The RSV4 needed some dressing up so I went with a tasty MotoComposites front and rear hugger in matte carbon fiber twill weave. Carbon fiber seems to be all the rage now.

I wanted the matte finish to keep with the matte silver/matte black theme on this machine.

From a bang for the buck perspective, this rates pretty low as the only advantages are a slight weight savings and it looks bling.....up close.

From ten feet away though, it's hard to tell the difference between these and the black plastic ones that came OEM.

I think carbon fiber is way over rated unless used for structural purposes like swingarms, frames, fuel tanks etc.

I think most folks over do it though, case in point is my new BMW S1000RR, the guy I bought it from ordered almost every carbon fiber part in the BMW catalog and I actually took the front fender off and put the OEM one back on.

What are the Hubinator's thoughts on the use of carbon fiber?

* Last updated by: Kruz on 8/15/2023 @ 7:56 AM *

I'm sold on the fiber strands, Kruz. Super light, super dependable, super strong in a racing environment. See the muffler strap? That will never break. What you're paying for are the molds to form the part. It's just a flat sheet of fiber, then the epoxy to set the part in the mold to form the fender, muffler strap, gas tanks, etc. Number plates are as light as a single sheet of a bounty paper towel... almost. Nasty sharp shit of weave to smooth out when it pops out of the mold.

Not sure they make replica looking all plastic wannabe carbon fiber. Only way to tell if it is fiber, say it cracks, you'll cut yourself/embed itself into the skin like fiblerglas, only hurts like a wood splinter, not a fine chip of steel in the skin's surface... if you've experience those nerve bites.

* Last updated by: Hub on 8/15/2023 @ 9:24 AM *

Yer right Hubster, this stuff is ultra light and as stiff as a monkey's ****, well you get the picture! I was thinking about the latest trend, which is carbon fiber bits layed on just for decorative purpose?

A complete carbon frame, swingarm, wheels, huggers, fuel tank and especially full carbon cowling will save a lot of weight and is almost bullet proof. My current employer builds entire airframes out of this stuff...

I agree it's the future on racing oriented machines, the Europeans have been quick to fully embrace the stuff on machines like the Ducati V4 Super Leggera but the Japs, with the notable exception of Yamaha's R1M, have been slow to adapt the technology.

My bold prediction as we are nearing the upper limits of combustion technology is the future will be in advanced lightweight composite structures, advanced aerodynamics, down force effects and even more adaptive electronic rider aids. Riding motorcycles may become like a video game with almost crash proof electronic safety nets deployed...

It's a bold statement but that is the trend I am seeing.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 8/15/2023 @ 10:53 AM *

Did someone say Aprilia carbon fiber…lol

* Last updated by: morgstang on 8/19/2023 @ 6:58 PM *

Did someone say Aprilia carbon fiber…lol

You are no doubt on a high fiber diet sir, carbon fiber that is...

Lookin good!

* Last updated by: Kruz on 8/20/2023 @ 5:15 AM *

morgstang, you must have invested $2000 in carbon fiber goodies?

Kruz im a carbon-o-holic. Stop me before i buy again…lol

I hear you bro, it's a very expensive way to save some weight and decorate, I'm trying to just say no to the impulse myself .

I'm sold on the fiber strands, Kruz. Light, very reliable, and very impressive in a dashing climate. See the suppressor lash? That won't ever break.

Bot wrote:

I'm sold on the fiber strands, Kruz. Light, very reliable, and very impressive in a dashing climate. See the suppressor lash? That won't ever break.

LMAO, AI Bot program tried to translate Hubbish and apparently blew out it's main frame..... I'm not sure even Hub can understand this Bot gibberish.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 10/5/2023 @ 7:25 PM *

"I'm sold on the fiber strands, Kruz. Light, very reliable, and very impressive in a dashing climate. See the suppressor lash? That won't ever break."

LOL, let me try, Kruz: 'I'm sold on fiber optics, Kruzzykins. It's so light, it's very so Bud Lite. And was almost impressed wither dashing thin dress in a climatic sexual event, until I saw she had no hips. See the limp suppressor lashes upon lashes it did to my Jonny Jack Off Machine? It's broke, me dick is broke too. And they said that he/she/it would never breakout of the closet.'

How'die dew in this AI climate we now live in today?

Hub your killing me, I laughed so hard I almost passed a kidney stone...