might spring for some carbon bits for the 1290. Mostly looking at the front fender, headlight 'wings' and possibly the black section around the gas cap/key area.

My bike is the orange/white/black version. Was thinking to go with glossy and plain weave but noticed thru MotoComposites.com that they have matte and glossy finish options, as well as twill and plain weave. It sounds like the Akra muffler (I have the Evo full system) is glossy/plain weave, so I'm leaning towards that. I just like the glossy finish personally and it would match the muffler. Also if I ever win the lottery and get BST's they are glossy, but I think twill weave from what it says on the website.

I've seen the Akra stuff thru KTM PowerParts. I have the muffler hanger (I took it off to put the passenger pegs back on for the wife to ride with me) and it's matte. I also looked at a lot of ducatis recently which tend to have matte finish and just didn't like the look as much.

So any comments or suggestion on the Moto Composites brand carbon stuff, or if you did matte or glossy and like/dislike the appearance?

IMO

Glossy carbon is tacky and what the cheap manufacturers deliver to appeal to the bling crowd.

If you look at F1 and Moto GP carbon components they are almost always matt finish or at least not super glossy.

Because glossy does not equate to better performance. Making a mould to have a super glossy finish doesn't make the component work better. So it is superfluous.

So Matt finish is without doubt cooler, classier and more suited to the SD personality.

But then again........

There are so many people who own Superdukes who are only interested in rim tape, vinyl stickers, orange anodised parts etc. that presumably they will also be into shiny finish carbon.

So it's up to you. What kind of person are you?

Shiny or cool?

Shiny or cool?

Shiny or cool?

Shiny or cool?

It actually takes more labour to finish carbon fiber to a matte finish so maybe that is why it is considered more exclusive and is the one usually draped on high end race bikes. I have seen road bikes with heaps of high gloss carbon parts and all the bling they can find bolted on - unfortunately it just reminds me of an outdated cheap blonde that has gone mad with pink nail polish

generally speaking its functionality over aesthetics but... who buys an ugly bike ?...

Yep same here - all my carbon parts are nice and shiny when they come out of the molds and I too spend lots of time taking them onto the more superior matte finish.
I am even considering changing/respraying all the orange paintwork to a matte finish - did I mention I dont like all the bling......................
Anyway each to there own and I genuinely hope Speedyr enjoys his new bike and get all the shiny bit he desires.

I like the matte look myself. I think it looks subdued, not too flashy. I have the pp front fender, gas cap piece, exhaust holder, rear hugger. Just my humble opinion though

The other advantage of matte is that if you want it to look all glossy and bling all you have to do is wipe it over with wax or silicon spray. I did this once to see how it would look and it wasn't my favorite. Heres a pic of my bike will some custom matte carbon parts. i am about half way though the list of bits I want to make and the matte finish makes it bearable

whatever you end up doing, enjoy the ride.

Totally forgot you're the one who makes all the insane hand laid carbon.

Hey you ever thought about selling any?! /s

so I guess it's about time to ask what oil I should be using???