Differences between ABS fairings and carbon fairings
On the web you can find few guides dedicated to the differences between ABS and VTR fairings (fiberglass). What is not found online is a guide that describes the differences between ABS fairings and carbon fairings.
The use of carbon fiber to create technologically advanced motorcycles (any reference to the new Ducati Superleggera is purely random), pushes us to publish this guide. Among motorcycling enthusiasts, the desire to customize the various elements that make up the two wheels of the heart, especially the fairings, advances.
The fairing (inspired by the aeronautical sector) has a dual function: to reduce aerodynamic drag and protect the pilot from the elements. It is the essential element of a motorcycle, it is the aerodynamic part of a vehicle as it allows a decidedly rapid air exchange.
Those who intend to customize and modify the fairings do so for two reasons: improvement of aesthetics and performance.
Mounting the hulls on a motorcycle is a simple operation: they apply directly to the frame since they have the function of covering it.
Differences between ABS fairings and carbon hulls: let's talk about materials
In the past, fairing was made of canvas, aluminum or shaped sheet metal. Today, it is built using printed plastic material, fiberglass (fiberglass) and, more rarely, carbon fiber. From the 1970s, the fairings were equipped with universal bindings, adaptable to the models of the major motorcycle manufacturer.
Although our guide focuses on the differences between ABS fairings and carbon fairings, forthe record we review the three main materials with which motorcycle fairings are currently made:
- ABS
- Fiberglass;
Carbon fiber.
ABS is the material most used to make the fairings of a motorcycle. In particular, there is a tendency to use ABS for fenders and the sides of two wheels. The structure of this material is difficult to repair and maintenance is not cheap.
Fiberglass has different qualities despite being a very delicate material. It can be easily assembled and repaired, so it is often used for track fairings. Fiberglass fairings (VTR) are cheap, they are light and great for riding the track. Being delicate, over time they can give signs of giving way (cracks around the fixing screws). Therefore, VTR fairings are often sold with kevlar or carbon reinforcements at the most critical points.
Carbon fiber boasts two excellent qualities: strength and lightness. Carbon hulls are the most advanced, the best in quality, but they are also very expensive. That is why they are still mainly used in competitive sport.
Later, we deepen the specific characteristics of the two materials that interest us most: ABS and carbon.
Types of fairings
Materials are important but, when it comes to the aerodynamics of motorcycles, it is also necessary to explain the geometries, shapes and therefore the types of fairings on the market.
The fairing can be integrated (more difficult in terms of maintenance) or applicable to the bike frame.
The most common types of fairings (some outdated) for road or sports use are:
- integral fairing, the most popular, suitable for both track and touring bikes. It is characterized by the front completely protected, with the exception of the wheel;
- torpedo fairing, introduced in the 1940s, designed for the track as it excels in performance. Greatly reduces air resistance, includes both chassis and pilot;
- semi-fairing, less and less used. In the past, it was chosen for sports bikes: it guaranteed excellent aerodynamic performance, protected both the rider and the bike in the front and was easy to maintain;
- dome, similar to the previous semi-fairing, with the exception of the front which is erected. It has no great aerodynamic qualities, it is designed to protect against adverse weather conditions (rain, snow). This fairing is used, in particular, by the police;
- dome, thetrack variant of the dome that, however, has a partial coverage. The pilot is protected only when he lowers his head;
- bell fairing, extremely handy to protect the front, which is no longer used today.
Differences between ABS fairings and carbon fairings: deepening
ABS fairings, the most used by manufacturers, give a good aesthetic result. They are made by injecting the material into a mold: as a result, the assembly of the pieces is simplified and, often, the purchased parts already have holes to mount them. ABS is difficult to repair, more expensive than fiberglass and cheaper than carbon fiber. Usually, opt for ABS who has to replace a side, fender or other component or those looking for a new livery to renew their bike.
The main characteristics of ABS are hardness and good impact resistance. It is possible to make several changes to the polymer to improve hardness, impact and heat resistance.
The carbon fiber hull is a world apart. Carbon is the best and most expensive material due to the particular processing process. A carbon hull is taken care of in detail, made with precision, with a very high aesthetic impact, available in a matte or glossy finish.
It offers superior resistance, weighs very little, is ideal for lovers of speed and performance, perfect for those who love to run on the track. In sports competitions, carbon fairings have allowed new speed records to be achieved.
Carbon fiber is also stiffer than ABS or other plastic materials.
The original carbon fairing like Ducati's is not found everywhere. Ducati carbon fiber fairings are of two types: complete (also with custom design) or that support single parts of the two wheels (saddle, frame, fender, codon, dome, etc.).
There are at least 5 advantages of carbon:
- extreme mechanical strength;
- low density;
- resistance to thermal changes;
- very high thermal insulation;
- fire-retardant effect.
Carbon offers more options and customization: it allows you to change the composition of the material by laying the sheets, to vary the texture and direction of the fibers, to change the degree of rigidity, bending, torsion points.
Inside our online shop you can find a wide selection of original, raw or painted fairings and also original carbon fairings.
