[Chrome Dome]

I received a new set of ARD track plastics in the mail last week. I don't race (track days only), but my 929 is a full-time track bike. Here's my review for anyone interested in buying plastics:

ARD will color the fiberglass with almost any color you want and the gel coat is very nice. No need to mess with painting.

They're very well-built and sturdy, but surprisingly light

Installation was as easy as it gets. Very little drilling and everything mounts to stock mounts

Fit and finish is good. They're better than most racing plastics I've seen. I'm by no means an expert in plastics (just the opposite in fact) but I know quality when I see it

Customer service was outstanding. All correspondance occurred over email and they were quick with responses. There was a slight problem with my order, but they busted their humps to fix the problem and overnighted product to me immediately! I was very impressed

Attached is a pic... Sorry for the quality, the lighting was really poor

These guys will get my business for track plastics from here on. I recommend their product without any reservation.

edit: removed the "side note" about my alias

[maxib]

Very nice!!!

Is that their tailpiece as well?

[Chrome Dome]

Originally Posted by maxib

Very nice!!!

Is that their tailpiece as well?

Thanks Max. Yes, that is their tail piece as well

[ConqSoft]

Originally Posted by Chrome Dome

As a side note... This is a new alias for me. I used to be known as 'Chrome Dome' but I lost my login info then closed the email address and didn't bother with it. I've been around this forum since it's inception in the spring/summer of 2001

Fixed.

[Chrome Dome]

Originally Posted by ConqSoft

Fixed.

Thanks

[abtech]

Rydman has had the Ard bodywork for a few years and speaks very highly of it. The only thing I didn't like about his, is that it consists of matte glass instead of weave and matte is notoriously weaker than weave in the same thickness. However, the quality and finish seem excellent and he has been very happy with his.

[CanyonCarver]

Cool bodywork! I like that the color is impregnated throughout the plastic, so if it scratches, you can polish it out and not need to paint. I sent them an e-mail to see if they will be producing parts for my new bike.

[Red Rider]

Looks nice! How much did the set cost?

[Chrome Dome]

Originally Posted by Red Rider

Looks nice! How much did the set cost?

You know, I never really totalled it with shipping after the order went through but I think it came out to about $700 US for everything. They have a link to a currency conversion tool so you could total it for whatever pieces you're interested in.

It did take about 5-6 weeks for me to receive anything though so you do need to plan ahead

[Kookie]

My calculations brought the current price (buying all pieces and having them colored) to $778USD. What are the advantages of using this bodywork over OE?

[Chrome Dome]

Originally Posted by Kookie

My calculations brought the current price (buying all pieces and having them colored) to $778USD. What are the advantages of using this bodywork over OE?

Who let Kookie back on here? Last time I was here, he was booted

• Mildly crash durable (hope I never find out)
• Easier to remove (the stock plastics are just plain ridiculous - wtf was Honda thinking?)
• Cheaper to replace - even used plastics on eBay are expensive; if you can find what you need
• I can be a little less careful with these because they're meant to get scratched. My street plastics were always prestine; Drove myself crazy at the track trying to keep the plastics shiny
• They are quite a bit lighter than stock plastics (no headlight, tail light turn signals) and my rear seat cowl must have weighed about 7 pounds from Targa. I swear they molded that in mortar. It was like a brick (but looked nice). I'm too slow to care about the weight savings though. It's not the weight of my bike that's slowing me down (I wish it were).

And you can skip a step when prepping the bike (taping and disconnecting lights)

[Kookie]

Hey you!

Are you using D-rings then? or still using OE allen bolts? Learn me on race bodywork plz. I am finding street riding on the 'lacking' side - recalling Grattan and how much fun that was. As soon as funding arrives, the 929 will turn into track only and a slightly comfier bike used for me and the Misses.

[Chrome Dome]

Originally Posted by Kookie

Hey you!

Are you using D-rings then? or still using OE allen bolts? Learn me on race bodywork plz. I am finding street riding on the 'lacking' side - recalling Grattan and how much fun that was. As soon as funding arrives, the 929 will turn into track only and a slightly comfier bike used for me and the Misses.

It comes with the D-rings already installed to keep the upper and lower fairing together. The lower fairing mounts using the 2 or 3 bolts to the stock mount, but the nice thing about these plastics is how easy it is to get the upper off. I mounted it to the frame using the two mount points near your knees when you're sitting on the bike and to the four bolts where the mirrors used to be. I bought some rubber washers at the local H/W store to put between the fairing and bolts. It takes me about 10 minutes to remove the upper and lowers now.

I can't learn you about race bodywork though because I'm just learning myself

I know what you mean... After riding on the track, the street just doesn't compare

[CanyonCarver]

Originally Posted by CanyonCarver

I sent them an e-mail to see if they will be producing parts for my new bike.

The (quick) response:

Thanks for your email.
Unfortunately we do not have any immediate plans for the ZX10.
Assuring you of our best attention.
ARD Racing

[Chrome Dome]

Originally Posted by CanyonCarver

The (quick) response:

Thanks for your email.
Unfortunately we do not have any immediate plans for the ZX10.
Assuring you of our best attention.
ARD Racing

Damn it!

[cbr99xx]

This sounds exactly like what I've been looking for, inquiry sent. Have asked for pricing including estimated shipping costs, and estimated time of delivery (in the faster Honda red, of course ). Let you know what I hear back, thanks for the tip!

[CanyonCarver]

Originally Posted by Chrome Dome

Damn it!

[cbr99xx]

Their response:

Hello Kelvin
Thanks for your email and your kind comments.
Unfortunately we do not yet have the 2003 Fireblade in production and we are not sure when we will have it in production.
We are currently working on the tooling for the CBR600RR and everything is miles behind schedule!
Assuring you of our best attention.
ARD Racing

[Chrome Dome]

Originally Posted by cbr99xx

Their response:

Sorry guys

But they have 929 plastics!!!!

[aBnorMal]

I have the ARD plastics as well. I think they are a bit heavy but the fit and finish are very nice. I went down at jennings a short time a go and they fared very well. I used Marine-tex to fix em up and the bond is excellent. If they are delivering in 5 to 6 weeks that is excellent. A year and more ago it would easily take 3+ months minimum.

[NinerPilot]

THey also have them for the RC51...
Chris

[Kookie]

Originally Posted by NinerPilot

THey also have them for the RC51...
Chris

Really?? They are not listed on the website. Are they a 'special request' item? Here is the linkie poo - ARD

[NinerPilot]

I emailed them and they have them in stock.
Chris