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As is the case with almost every Japanese car and motorcycle manufacturer, durability is something that their models are known for and Suzuki is the same. Suzuki makes some of the most reliable and affordable motorcycles at the same time.
You may not find them to come equipped with the latest technological advancements or the most powerful engines but they do tend to be quite robust and fuel efficient. The same goes for their dirt bikes which are great entry-level models that can last as long as you do regular maintenance on time. But as is the case with every dirt bike, a proper plastics kit is inevitable.
Types of Plastics Kits
Base
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The most common plastics kit you can get for your Suzuki is known as a standard or base kit. That's because it offers a set of trim pieces that are most commonly replaced on a dirt bike. These Suzuki plastic pieces are the side panels, radiator shroud, front fender and air box cover. This also makes a base Suzuki plastics kit the most cost-effective option.
Individual
If you want to just replace a single trim piece then you should consider going for an individual kit. This type of kit lets you be more versatile in terms of which plastic piece you want to replace be it because it's broken or faded. But because of this, individual kits are not as popular as base or full kits.
Full
A full Suzuki dirt bike plastics kit is, as you'd expect, packed with every single trim piece you can replace on your Suzuki. This includes the air box cover, front and rear fender, lower fork covers, radiator shroud and side panels. While these Suzuki plastics kits cost a lot more than the above two, they also allow you to change a different number of pieces whenever you want, it doesn't have to be all at once if you don't want to.
What Matters in a Plastics Kit
Fit
A compatible plastic skit is more important than an appealing one as the latter won't fit on your dirt bike. Make sure that no matter the type of kit you go for you first check if it's made for the exact model Suzuki motorcycle you have. The trim pieces shouldn't create large gaps or sit unevenly on the bike.
Thickness
The thickness of the material the pieces are made of determines their durability as well as protection. Thicker pieces are more durable and thus protect the bike better from flying debris. Thinner Suzuki plastic pieces are typically more flexible and also lighter. Go for whatever you favour more.
Decals
To make your Suzuki look better, a different colour Suzuki dirt bike plastics kit is not going to be enough, at least not if you want to make it stand out. Decals can change the way your dirt bike looks and it's totally up to you if you want stickers that have a more aggressive design or a toned-down one.
How to Install a Plastics Kit
Cleaning
The first and most important part before you start with the actual installation process is the cleaning of the bike. Before you get into the nitty-gritty, give the plastic pieces and thus the whole bike. A bucket of warm soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge will do just fine. Afterwards, just hose down your Suzuki and you're all good.
Removal
Once the plastics are cleaned up, remove them by taking off the screws and clips holding them in place. Be careful when taking off the clips as they can break more easily than the fasteners. If broken they won't be usable again as you need to put the new pieces in place.
Installation
Once the old trim pieces are out, give the areas behind them a good wipe with a damp cloth and then install the new parts. The new trim pieces are installed in the same way you removed the old ones just doing the steps in reverse. Lastly double-check every fastener and clip so that the pieces are securely in place and apply the decals, if you have any.
Maintenance of Plastics Kits
Wash
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1. The same first process should be performed when it comes to maintaining a clean body as well as plastic pieces that last longer and that is cleaning. Washing, to be more exact, is done with two buckets, one with clean water and one with warm soapy water.
2. You dump the cloth in the bucket with soapy water to get rid of the much and grime on the plastic pieces and once done, you use a different cloth to go over the same pieces. Once done with both buckets, hose down the bike but don't do so with a lot of pressure from the hose.
Apply
Once the plastic is dry be it by your hand or air, apply a UV protectant in the form of a spray. This way the sun won't make the pieces fade away as quickly.
Check
Make sure to check the pieces for any scratches or cracks in order to correct them or replace the part if needed.
Polishing
Lastly, apply some polishing compound made for plastic and with a polishing pad get the paste into the surface and when done use a dry microfibre towel to get the excess wax off.
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