Bestem carbon - what was your experience?

[jdubxb]

Not too many choices in carbon parts for our bikes, so I'd like to hear your personal experience or observation regarding the Bestem carbon pieces. Fit, finish, longevity (bubbling, cracking, etc.)

[Doug Porcaro]

I'm pretty detail orientated and I have only good things to say. I may own almost everything they make for EBRs.

[jdubxb]

Good to hear. I might give them a try. Did you go with the gloss or matte finish?

[Doug Porcaro]

Both! No issues with either

[Kid Thunder]

Great product. I have matte on my SX & shiny on my Tuono. The only thing I had to do was enlarge the screw holes a little on some parts. Made for a perfect fit!! Been on my Tuono for at least 10 years.

[jdubxb]

I just received my Bestem order. I haven't installed anything yet to check for fit. My initial observation is that the pieces are feathery light. Here is what the pieces weigh on my postal scale:

Front fender: 190 gr (6.7 oz)
Heel guard: 18 gr per / 38 gr pair (.7 oz / 1.3 oz)
Hugger: 92 gr (3.3 oz)
Fan shroud 168 gr per / (6.0 oz)

Another thing I noticed was the difference in finish between the two sides of each part. On most parts, the side that's visible is nicely finished but the underside is pretty rough with some wrinkles. However, the big exception is the fan shroud, which looks equally good on both sides. The heel guards are not too bad on the underside. So they are able to make pieces that look good from all angles - is it a cost savings measure to not finish the underside of some pieces? I doubt anyone will see the underside of the fan shroud, so why not make the fender and hugger with the same nice finish on both sides?

I will weigh the stock pieces when I get around to installing the Bestem pieces.

[Rb70383]

Did you get the matte or gloss? I have the matte rear fender, but thinking gloss fan shrouds. Not sure how glossy it actually is.

[jdubxb]

I got the matte finish for all parts. Gloss seems too easily mistaken for a fake carbon print overlay, but that could just be me...

Here is the weight comparison:

Bestem front fender: 190 gr (6.7 oz) vs. OEM fender 336 gr (11.9 oz)

Bestem heel guard: 18 gr ea / 38 gr pair (.7 oz / 1.3 oz) vs. OEM heel guard 28 ea / 56 gr pair (1.0 oz / 2.0 oz)

Bestem hugger: 92 gr (3.3 oz) vs. OEM hugger 196 gr (7.0 oz)

Bestem fan shroud 168 gr + 162 gr (6.0 oz + 5.8 oz) vs. OEM fan shroud 220 gr (7.8 oz) - only weighed one side

So the fan shroud looks really nice on both sides, but also has relatively minor weight difference/reduction.

I might try the sprocket cover next.

[Rb70383]

I'm surprised the carbon is lighter. the heel guards are light to begin with. I'll stick with the matte. Post some pics when its together