| Author | Message | ||
     Marcodesade |
I bought an aftermarket carbon fiber airbox off ebay from a company called MDI Performance. Someone asked me to post up my impressions when the piece arrived. The thing took 27 days to arrive --- that alone really bugged me --- but when it did arrive today, it took me about 5 minutes to know I'm going to send it back. The thing has MANY visible blemishes: 1. a couple of scratches in the resin, right out of the box. 2. many "pinholes" all over. 3. a couple of apparent imperfections in the carbon fabric itself. 4. a noticeable warp on the flat surface facing the rider. In addition, the thing is very thin, and the inside is painted black --- someone said that is a giveaway that they're trying to hide the fact that at least one layer is fiberglass, not carbon. Further, someone said that (based on the photos on ebay) it looks like the finish is made of cheaper polyester resin, not the more durable (and expensive) epoxy resin. I will follow up up within a few days to let you know whether MDI at least honors their 7-day return policy. | ||
| Marcodesade |
Bright note: they refunded my PayPal account within 3 hours of my request --- before I returned the item. Indeed, they have not even emailed instructions for how to do so, though I have every intention of returning it. | ||
| Sl33py |
thanks for posting the review - could you post pics? | ||
| Guard_rail |
yeah lets see the crap. and thanks for sharing. the good stuff cost close to 3000 from one of our sponsers, unless you find a real deal | ||
| Prowler |
Not trying to put down any of the sponsors of this site, but I bought a complete set of carbon fiber bodywork from "EastCarbon" (...yes, in China) and have found it to be very good quality for the cost. The majority of the parts have been on my bike for 2 years now with no yellowing of the resin/cloth which has been fairly common on other parts I've seen. I personally don't care if this stuff has a layer or two of fiberglass underneath, as it's still much thinner/lighter than the plastic stuff and it looks great. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them for cosmetic parts. Needless to say, if I was buying a structural part in Carbon Fiber, I'd be much more picky.....I've got photos (still haven't figured how to get them to post) if anyone's interested in seeing these parts on a bike. (Message edited by prowler on December 27, 2009) | ||
| Xtreme6669 |
Lets see the photos man!! its easy to post them! go set up an account on photobucket.com Its easy and its free. load the pics from your computer to the photobucket account... then there will be 4 links located under the pic, copy the lowest one down with the img code and paste it right into your post here... no need to use the attachment button at the bottom! | ||
| Tbolt98 |
I made a simalar transaction on ebay a few years ago for some carbon tuber (S3) parts. The parts looked horrible and could not even be mounted... they refunded my money and said to keep them to avoid negative feedback! | ||
| Marcodesade |
I'll post up my pix in a couple days. Prowler, I'd be very interested in seeing your pix. Can you PM them to me? I'm not racing. I just want the look, to go with my CF exhaust (Jardine). If I had twice the money to spend, I would certainly go straight to American Sport Bike --- I've had nothing but great stuff from Al and wouldn't hesitate to buy anything I need from him again --- but I just don't have the $350 (plus shipping) for what boils down to bling. If I can get a competently crafted, meticulously finished for a couple hundred, I'll do it. Otherwise . . . meh. Someone posted up a very nice tutorial from OPP Racing (google it). American Sport Bike also has a nice blurb. Both were pretty helpful to me as a n00b in learning what I'm looking for. | ||
| Ccryder |
I found that blurb on American Sport Bike site to be very informative. http://americansportbike.com/whybuycarbon.htm | ||
| Froggy |
I can vouch for the American Sport Bike stuff being top notch. Outside  Inside  If cost is an issue, get a vinyl wrap and cover the airbox | ||
| Sl33py |
froggy - gorgeous! I was looking at that cover... any pics of it on the bike? I'd be concerned about rain though (I Live in the NW). Al and American Sport Bike are top notch - just saving up for some of their premium kit!! Merry Christmas!! | ||
| Froggy |
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| Scarab_run |
VERY NICE | ||
| Prowler |
 OK, think I got this working. This pict shows upper and lower belt guards w/rear fender also sprocket cover (they didn't have a sprocket cover for a Uly so I used an "R" cover) | ||
| Prowler |
 Front end with windscreen, air box cover, front fender, and chin spoiler. | ||
| Prowler |
 Air scoop, oil cooler scoop, chin spoiler. | ||
| Xtreme6669 |
Nice! Aint that photobucket a great thing! | ||
| Prowler |
 Whole bike with Pelican bags. There were a few small issues mounting this stuff as the folks that manufacture this stuff don't have a bike to test the fit on. The airbox cover required opening up the mounting holes for correct alignment and some "evening" with the belt sander to get good alignment with the top of the frame. The front fender required a couple thick nylon washers to get it to sit at the right angle. Some of the other parts required a trim here or there for a good fit or clearance. For the money though, these are really nice parts. I personally prefer the small weave to the large and the cost of these parts is half of what the other guys want. Wish I had some better photos of the air box, but the bike's up on the lift for winter storage at the moment. I've since added the large right side scoop (required a LOT of work to get it to fit correctly (was a prototype part). Don't know if they're actually going to sell it.... | ||
| Americanmadexb |
Not to rain on anyone's parade, but CF looks like shit... flame on...   | ||
| Augustus74 |
Sorry but Prowler's c/f looks like those fake c/f stickers. Notice how Froggy's c/f, some squares touch and make complete lines?? | ||
| Prowler |
To each their own, I guess. I like the small weave. I decided against the American Sport Bike air box cover due to the uneven gaps to the frame and the air filter getting soaked down when it rains.......well, plus it's really expensive. Have also seen a few of the American Sport Bike airbox covers that turned a nasty yellow/goldish color after a couple years of sun exposure. | ||
| Drhodes1970 |
Looks like somebody has a carbon fiber addiction. Just kidding Prowler. Love your Uly. | ||
| Jng1226 |
I've got a mix of both American Sport Bike CF ($$$$) and eBay ($)on my XB9. The American Sport Bike is definitely better quality stuff, but from 50 feet away at 50 mph, they both look good IMHO.      Jeff | ||
| Jng1226 |
Took better pics today of bike standing still so you can see the differences in the carbon fiber weave between the American Sportbike primo stuff and the cheapo eBay stuff:   If I had the money, I'd go with all Al's American Sport Bike stuff, but we're talking 4 times or so the cost and in this economy? When I win the lottery I'm going to change Darth Maul into Darth Vader with all the American Sport Bike 1125 carbon parts - that would be bad ass, not to mention about 15 pounds lighter! Jeff |
