ABS vs Fiberglass

[bogatyrs]

I want to add a fairing but don't know which option is better. ABS or Fiberglass. I understand FG is heavier and thus creates a more "top heavy" feel to the bike which changes the handling quite a bit.

I welcome any suggestions and comments based on actual experience. I have a 2010 Nomad.

Thanks

[ringadingh]

I don't find the fibreglass overly heavy on the bike, and its repairable and easy to work with. When ABS cracks its very difficult to repair as not much bonds to it very well.
Im not even sure if there are many ABS ones to choose from other than the newer HD ones.

[bogatyrs]

Thanks Steve good info.

[petenomad]

I think Wide Open Customs is ABS.

[cactusjack]

The fiberglass fairing from Reckless is very light, I can't imagine an ABS one would be much lighter. Personally, I prefer fiberglass because it's easier to repair.

[rewindgy]

Okay, now this is my opinion. I have unfortunately been in a couple of crashes - both not my fault - but still crashes. Okay, more than a couple. Now I have crashed a 1995 Venture ( plastic / ABS) and latest the Nomad with the Premeux Fairing & lowers ( fibreglass). The impact on the Venture was a glancing blow ( side swipe) and the plastic basically exploded upon impact! I did not fall down and bike was ridable. The crash guards kinda did their job but the plastic did not absorb any impact and required complete replacement of the side ( $3600.00). Now Nomad, clipped the back bumper / fender of a Buick that changed lanes in front ( or side) of me and turned into an approach of a Taco place. I basically hit the car with the fairing / lowers & crash guards. As I punched into the car I remember thinking the impact seemed to be absorbed by the fibreglass? The fibreglass parts did not explode but seemed to just buckle? As before I did not fall over but rode it out to a stop ( and I was 2 up with the trailer). After the altercation i rode the bike to the campground and finished the Holiday's with only pulling out the crash guard by hand and duct taping the fairing to keep it from more damage. Back home, repair costs $500.00. After inspection, the inner and outer fairing required re-glassing & paint. the lowers needed the inner and outer to be re-bonded to each other and painted, and a new crash guard and signal light. both fairing inner and outer are as strong as they were before the crash. So, I believe that fibreglass is better than plastic but does weigh more.

[Jared]

Is fg more expensive? Why isnt it used on the fenders etc?

[bogatyrs]

I will bet the issue is weight with the bike manufactures.

[VulcanE]

I have an HD inner and outer fairing ('04 model, ABS plastic) and I also have and use the Premeux fairing, which inner and outer are fiberglass. weight wise there is less than 2 pounds difference. The fiberglass is stronger, but you can get a slicker looking paint job out of the ABS with much less work. Me personally, I much prefer the fiberglass over the ABS.

[Jared]

Hoppe's site claims that their large fairing only weights 20lbs complete with cd player and speakers.

[rewindgy]

Fibreglass on fenders would need to have a inner coating to keep the wear factor down - making it heavy. I know on my Tiny Mite tent trailer it is fibreglass and it wasn't coated underneath and you can see some wear at the fenders - so I used rockguard and it hasn't worn since!