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Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
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Photo by Carl Parker,
Always curious Tibetans,
Tibet, China



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  #1  
Old 5 Oct 2003
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Working with Carbon Fibre
Does anyone have experience working with Carbon Fibre. Building molds and laminating etc.
I am considering making some overlanding components for my KTM Adventure as well as replacing the original plastic sidepanels with something a bit more functional ie. including storage compartments. I was thinking of carbon fibre instead of fibreglass.
I have never done anything like this before, is it complicated?

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  #2  
Old 5 Oct 2003
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should be a good baptism by fire. carbon is fashionable and light, but not much good for impact damage or (tidy) repairability. glass is barely any better, but its usually cheaper for resins, matting etc. ie it could be a cheaper way to practice your technique and design. maybe someone who works for a small boat/parts company can help you.
good luck
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  #3  
Old 1 Nov 2003
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i have made some things from carbon, kevlar and glass. (my travel bike has a seat base of home-made fiberglass) from what I have read and done, I would say that carbon is only for when you need it REALLY light and stiff.
Learn with glass.
Even most "carbon fiber" parts only have the outer layer in carbon for looks. all inner layers are glass.
Good luck
PS there is a website, forget the name but their moto is "itching for fun" that sells home layup supplies. do a search
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  #4  
Old 1 Nov 2003
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I guess you could use some carbon fiber in parts not exposed to danger in case of a tumble, for it will not bend, only break.
On the other hand, from what i´ve read in this site, when preparing a bike for overlanding, you can sacrifice some weight in order to gain reliability and easy maintenance, not the best features in carbon fiber.
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  #5  
Old 14 Jan 2004
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Have a look at:

http://www.mci.i12.com/carbon/index.htm

for some practical advice.

You could also try the model aircraft websites - they use this stuff a lot.

The bible is: "Handbook of Composites" S.T. Peters (Editor), Chapman and Hall. I have the 2nd (1998) edition which I think is the latest. Its a collection of journal articles - some v. technical but others surprisingly readable.

I've wondered about making some KTM950-type fuel cells for an XR650L out of carbon-fibre with nomex honeycomb bracing. My thinking was that it might help get the CofG down a bit lower. It might deny the engine of side draghts though.

Seems like carbon-fibre might be useful for knocking up smaller components like instrument supports, fairings etc.. Still, don't know whether wt. savings would be worth the effort.
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