ZXR250 Chinese Fairings - my experiences

[Mattyb_76]

Hey,

I just thought I'd share my experiences so far with purchasing some Chinese imported fairings. There doesn't seem to be a lot of information around, so I figured this might help others.

I've been doing a minor clean and tidy up of my bike and wanted to replace the fairings amongst other things, but alas there is nothing OEM available for this bike, and I didn't want to have to learn how to repair and spray paint straight off the bat.

So I'd been looking over ebay for a while as this seemed to be the only place that had any fairings for the ZXR250C. I am always wary of ebay and Chinese imports of anything, but for $550 I figured it was a measured risk.

I contacted one of the ebay sellers directly (also risky), and after a few emails of dialogue decided to go ahead with the purchase. He provided an ABN so I was able to confirm that the guy I was emailing was legit, and went ahead with the order. Colour matching was gonna be an issue, as I didn't want to have to have to repaint the tank, but as my bike is blue, I looked at a couple of pictures they had under a couple of differnent lights and was confident it would be 'close enough'.

I was told it would be about 2 weeks before they could provide a tracking number and 3 weeks until delivery. 3 weeks was up today, so last night I emailed the seller to see if there was a tracking number or ETA for delivery.

Anyway, about 30 minutes ago a large package arrived for me at work, and to my surprise Santa was delivering my fairings (yes, the delivery guy had a red shirt and grey beard).

I've opened the box, and they all the pieces look well packed and supported by a wooden frame. I've unpacked a couple of items, and the finish is quite good. I'll take it all home tonight and unpack the items for a proper look.

So far my experience has been good. Other people have mentioned that often the parts do not fit together as closely as OEM parts. Time will tell.

I'll take and post a few photos tonight for you all.

[robracer]

Have you got details for this importer?

[Mattyb_76]

Yep, I can PM you, or I can post here if more people are interested.

[waynemorgan]

Well done - be interested to see how they look on the bike and how difficult to fit

[Mattyb_76]

First problem encountered. I decided to unpack a few of the larger items and I ordered a single colour blue, with no decals.

I receieved half blue, half silver with a few decals on a few pieces.

I won't give you all a 'blow by blow' of everything that happens, but I've emailled to see how this can be rectified.

[Mattyb_76]

Ok, I've been in contact with the supplier, and he's been very helpful. He said it was a problem with the communication between him and the supplier (Quelle suprise!). He offered to have them collected at his cost, and get replacements shipped to me. I was pretty happy with that.

Anyway after a little pondering I decided that I'd keep the fairings 'as is'. I figured it would be a hassle for me to re-wrap and re-pack the items I'd opened. There's a risk for the supplier (not that I know the guy, but 'karma') that if I didn't pack them right, he'd receive damaged good that he'd have to sell himself. If he had to collect them, it's likely I wouldn't get the new ones until lat Jan, and in the end I thought that a change in colour/design would be good. The silver and blue looks good, and the decals under clearcoat look great.

So I have told the supplier I'll do him a favour and keep the fairings. The blue does not match the existing tank, but I assumed it never would and was reserved to having to respray that. I've asked the supplier for the paint code used, or even possibly a tin of paint for the tank. That will be further down the track.

A general comment would be that the molds don't seem to be as 'precise' as OEM (not unexpected). Internal edges don't seem to be as sharp, pieces seem to be a bit more curved. I'm sure this has to do with rough copies being used or molds not being done properly in the first place.

Anyway, I started trying to fit the fairings on the weekend. I had a little free time and wanted to take my time.

I unpacked everything and checked them for damage during transit, and was happy that nothing was damaged. Included in the fairings were a big bag of random screws, a black windscreen and a small part of the fairing I didn't know I'd lost (joins the front lower side fairing at the bottom to funnel air up towards the radiator).

I started with the rear section, as it's much easier to replace than the front. I took my time and documented all the screws I was removing, as I want to get SS or anodised aluminium ones to replace them.

The ZXR250's rear is made up of 3 panels, 2 along the side and one at the rear in the middle. The sides seemed to fit well, lined up with fuel/reserve switch and seat lock. Screw holes were off by a little bit on a couple of holes, but with a little pressure they fitted fine.

The major issue is the centre rear panel. It seems to be bent/made at the wrong angle (slightly), and doesn't line up with the side panels. Also it presses quite hard on the top of the break light.

(Sorry, images are pretty terrible, I'll fix up tonight and repost some better ones.)




I'm wondering if I can heat the ABS plastic and bend it slightly, but I'm worried it might bubble the paint etc.? Other options are to prop the piece up from inside, or even file it down a little at the back. Also drilling slightly 'longer holes' in one section will allow the piece to stretch and flatten. The OEM part has these longer holes.

I will take some more pics, and possible a video to illustrate this issue.


The front fairings will have to wait, as I don't really have time to mess around with them at present. Possibly at Xmas, or on my paternity leave in mind Jan/Feb. I want to get some flush mount indicators for the front fairings (prob regular not LED) and solder proper connectors for ease of removal, all of which is new to me so I will take some time.

[timmyrocks]

Nice write up,, as far as that centre piece goes, I'd personally stay away from heat. Id try the bigger holes and file first.
Hope the rest fits will little trouble keep the pics coming

[ba114]

How'd you end up going with these?
can you point me in the direct of where to find them?

Thanks