Thinking of getting a second set of fairings for my bike and understand that Chinese parts are poor quality and fitting. Can anyone suggest a supplier for a quality well fitted kit. Cheers.
Will, try this. They have a host of goodies and reasonably priced. I have used them for MV parts. https://www.skidmarx.co.uk/
I've been looking at Chinese fairings for a while now and seen a really nice Matt black kit and a nice LCR moto gp race replica kit. You get everything with these kits from infill panels to seat cowls. Taking into account that I am thinking about these kits for track use, but will probably keep them on for the road too ( until I get bored) keep my original fairings and bodywork in mint condition, so for that reason I'm not to bothered if they don't fit perfectly as for me they are more for protecting my bike than looking perfect. I can ride without being too worried about crashing, knowing I've got cheap fairings and GB racing covers too keep damage to the minimum. For £250 plus possibly a customs charge I'd say they're worth every penny. Have a look on you tube.....a guy called cyclecruza reviews Chinese fairings and he rates them and gives his reasons why. He's quite funny with it too! I suppose it depends if your current fairings are all shitty and you want to replace them with the best you can afford..........or you're trying to keep your original fairings mint and want something you're not worried about trashing!!
Interesting observations, Paul. Many riders shy away from 'Chinese' products because of supposed quality issues. BUT, has anyone had a really raw deal with Chinese after-market parts? I can speak only of their brake and clutch levers. Admittedly, they do not have the gleaming finish and multiple adjustment of, say, ASV, but they are more than functional and look great. I suspect it would be the same with fairings. China is on its way to becoming a manufacturing powerhouse. It is not beyond possibility that China might one day be making Honda motorcyle parts, in much the same manner as does Thailand. (Of note, a Chinese plant has been manufacturing Honda cars for the past 20 years).
Please don’t take this the wrong way, however, I’ve never understood why anyone would remove mint fairings and replace them with cheap ones purely to keep their original fairings in good condition. I understand if you are tracking regularly as the possibly of coming off increases. What is the purpose of having good fairings if they are not on the bike and are just hung up in the garage? Is this done purely to retain as much value as possible when you sell the bike?
To me it's like a change of clothes. You could have a 'Castrol' bike one weekend; perhaps a Red Bull the next. If there were an opportunity to buy the original paint scheme of Honda Racing fairings: silver with the yellow flash, I would be in like a shot, no matter whether they were Japanese, Chinese, or Siamese. So, I think in the long run, it's not so much about keeping value, it's about a change of scenery and the often quoted 'bling factor'!!
I think if you're planning on doing a track day on your pride and joy one of the first thoughts that pops in your head is 'what if I crash and destroy my fairings' !! For one track day I'd probably chance it, but I plan on doing around 4 this year so for me it's something I've been thinking about doing. It's not about replacing 'mint' fairings with cheap ones, i see it more like putting a protective skin over the the bike to reduce damage should you throw it down the road. I'd rather do this than put a set of crash bungs on the bike! If you're only riding on the road then I'd be more inclined to leave the original fairings on because yes, i agree, why would you put cheap fairings on your beautiful looking fireblade!! We all want our bikes to look the dogs bollocks while we're out on the roads. I love the look of my bike in its original guise and that's exactly the way I'd like to keep it until the day I sell it or trade it in. I'm sure the new owner would prefer it if it had mint fairings still in tact too, so why not do it to retain some value, road or track? A bike with its original fairings in mint condition has got to be worth more than one with scuffs on every panel, I'd say by up to grand more. You can even sell the cheap ones once your finished with them too!! I can't begin to imagine how gutted I'd feel if I binned my bike on track and not taken some preventative measures haha
No luck but thanks anyway. I have a 2008 Blade re-painted in Repsol from Black by the dealer before I bought it. Nothing wrong with it, I just fancy a change. Just after I bought mine, I saw one just like yours at On two wheels in Mansfield an loved it. Even tried to do a trade in. Lol.
A very common, and understandable reaction, Will. Many Blade owners aspire for an HRC. Their rarity ensures that very few will ever own one!
I did a fair amount of track days with my OEM fairings, and eventually i smashed them to bits. Regret not buying some cheap chinese fairings, as oem is very expensive in comparison.
That said, I’m happy with mine because I’ve wanted one since I was learning and 2 pulled up behind back 7 years ago. Saw this one while I popped in for something to do one day last feb with the little’n to give her mum a breather. Ended up getting home checking with “The boss” and phoning to put a deposit down. It’s a bit of a shame I saw the hrc, same low mileage and good price while picking up a new can for it but happy as I say.
Will, there is frequent bantering on here about HRC, Repsols, and 'stealth matt black'. BUT, you have a great bike and one that you are obviously pleased with. Love it for it's merits; not what you think might be a preferred (not better) option. The Repsol replicas are a bike to be admired. Whilst I mouth off about HRC, I actually tried to make an offer on a Repsol just a fortnight ago, but in doing so copped a barrage of abuse because of my supposedly 'annoying' post. So yes, as you say, it's the same bike, and will offer the same enjoyment and resale value. Cheers!
From Honda if you want brand new, but that is major bucks, so its not worth it. You could buy used fairings of ebay or on the forum i suppose. That is what i have done.
These are what I was looking at, the LCR honda kit is pretty dam close and the graphics are really accurate to the real thing and is £300. The matt black is £242. These are complete kits with everythng you need. I can't quite believe I haven't bought either of them yet......I'm normally so impulsive!
Friggin' heck, Paul. Don't get the LCR; you'd look like you're riding a love child of Liberace and Sir Elton John!
