Bodywork and Fittings

Bodywork is usually one of the first things to get damaged in an accident and is particularly expensive to replace with new parts. Prices of used body panels varies enormously between different motorcycle models and in some cases perfect used panels may cost up to 80% of the new price. This is generally because of demand for certain panels in specific colours for bike models that are easily damaged in a low speed accident. Strangely enough, fairing panels for the newest 600 cc and 1000 cc sports bikes are often easier to source due to the number of bikes that are raced. It is very common for race teams to sell brand new body kits off to motorcycle breakers in order to help fund the racing season and so there is often a glutton at the start of the race season. If you are in the market for panels that are not perfect but will repair or re-spray easily then there is always plenty of choice. Of course repairs are possible but the cost can sometimes be higher than buying used and you get the added inconvenience of waiting.

Buying Used Bodywork and Fittings

When searching for used motorcycle body panels there are a few things you need to check. First is obviously to make sure that you know the exact model of the bike. Just because it was registered in 2001 does not mean that it is a 2001 model. Bodywork colour is one of the few things that often changes for every model year of a motorcycle. Most modern bikes have a label under the seat that will give a colour code for the bike and it may be useful to a motorcycle breaker if you know this. Make sure you are clear about the condition of the body panel that you are expecting. Ask whether the panel has been security marked as many bikes are now marked with things like DataTag that leaves a permanent etching into the panel that may not be desirable for some. If you need fixing hardware such as the fairing screws or the cage nuts then make sure these are included, they are not supplied with new panels but you should be able to get them thrown in from a bike breakers. If you follow the page down there is more specific information on various bodywork parts.

Belly Pan

The Belly Pan is the lowest part of the front fairing and runs under the engine. Depending on the motorbike model the belly pan may be formed by the fairing side panels or may be one or two separate lower sections. Belly pans are also fitted on some bikes that do not have a full front fairing and in this case it is a separate section.

Buying Used Belly Pans

As this is the lowest point of a motorcycle and located just behind the front wheel the belly pan is subjected to whatever gets thrown up, so you need to be sure of the condition. Stone chips are not unusual and neither are scratches underneath from being ridden off of kerbs. On some bikes the heat from the exhaust headers can cause discolouring or even blistering of the paint.

Body Kit

A body kit is a collective term for all of the bodywork that is fitted to a particular motorcycle.

Buying Used Body Kits

When buying a body kit make sure that all of the parts you are looking for are included as sometimes the fuel tank is not. If you need mounting screws and hardware make sure they are included too

Bodywork

See Body Kit

Fairing

The fairing is the front bodywork that protects the rider from wind etc. Usually this is made up from various parts and each part is usually sold seperately. Sometimes people use the term rear fairing to describe the seat unit.

Fender

See Mudgaurd

Fuel Tank

The fuel tank is where the fuel is stored. On a conventional motorcycle this is in front of the rider. When buying a fuel tank you need to check what is included in the price. Check if the fuel tap, fuel pump or fuel cap is included as these are often removed.

Gas Tank

See Fuel Tank

Hugger

See Mudgaurd

Mudgaurd

Mudgaurds protect the rest of the bike from the spray from the front or rear wheels. Some are more functional than others but there are three types of standard mudgaurd. The first is fitted to the front forks, the second to the very tail of the bike and this often holds the registration plate and indicators. The last is fitted to the motorcycle's swingarm and protects the back of engine and the rear suspension, this is often called a 'hugger' because of the way it wraps over the rear wheel.

Petrol Tank

See Fuel Tank

Screen

Fairing screens come in many shapes an colours and are often one of the first things to get changed on a new bike. They are often changed for slightly higher versions in order to provide better protection from the wind when motorway riding. They also can be bought in a multitude of colours and finishes and so are sometimes replaced purely for asthetic reasons.

Seat

Seats on modern sports bikes tend to be two separate pads, one for rider and a separate on for pillion. They often get torn from either boot buckles when getting on and off or from accident damage. Seats can be recovered and cover kits are available for most models. There are some specialist companies around that will recover a seat to your own specification, so if you are looking to lower the seat by removing padding or just want something that looks different this can be the be the best way to go.

Seat Unit

The seat unit is the plastic bodywork that surrounds the seat pad(s)

Side Panel

Fairing side panels are the bodywork sections that cover the side of the front of the bike. Depending on the model this may run all the way under the engine to form the belly pan as well.

V Piece

The V-Piece is the small V shaped piece of bodywork that sits between the fairing sides behind the front wheel.