• Bikes

    Finalizing Bodywork and more…

    I finally completed the bodywork on my R3. I installed the SharkSkinz fairings in a previous video, but I still had some minor challenges to secure the upper fairing properly. I tried to install the fairing stay brackets from Norton Motorsports but didn’t have a lot of success. Watch the video to see what I did to resolve the problem.   I also modified the seat bracket from SharkSkinz to support a DZUS Pro fastener instead of the small screw that came with the connector. Using the quick-release fastener will significantly simplify the installation and disassembly of the race tail/race seat.   I am also showing how I fixed the alignment problem I encountered when I initially tried to connect the lower and upper fairings with larger fasteners.   And finally, I’ll show you how I modified my Puig windscreen to fit in between the upper fairing stay while remaining flush against the inside…

  • Various Fasteners
    Bikes

    The Best Quick Release Fasteners for your Race Fairings

    Work has been busy this week, and I ended up spending a lot of time on what I thought was going to be a series of quick and easy modifications on the R3 (more on this topic next week). So, I will keep this blog post shorter than usual since most of the content I want to cover is in the video.   I am sharing my quick fasteners (mis-) adventures, and hopefully, you will benefit from my findings. I’ve tested six different types of quick-release D-ring fasteners. I will reveal the best and most reliable option for your motorcycle fairings. I am talking (and comparing) the following quarter-turn fasteners in…

  • Bikes

    HOW-TO: Install SharkSkinz Race Bodywork on your R3

    Are you ready to go to the track with your R3? If you are serious about getting into this sport, one of the essential investments required will be to replace your OEM plastic with race bodywork. It will simplify and speed up the maintenance process when you are trackside by reducing the number of parts requiring assembly/disassembly. Installing race fairings means that you will, at a minimum, remove your mirrors, lights, blinkers, and a few unnecessary plastic trims.  The other advantage of using race bodywork is if (or when) you have an incident with your bike, a quality body kit will be much easier to repair than the manufacturer’s plastics.  In my last encounter with a wall of tires at my local track, my bike suffered severe road rash…