What Type of Plastic is on Dirtbikes?

Dirt biking, an adrenaline-pumping sport that blends the thrill of speed with the nuances of navigating tough terrains, has evolved significantly in terms of design and manufacturing. One of the most significant aspects of such advances has been the selection of materials, especially the types of plastics used to form the outer shell and other parts of these rugged machines. 

Knowing the types of plastics used in dirt bikes is essential for enthusiasts of the sport as well as for manufacturers and professionals, as the material’s choice greatly impacts aspects such as the bike’s durability, weight and overall performance. The main reason plastics are exceptionally popular with dirt bikes is their ability to provide an ideal balance between strength and weight. This is because, in general, plastics are naturally much lighter than metals, which is a crucial characteristic when trying to improve the performance of weight-sensitive dirt bikes. In addition, plastic exhibits strong resistance to corrosion, which is an essential attribute for any vehicle having to withstand the inordinate conditions of off-road tracks. At the same time, plastic can be moulded into intricate shapes, allowing for aerodynamic shapes that can lead to faster bikes that handle better.

The plastics used in dirt bike construction are diverse, and each type has distinct properties that make it suitable for different applications. The following are some of the most important plastics used in dirt bike production:

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS): This is a tough and impact-resistant plastic that is highly suitable for parts that need assured durability. Body panels, as well as protective guards, are made with this plastic because it can take lots of punishment without breaking.

Polypropylene (PP): Polypropylene is one of the most versatile plastics around, and its excellent chemical resistance makes it perfect for use in the construction of mudguards and side panels. It's also found in some fuel tanks, and this resistance to chemicals in mud, water, and oil makes it a must for dirt bike plastic.

Polyamide (Nylon): Nylon is wear-resistant and tough, and that makes it extremely popular for parts like gear levers, foot pegs, and certain engine covers. These parts all get lots of abuse, but if they're made of nylon, it will take them a long time to show it.

Polycarbonate (PC): Polycarbonate is known for its high impact resistance and exceptional clarity. These properties make it the perfect material for windscreens and visors of dirt bikes. Its durability and lightweight construction mean that polycarbonate barely takes the hit when a dirt bike meets an obstacle, which tends to happen quite a bit.

Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs): TPEs are a class of soft, rubbery plastics with the benefits typically found in both rubber and plastic. TPEs are soft and flexible, with the added advantage of being durable. The soft, rubbery nature of TPEs make them an ideal choice for applications requiring a soft-touch feel or a good grip such as handlebar grips, and seat covers where they can dampen vibrations and give better ‘grip’ to the rider.

As you can probably guess, the selection and application of the various types of plastics in the manufacturing of a dirt bike is a complex, maddeningly intricate process. It takes a careful tango between the most stringent of requirements of an off-road bike. Through a blending and composite evolution, manufacturers are continuously pushing the envelope on the strength to weight ratio, as well as wear resistance of a properly put together dirt bike. As plastic technology advances by leaps and bounds, promise of these improvements sweeten the pot even more.

The types of plastics used in dirt bikes are vital in defining their efficiency, durability, and ability to overcome challenging terrain. At Two Stroke Racing, we sell Polisport OEM plastic kits for various bike makes. View our shop to see our plastic kits covering: KTM, Beta, Gasgas, Yamaha, Husqvarna, Honda, Sherco, Kawasaki and Suzuki. Get in touch with us if you’re unsure of which ones to go for, our experts will be able to help out and recommend the best possible kit for you!