Guides for Fairings

Plastic (ABS) vs Fiberglass Motorcycle Fairings: Which Is Better?

When choosing aftermarket motorcycle fairings, ABS plastic and fiberglass are the two most common materials. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on fitment, durability, cost, and intended use.

This guide explains the real differences so riders can make an informed decision.

What Are ABS Motorcycle Fairings?

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is an injection-molded plastic commonly used in OEM motorcycle fairings.

Key characteristics:

• Factory-style injection molding

• Consistent thickness and shape

• Flexible and impact-resistant

• OEM-level fitment

ABS fairings are widely used on street bikes and daily riders because they balance durability, fitment, and cost.

What Are Fiberglass Motorcycle Fairings?

Fiberglass fairings are typically hand-laid using resin and glass fiber.

Key characteristics:

• Lightweight

• Rigid structure

• Often requires trimming or modification

• Common in race-only applications

Fiberglass is popular for track use, where weight reduction matters more than perfect fitment.

ABS vs Fiberglass: Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Fairing Material Is Better for Street Riding?

For most street riders, ABS fairings are the better choice.

They:

• Fit OEM mounting points

• Absorb vibration better

• Handle daily riding conditions

• Require less installation time

Fiberglass fairings are better suited for race bikes or experienced builders who expect to modify and repaint.

Why NT-Fairing Specializes in ABS Fairings

NT-Fairing focuses on high-quality ABS motorcycle fairings designed for sport bikes such as Honda CBR, Yamaha R1/R6, Kawasaki Ninja, and Suzuki GSX-R.

Key advantages:

• Injection-molded ABS plastic

• OEM-style fitment

• Pre-drilled mounting holes

• US-based stock for fast shipping

This makes ABS fairings from NT-Fairing ideal for riders who want factory-level appearance without OEM pricing.