

 

[Bad_bowtie]

I've been eyeing those on eBay as well. Really need to do it, because my factory skid is beat!