As any motorcycle enthusiast can attest, one of the most exciting aspects of riding is participating in a race. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a novice, you want to make sure that your bike is equipped with the best fairings possible to maximize performance and reduce drag. In this blog, we'll take a look at the different types of race fairings available on the market and discuss their advantages and disadvantages, so you can choose the best option for your needs.
- One-Piece Fairings One-piece fairings are the most common type of race fairings you'll find. As the name suggests, they consist of a single piece of fiberglass or carbon fiber that covers the entire front end of the motorcycle, including the fuel tank and the tail section. One-piece fairings provide excellent aerodynamics, which translates to better handling and faster lap times. They also offer superior protection to the rider in the event of a crash.
However, one-piece fairings can be difficult to install and remove, making maintenance more challenging. Additionally, if one piece is damaged, you may need to replace the entire fairing, which can be costly.
- Two-Piece Fairings Two-piece fairings are similar to one-piece fairings, except they come in two sections: the upper and lower fairing. This design makes installation and removal much easier, which is particularly beneficial for those who need to access the engine frequently. Two-piece fairings also tend to be more affordable than one-piece fairings, as you only need to replace the damaged section.
However, two-piece fairings don't provide as much protection as one-piece fairings, particularly in the tail section, where the two pieces meet. Additionally, the gap between the two pieces can cause turbulence, reducing aerodynamics.
- Belly Pans Belly pans are designed to cover the underside of the motorcycle, protecting the engine and reducing drag. They're typically made from lightweight materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber, and can be used in conjunction with one- or two-piece fairings. Belly pans are particularly beneficial for those who race on tracks with a lot of elevation changes, as they help prevent the bike from bottoming out.
The main disadvantage of belly pans is that they offer limited protection to the rider in the event of a crash. Additionally, some riders may find that the added weight of a belly pan affects the handling of the motorcycle.
- Custom Fairings If you can't find a race fairing that meets your needs, you may want to consider having a custom fairing made. Custom fairings are designed specifically for your bike and can be tailored to your exact specifications. This can be particularly beneficial if you're racing on a non-standard bike or in a non-standard class.
The main disadvantage of custom fairings is that they can be quite expensive. Additionally, if you make any changes to your bike in the future, you may need to have a new custom fairing made.
In conclusion, choosing the right race fairing depends on your specific needs and preferences. One-piece fairings offer the best aerodynamics and protection, but can be difficult to install and costly to replace. Two-piece fairings are more affordable and easier to install, but offer less protection. Belly pans are ideal for reducing drag and protecting the engine, but offer limited protection to the rider. And finally, custom fairings are the most flexible, but also the most expensive option.
If you're looking for a high-quality race fairing kit, look no further than CMW Motorcycles. Based in West Sussex, they manufacture their own race fairings kits that are both affordable and durable. Their kits come with all the necessary hardware and are designed to fit your bike perfectly. Whether you're a seasoned racer or a novice, CMW Motorcycles has a race