Replacement fairings

I've been searching around the site for a while and using google. I'm trying to find a good source for fairings for my 04 VFR800. I bought it used a few years ago and paid too much, because I was 20 and stupid. It had a few scuffs and it had been painted a slightly different shade of red over the factory red color, which I didn't realize at the time. The bike has had a few tumbles since I've owned it. The right side fairing has a dimple around one of the bolt holes and doesn't seem to be repairable.

At the end of the day, would you guys suggest getting new fairings, or could the OEM stuff be fixed? I'll post some pictures later if that helps. I haven't even logged into this forum since about the time I bought the bike!

 

I have seen fairings that looked trashed be repaired. It just takes someone with skill. I am not that someone though. I camped out on ebay and bought the fairings as I found them. I have not heard anything good about the chinese fairing kits except that they are good for track usage.

 

I read a bunch of the reviews on this forum about the Chinese stuff. Ideally I would get all of my stuff fixed, painted stock cherry red or white, and get the wheels painted black. That seems like it would cost less than the Nice Cycle fairings at $800, which seem to be the best aftermarket fairings available.

 

Airtech-streamlining.com has fiberglass. Poly26 is a French company that has fiberglass as well. And don't forget the Germans. Those guys over at at Thurn motorsport (".de" website) have lots of stuff.

 

I thought it was best to get the injection molded ABS plastic fairings. From personal experience, fiberglass doesn't last long.

 

Fibreglass is popular especially on racebikes because it lasts and is relatively easy to repair. ABS has a tendency to shatter in even in a medium speed get off. Both are repairable and paintable.

Try Google for any number of books and how-to's on repairing bodywork. Same deal here on fixing techniques.


Sounds like you might be the perfect candidate for the "You dropped it how many times" thread. New blood is always welcome according to the OP..

 

Ha, I did drop it once trying to figure out the center stand on my own. Two other times were low speed incidents. One in a parking lot, and the other when a fool pulled out in front of me when I was going 25-ish. I'm not going to lie, the right side front turn indicator isn't held in super well since the bracket broke on the top. I have a feeling it's going to cost around $1,000 to get it all painted and such. I doubt I'll ever get rid of this bike, so I feel like it will be a sound investment.

 

Don't worry about the drops. Shit happens. If you're tight on funds, this sounds like a perfect time to learn some things. With some epoxy, JB Weld, tape, fine grit (600-1500) sandpaper, zip ties, patience and lots of creativity, I bet you could have a couple weekend long project of taking the fairings off, fixing them up, sanding them down, and getting them back to good. If they're all jacked up now, what have you got to lose?

I had a screw hole on my tail piece that was completely snapped off and splintered the surrounding area. The original owner used a sticker to hold it together. I took my time and was basically able to recreate the area using a tube of that 2 part epoxy. It worked and lasted for about 5000 miles. Not bad for my first attempt. (Ultimately found a great deal on a replacement OE tailpiece, so couldn't pass it up).

 

Instead of painting, I might sand everything down smooth, and have it wrapped in vinyl. There is only one place where I doubt I could fix it with filler or epoxy, but a head gun might bring that dimple out. I need to get to the local shop and see if they can order the part for the right side indicator. I'll take some photos and post them when I get home from work.

 

You can also use shelf paper and wallpaper to wrap your bike. Small problems with it peeling when you ride it but great chatting on bike nights.

Your local shop may recommend you just buy a new bike..

Be real careful using a heat gun on ABS. The stuff can go FUBAR real quick.

 

Sand it very well and PlastiDip it. Many different colors available and you can even gloss it with the PlastiDip Glossifier. Easy to do too Google it or go to www.dipyourcar.com You can even pearl it if you want.

 

Hmm. You might want to see the following video which will demonstrate how you could possibly repair those damaged fairings.

Even if you end up paying a professional to repaint the bike, if you can do the time consuming stuff needed to repair the fairings and get them prepped for paint, then it should save you some money.

Whilst you may be tempted to give up on the OEM fairings and purchase one of the Chinese origin replacement fairing kits, you will find many past posts on this forum which suggest that they are just not worth the money. Sadly when they do eventually turn up, the panels may be damaged, mounting points do not line up and compared with OEM panels they are badly finished and made from pretty dire quality materials. Hence the underlying message is that you may be better off simply taking time to repair the OEM fairing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7GRNvPSf7k

Take care




SkiMad

 

Hey Machinereplica, where are you located? I am currently fixing the plastics on my bike. I have a plastic welder and a very similar type of donor plastic that I used to repair mine and then reinforced those areas with plastic epoxy. My front fairing had come apart in 3 areas and its as good as new now. I just use youtube to learn how to do it and then practice it myself.