Carbon Parts/ASB

[sewerman]

I looked at the photos of American Sport Bikes carbon parts for my 12R. I contacted ASB and they said they are glossy but not clear coated. Anyone have a good pic of their carbon stuff(their photos are not that clear). Can there parts be clear coated after purchase? Never had carbon stuff before so clear coat hints would be appreciated(if needed). I have dealt with ASB and they are good folks, just want to see better pics. I know carbon is really just bling on a street bike but I have the fever. Thanks for all of your help!

 

[Cosworth]

ASB's stuff is really nice, I have just about every ASB CF part available for my xbxs. In my opinion the epoxy used to set the carbon fiber looks just like clear-coat. It holds up nicely I just wax mine from time to time.

 

[Theycallmecrash]

ive had mine almost 2 years I think, still clear looks sharp dont see a point in clear coating.

 

[sewerman]

Thanks for the pic!

 

[John422]

It depends where your at how much you ride. Where you park your bike. And where you live. I have nothing but carbon fiber. I need to get it re clear coated. But yes clear coated carbon looks much better then non coated. Carbon fiber will fade. And it looks like shit! And I'm Already mad at myself for not clear coating it all cause now I have to spend the money twice on carbon fiber because I thought my pulley cover wasn't a big deal and wouldn't get that much sun. Well the whole top half faded when the bike was in Texas. There's no fixing it. Just buy a new one and clear coat it then you never have to worry about it again. And it cleans much earlier too.

 

[sewerman]

John422,
My 12R stays in the garage all the time unless its out on the road. Comments?

 

[John422]

Like I said. That's how mine is too unless I take it to work. Then it sits outside all day but it's next to the building so it's in the shade most all day. But anyways yes dude clear coat it. You just spent all that money protect your investment. Never have to worry about them again. And o man does it add so much depth to the carbon fiber.

 

[sewerman]

My neighbor is a paint/body guy and has painted stuff for me before(painted my mirror block off plates to match the bike color) What type of clear coat should be used on these epoxy pieces. Would not want to put on a coating that reacts with the epoxy! Not looking for a wrinkle type finish, KNOW WHAT I MEAN?

 

[John422]

To be 100% honest with you. I'm a mechanic not a painter. Haha I don't know what clear coat would be best. But I could tell you all my painters in my local area from best to worst haha but I will say with painters you get what you pay for. So don't just jump on some painters boat cause he have you a cheap quote. But if he's your neighbor and buddy I'm sure he's going to try extra hard for you haha

 

[BambamXB12r]

I agree with John. I live in Las Vegas and am going to get mine clear coated in about two weeks. I watched my buddies fade last summer. I took mine to about three different shops and had each of them talk to me about it and decided for myself which shop was best. I don't remember what kind of clear he was saying either.

 

[John422]

I have a ASB rear carbon fiber cover for an R tail if anyone is interested in trying to sell it. It is also clear coated too! Already done.

 

[buellerchris]

 

[pur pony]

its not clear coated but it sure looks like it has a clear gel coat which is just as good or better then a clear coat.

Those that are saying its fading, are you keeping a good coat of wax on it at all times?

It does depend on how good of a gel coat and how thick as well.

The filler tank pieces on my X1 are cheap MDI stuff and its nice and shiney. Im sure the gel coat or clear coat thats on them are not the best but they have heen holding up fine for the 5 years they have been on the bike.