Race fairings are an essential part of any racing motorcycle. They are designed to improve aerodynamics, reduce weight, and protect the bodywork from damage in case of a crash. When it comes to choosing a race fairing, one of the most crucial factors to consider is the material it is made from. In this blog, we will explore the various materials used to make race fairings, their pros and cons, and help you make an informed decision.
- Fiberglass Fiberglass is a popular material used to make race fairings due to its affordability, ease of use, and durability. It is made by combining glass fibers with plastic resin, creating a strong and lightweight composite material.
One of the main advantages of fiberglass is its affordability. It is one of the most cost-effective materials used to make race fairings. Fiberglass is also easy to work with, allowing for customization and modifications to suit your specific needs.
However, fiberglass race fairings tend to be heavier than other materials, which can affect the bike's performance. Fiberglass is also prone to cracking and chipping, especially in high-impact situations like crashes.
- Carbon Fiber Carbon fiber is a lightweight and strong material used to make high-performance race fairings. It is made by weaving carbon fibers together and then bonding them with resin to create a composite material.
Carbon fiber race fairings offer many advantages, including excellent strength-to-weight ratio, superior stiffness, and resistance to impact and heat. Carbon fiber fairings are also aesthetically pleasing, with a distinctive weave pattern that looks great on any racing motorcycle.
However, carbon fiber race fairings tend to be more expensive than other materials due to the production process and the cost of materials. Carbon fiber is also more brittle than fiberglass, which means it is prone to cracking or breaking under stress.
- Kevlar Kevlar is a high-strength synthetic material that is commonly used in bulletproof vests, racing suits, and race fairings. It is made by weaving together synthetic fibers to create a strong and lightweight material that is resistant to impact and abrasion.
Kevlar race fairings offer many advantages, including excellent impact resistance, durability, and heat resistance. Kevlar fairings are also lightweight and flexible, making them ideal for high-speed racing.
However, Kevlar race fairings tend to be more expensive than other materials due to the cost of production and materials. Kevlar is also more challenging to work with than other materials, making it difficult to customize or modify to suit specific needs.
In conclusion, choosing the right material for your race fairings is crucial to ensure optimal performance, protection, and aesthetics. When selecting a material, consider factors such as weight, strength, durability, and cost. CMW Motorcycles, located in West Sussex, offers a range of high-quality race fairings made from various materials, including fiberglass, carbon fiber, and Kevlar. They can also provide expert advice and installation services to help you choose the best race fairing for your motorcycle.
