Motorcycle fairings are one of the most essential components of a motorcycle. The fairings not only display the overall appearance of the motorcycle, but they also help improve the riding performance while protecting the rider against the road & weather conditions. Unfortunately, not many riders are aware of what fairings are and what materials are used to manufacture motorcycle fairings (so, we aim to help inform you through this blog).

Having the necessary knowledge around what motorcycle fairing kits are and what materials are used to manufacture fairings, will significantly help you make an educated decision when the time comes for you to purchase a new set of fairings for your own motorcycle.

Let's start with some basics. Firstly, there are several terms used synonymously when speaking about motorcycle fairings kits. You may hear phrases such as, "motorcycle fairings", "fairing kits", "motorcycle plastics", a "set of fairings", and so on. To help illustrate, below is an example motorcycle fairing kit beautifully crafted by KingsMotorcycleFairings.com! 

Secondly, it's worth mentioning that motorcycle fairings can be manufactured and purchased as full fairing kit sets, as well as, manufactured and purchased as individual fairing pieces. The primary fairing pieces that make up motorcycle fairing kits are...

Fairings are one of the most essential accessories of a motorcycle since they not only help improve the vehicle’s performance and protect the rider against weather conditions (rain, cold winds etc), but also make the vehicle appear all the more stylish. However, not many riders are aware of the materials used to manufacture motorcycle fairings. If you too belong to this league, it’s time to learn a few things about them. After all, in order to choose the right motorcycle fairings, you need to know about the different materials with which fairings are made of.

 Here’s a brief account of the materials used to create motorcycle fairings:

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) - This plastic is known for its strength, flexibility and durability, apart from being light weight. It is most commonly used for creating fairings for sport bikes. Some aftermarket fairing manufacturers also use it, thanks to its impressive features that combine the rigidity and strength of styrene and acrylonitrile with the robustness of polybutadiene rubber. ABS is preferred by many as it is resistant to scratch and protects the riders from flying debris. Originally, ABS was created to ensure the best protection to the rider in case s/he faces any type of accident. However, some experts dealing with motorcycle accessories and fairings say that as compared to other modern materials, ABS may be a little fragile and tend to get ruined easily in case an accident involves a massive force. If you are wondering how to make motorcycle fairings using ABS, two common methods employed are injection molds and compression molds respectively.

Fiberglass – This material is made of woven fibers and is largely used as a reinforcing agent for a lot of polymer products. Motorcycle fairings made of this material are mainly used on the race track. Usually, fiberglass is more durable and lighter than ABS plastic. In case your fiberglass fairings are damaged, you can repair them by applying new coats of woven fiberglass cloth combined with a polymer such as epoxy, over the damaged part, after which sanding and finishing should be done.

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer – This is the lightest but one of the most expensive materials used in motorcycle fairings. Fairings made up of this material are mainly used for extreme racing and sport motorcycles.

Now that you know about the different types of material used in motorcycle fairings, you can make an informed choice while buying motorcycle fairing kits for your precious vehicle.

The making of a OEM Grade Motorcycle Fairing

You see motorcycle fairing options listed all over the internet.  OEM grade motorcycle fairings from the manufacture can $2,000 to $4,000 for your average sports bike (Ninja, CBR etc).  But, keep in mind the same exact manufacturing process is used (injection molding) in after market ABS motorcycle fairings.

Motorcycle Fairings, Let's step back for a minute

When I say, 'the same exact manufacturing methods', I talking about motorcycles fairings from Kings Motorcycle Fairings.  Most of the fairings you see on ebay and around the web are PVC based, low grade compressed fairing kits.  Even some of the ABS injection model aftermarket motorcycle fairing kits are questionable at best.  You will noticed kits with a flashy paint job going for about $250 to $400.  In that price range I can assure you installation headaches and fitment issues.  

You don't have to pay OEM prices to get OEM quality and perfect fitment.  When shopping ask the following questions: 

Do you use virgin/ high quality ABS plastics?

Are these truly injection mold abs fairings or compressed fairings (compressed fairings will always need manual fitment fixes

• What is your paint process?
• How do you packing and ship them (broken fairing pieces because of poor packaging is typical)?
• Do you provide bolts?
• Do you provide a wind screen?
• Is the motorcycle fairing windscreen compressed or molded?
• Do you provide wind screen bolts?

All of these are important questions.  You don't want to be without the correct OEM motorcycle fairing bolts, a good windscreen (compressed or injection molded) and windscreen bolts.  

Do yourself a favor.  When shopping for ABS motorcycle fairings skip ebay.  You just don't know what your getting on ebay.  Do your research.  Ask around on social media and get example pictures from forums from people who have purchased them from online retailers. It will save you a lot of time and headaches.