I would like to know what experiences people have had with aftermarket bodywork. What do you like/dislike and why? My brother and I have been using stock bodywork for a couple of years now for track events but we would like to convert our bikes to track-only use. We had a bad experience with an "ebay brand" as the mounting holes were not even close. I think we will be staying with the known brands for now but would like to understand the differences. And yes, we have noticed the great deals on Hotbodies on the sportbiketrackgear website (how do they sell for so much less???). So again, who likes what and why? Thanks, Adam Looking forward to Putnam in the 40s this weekend.
I have the hotbodies bodywork on my bike. It takes a little work to get the holes to line up perfectly, but they aren't that bad. Prep takes a little time, but you can make it look really nice. I've unfortunately also lowsided with it and it crashes really well. It didn't grenade on me. I've still got the same one on.
Sorry - I was screwing around an deleted the previous post by Mike. We are sponsored by Hotboddies and they make a god set for a modest invstment Sharkskinz are the benchmark but at TWICE the price for the same set from Hotboddies, I personally have to think long and hard if it's worth twice the investment. I have used both and if I'm spending my money, I opt for the Hotboddies based on economics but I'm not fashion concious either. Im a jeans and Dr Martins kind of guy. I guess you need to ask yourself if $900 is in you budget or you willing to settle for something that is still good for the intended purpose but 1/2 the price. I personally get a big kick out of some riders who buy one brand vs. another based on weight savings then take 2 Honey Buns at registration. We're riding track days, not Moto GP and a pound or two or three on sprung weight is meaningless. SPORTBIKETRACKGEAR.com carries both. 888-STG-GEAR
That made me laugh! Another option is to try and find a used set in good shape. I lucked out and found a complete set of Sharkskinz that were never mounted for less than half of what a new set would cost. They were even painted. Deals are out there if you look around.
I run Sharkskinz on the RC (so between me and it, weight is an standard feature). The only fit that I would not call excellant is the windscreen and it is largely due to my installation not the bodywork. Me and Dad installed it in an evening and neither of us had ever installed track plastic (though both are mechanically able). I would likely buy another set if I changed the RC or got a second track bike. However I have noticed that fit varies by application on all brands so hunt people with a similar bike for the best feedback.
I've mounted three sets of GP Composites bodywork by Morse racing in the last six months. In my opinion, it is the best bodywork on the market, and is priced between Hotbodies and Sharkskins. The fit, flexibility, and finish are pretty much standard setting. Lithium Motorsports is the national distributor for GP Composites, but I believe Sportbike Track Gear can get them for you as well. Can I get a banana to go with my two Honey Buns? And are there any Famous Amos cookines left over from lunch?
I have installed ,repaired and painted and .....um ..crashed alot of brands . I like Amour Bodies ,very flexible ,decent gelcoat and the fit was very good . Shark skins are also up there, not as flexible Gp composits have a good rep also . These are the high end ones Just a few cases worth of honey buns
I've had the chance to own a Sharkskinz tail section and e-Bodies bodywork through a seller on eBay. There is no doubt the Shark is built better than the e-bodies. But as mentioned, much more $$$. I have gone down twice with the e-bodies race work and it has held up remarkably well considering the price savings compared to other manufacturers. There were no fitment issues and I just had them repainted this year and they look terrific. I know those who have purchased from Rob at Lithium and other higher end products are very happy with their items. The saying always stands that you get what you pay for; but, for $330.00 to your door, I am not complaining at all about e-bodies and would highly recommend them to someone on a tight budget.
I am with K3 on this. I have shark skins , hotbodies,godfather,and my friend uses Amour Bodies. GP Composites bodywork by Morse racing is a lot nicer than any of the others,and are well worth the price
I just mounted up a set of Catalyst bodywork on my 675 last night. It was probably the easiest mod I've made to the bike (other than switching out seats). The DZUS came pre-installed, and all dimples for mounting holes were 100% right on. Surface finish is excellent. With about an hour of sanding the edges I wouldn't hesitate to run this on the street and pass it off as stock. I have heard people compare Catalyst to Sharkskinz as far as quality. The fit/finish is outstanding. The price is comparable to Sharkskinz. They aren't real flexible, but I haven't crashed them yet either. -Tom
Here's what I received from E-Racings: Looks much worse in person. I have a set of Armour Bodies arriving tomorrow. Pretty sure it will be nicer.
I got a used/crashed set of Cheetahs for 100 buck, fixed them fiberglass. They are a bit heaver and more brittle now, but then again, so am I. I say go with the hotbodies from Brian. I'd rather Crash a $499 set than a $799 set.They all end up duck taped, figerglassed and bondoed anyway.
Received my Armour Bodies today. I am very pleased with the quality, finish and fit. Highly recommended.
Told ya ! You guys doing your first set ..... Leave at least a quarter inch of clearance around the sliders . It lets the bodywork move around a little in a crash .
Does anyone know where I can get a tail section made for a 2006 Yamaha FZ-1. I guess it will have to be a one of a kind cause nobody lists my bike for very many aftermarket goodies. Thanks in advance for any help.