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Carbon Fibre Fever
Speciality Composite Carbon fibre and bespoke Titanium nuts and bolts
Carbon fibre a brief explanation
Carbon fibre was originally designed for aerospace technology. Once carbon fibre properties were understood it started to get used in many other applications most notably Formula 1 racing and on specialist road cars. This wasnt the only area it was being used and there are simply to many to list here. As the fibre developed it got to the stage where it would be left unpainted or lacquered to show off the different weaves and patterns that were used for strength and obviously a bit of show. Parts became more and more complex and some parts would be knitted together and it wasnt long before the motorcycle industry started getting in on it due to its weight saving properties and strength. It has been used for the last few years to a huge extent by Ducati in the MotoGP to a huge failing. However most GP teams still run with a carbon fibre swing arm and many other carbon parts.
There are two of the main types of weave used by motorcycle manufacturers. These are basket weave (left pic) and twill (right pic). Twill weave is mainly used by Japanese manufacturers, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Honda. Note the diagonal stripe across the weave for that unique look. Basket weave is mainly used by European and American manufacturers. The likes of Ducati, Aprilia, KTM and MV Augusta.
Kevlar weave is very rarely used where you can see it. And is more often used on the rear of carbon fibre protective covers. Anyone that has motorcycle jeans if you look inside the chances are they are lined with Kevlar weave. Extremely strong and hard wearing especially when heat is applied.
Color impregnated is not for everyone and basically uses a colored fibre weave to make the 'weave' stand out in what ever color you want. However the color of the weave is normally red green or blue. Other colors can be used but this is much more specialist.
Today there are many different patterns and weaves that can be used depending on what its purpose is. The thickness of the carbon fibre and direction of the weave can contribute to how it will flex under different pressures. This leads nicely into how brittle and un flexible carbon is. Carbon fibre does not bend or have much give and this should be considered when fitting carbon parts. Its tough stuff and can be treated quite robustly but push it to far and it will fracture which cannot be fixed.
