GSX-R 7/11 Rear Bodywork

Since the subframe and tail-piece had been fitted I've never been happy with the looks of the R1 bodywork (and neither has several other people judging by comments received). So I decided to undertake some simple modifications to improve the looks and hopefully acheive something a little more original looking. This page really is intended as a guide for anyone else who wants to try a similar modification to their own bike.

First thing to do is measure the distance of areas that need to be cut. I assumed that the fibre-glass tail-piece was manufactured reasonably square, so I chose the tips of the "ears" as a datum point to start measuring from. Having the bodywork coated in primer was useful as I could mark an approximate line in pencil straight onto the bodywork. Leaving the bodywork on the bike is also useful as you get a better idea of what looks aesthetically pleasing as you mark it up.

300mm looked about right, so I marked on the underside of the tail, then drew an approximate curve to match from the front mounting point to my chosen position. After a few attempts I decided exactly how I wanted the curve to run, so I marked quite a heavy line, then put masking tape over the line and re-drew it (the line was still visible through the tape). I then repeated this process on the opposite side of the tail-piece. Leaving the masking tape off until I'd decided on the line was useful as you can see the lines of the bodywork much better without it.

Next job was to take the bodywork off the bike and start cutting. I used a dremmel cutting tool and made my cut about 5mm from the line I wanted. At this stage, the masking tape prevents the fibreglass from splitting.

Next I used a medium grit sanding disk in an angle grinder to sand the rest of the bodywork away using sweeping motions to keep the curve. Occassionaly stopping to check that I was still following the lines.

After cleaning up any dust, I simply gave the edge a quick coat of primer to prevent any damage occuring to the fibre-glass.

I repeated the process for cutting back the undertray. Although I'm intending on making an aluminium plate to cover the area under the seat and to hide any electrics that need to be routed to the tail.