Keeping your motorcycle or sportbike in the right condition is one of the priorities of for any biker. There different types of finishing that can be used on a sports bike to add more functionality, preserve and maintain the value of the bike or enhance its appearance.
The primary function of using fairings is in aerodynamics. Motorcycle fairings are meant to reduce air drag and allow smooth flow of air over some components in the bike allowing the bike to reach top speeds in a shorter time. Another function of the fairings is that they increase rider protection, as well as improve comfort of the rider.
The most common types of finishing include: aftermarket sportbike fairings, motorcycle wraps and paint.
Aftermarket Sportbike Fairings
An aftermarket sportbike fairing is the plastic shell used to cover and protect the inner frame of some motorcycles. They are mostly used in motorcycles and sport bikes that are mostly used for racing.
Motorcycle Painting
Choosing to paint you own motorcycle can often be a difficult and frustrating process which involves a lot of preparation. Before doing any painting you have to make sure to remove rust, repair any damages and conduct any bodywork, proper sanding and keeping the surface of the motorcycle clean while still using the right type of materials.
All this preparation ensures that the paint job doesn’t come out with any defects leaving a less than desirable look. There are several things to consider if you are thinking about painting your motorcycle;
- Do you have the right type of equipment for the paint job and are you willing to purchase them?
- Are you going to paint over the existing finishing or will the old painting have to be stripped?
- Are you painting only the outside areas of the bike or are you willing to dismantle parts of the bike to paint them separately and reattaching them later?
- What type and brand of paint do you paint do you plan on using?
- Do you have a good area for painting the motorcycle? The area should be dry and have access to ventilation.
Compared to using sportbike fairings motorcycle painting is a time and energy consuming process. Paint is easily damaged from scratches and accidents which makes it an expensive finishing in the long run.
Motorcycle Wrapping
Motorcycle wraps transform the look and color of motorcycles using sheets of vinyl film which have a variety of designs, patterns and colours. The process requires that individuals be extremely precise when placing the vinyl and have the right skills in order to deliver the desired results.
Vinyl wraps are designed to mimic the look and shine of real paint. Other benefits of using vinyl wraps are;
- Protection against abrasions and scratches.
- Can be easily removed.
- Restores the original paintwork of motorcycles.
- It is cheaper to use than doing a fresh paint job.
- It preserves the value of the motorcycle.
Vinyl wrapping is better compared to painting motorcycles but it’s still not as good as sportbike fairings. Vinyl wraps just like paint jobs are hard work, require precision and skill, and are susceptible to damage from scratches, abrasions and heat.
Conclusion
In conclusion sportbike fairings offer the best solution for providing great cosmetic looks, offer protection to parts of the bike and provide a functional role while vinyl wraps and paint jobs only offer aesthetic benefits.
