Bestem USA manufactures direct-fit carbon fiber side panels for the Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST 2023 — a left side panel (SKU CBHD-LR23-SPNL-T) and a right side panel (SKU CBHD-LR23-SPNR-T) in matching 2×2 twill weave. Each panel is 100% pre-preg Toray carbon fiber, autoclave-cured in matched-metal molds, and finished with a UV-resistant clear coat rated to roughly 3× the sun exposure of a standard OEM clear coat.
Which Harley Low Rider models do these side panels fit?
The left and right side panels listed here are engineered specifically for the 2023 Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST. They are shaped to the ST's bodywork and mount as direct replacements for the factory panels, reusing the stock mounting points and hardware.
The Low Rider S (2020–2021) uses different bodywork, so these ST panels are not the right part for that bike. Low Rider S and Street Bob (2018–2021) riders looking to add carbon up front can instead look at Bestem's carbon fiber quarter fairing for Street Bob 18–21 / Low Rider S 20–21.
How are Bestem carbon fiber side panels made?
Construction is where these panels separate from typical aftermarket carbon. Every Bestem part is built to the same specification:
- 100% pre-preg Toray carbon fiber — the resin is pre-impregnated into the fiber at a precisely controlled ratio, not brushed on by hand. That means consistent resin content, consistent thickness, and no dry or resin-rich spots in the laminate.
- Autoclave-cured — the laid-up part is cured under heat and pressure, the same aerospace-grade process used for structural composites. Pressure consolidates the laminate and drives out voids that plague wet-lay and resin-infused parts.
- Metal-molded (matched-metal tooling) — both halves of the mold are machined metal, so the panel that comes out holds its shape and its mounting points land where the factory panel's did. Fitment accuracy is built into the tool, not sanded in afterward.
This is the same autoclave plus 100% pre-preg construction that premium European carbon makers such as Ilmberger built their reputation on — Bestem uses that same technology and adds a superior UV-resistant coating on top of it. It's a process we've refined since 2005, over 20 years of carbon fiber manufacturing, and it's the same discipline behind the OEM carbon parts we supply to car and motorcycle manufacturers.
Do carbon fiber side panels turn yellow in the sun?
Yes — sun-ray (UV) yellowing is the single most common defect riders see on carbon fiber fairings and side panels. The clear coat ambers and clouds, the weave loses its depth, and the part looks aged long before it's worn out. On standard clear coats — including most OEM carbon coating — visible yellowing typically begins at around 1,000 hours of UV exposure.
Bestem's proprietary UV-resistant clear coat is engineered specifically to protect the carbon weave from sun-ray yellowing, and it's rated to approximately 3,000 hours of UV exposure — about 3× longer than standard OEM clear coat. Because of that coating, every Bestem carbon part carries a lifetime warranty against sun-ray (UV) yellowing.
Standard clear coat: ~1,000 hours of UV resistance. Bestem's proprietary coating: ~3,000 hours — backed by a lifetime warranty against UV yellowing.
Are carbon side panels worth it on a Low Rider ST?
Honestly, a side panel is a small cover, so the gram savings on this part alone are modest — this isn't a subframe or a wheel. The practical case for carbon side panels on a bagger is different:
- Fit precision — matched-metal tooling means the panel gaps and mounting points mirror the factory part.
- Weave and finish — a true 2×2 twill with real depth, not a hydro-dipped print or a skinned plastic part.
- Durability of the finish — the UV coating keeps the panels looking new long after stock-clear parts would have started to amber, and the lifetime UV-yellowing warranty stands behind that.
- A matched system — the panels share weave, finish, and coating with the rest of the Low Rider ST carbon line, so the bike reads as one build rather than a mix of finishes.
How do you install carbon side panels on the Low Rider ST?
Installation is straightforward hand-tool work — minutes per side:
- Remove the fasteners holding the stock panel and lift it off its locating points.
- Transfer any rubber grommets or isolators from the stock panel to the carbon panel.
- Set the carbon panel in place and start all fasteners by hand before tightening any of them — this lets the panel seat on its locating points.
- Snug the fasteners evenly. Do not overtorque into carbon fiber; the panel is clamped, not crushed.
The panels reuse the factory hardware and mounting points, so there's no drilling, trimming, or fabrication involved.
What other carbon parts match the Low Rider ST side panels?
Because the whole Low Rider ST line shares the same twill weave and UV-resistant coating, the side panels pair directly with:
- Carbon fiber front fender for Low Rider ST 2023 (SKU CBHD-LR23-FFD-T)
- Carbon fiber tank pad for Low Rider ST 2023 (SKU CBHD-LR23-TPD-T)
- Carbon fiber chain guard for Low Rider ST 2023 (SKU CBHD-LR23-CGD-T)
All Low Rider ST parts are stocked in Bestem's Atlanta, GA warehouse and ship daily, worldwide. If you want to confirm fitment before ordering, our staff answers the phone live every business day — customer satisfaction is the top priority here, and that starts with getting you the right part the first time.
FAQ
Do carbon fiber side panels turn yellow in the sun?
Panels with standard clear coat do — UV yellowing typically shows after roughly 1,000 hours of sun exposure. Bestem's proprietary UV-resistant coating is rated to approximately 3,000 hours, about 3× longer, and every panel carries a lifetime warranty against sun-ray (UV) yellowing.
Will these side panels fit the Low Rider S or older Low Rider models?
No — the left and right side panels are engineered for the 2023 Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST. The Low Rider S (2020–2021) uses different bodywork; for that bike, Bestem offers a carbon fiber quarter fairing shared with the 2018–2021 Street Bob.
Are the side panels sold as a pair or individually?
Individually. The left panel (CBHD-LR23-SPNL-T) and right panel (CBHD-LR23-SPNR-T) are separate part numbers, so you can replace a single damaged side — or order both together for a matched twill weave across the bike.
What's the difference between pre-preg and wet-lay carbon fiber?
Pre-preg carbon has resin pre-impregnated into the fiber at a controlled ratio and is cured under heat and pressure in an autoclave, producing a lighter, stronger, void-free laminate. Wet-lay carbon is hand-brushed with resin and cured at ambient conditions — heavier, less consistent, and more prone to fitment and finish problems. Bestem uses only 100% pre-preg Toray carbon, autoclave-cured in matched-metal molds.
How quickly do Bestem Low Rider ST parts ship?
All parts are stocked in Bestem's Atlanta, GA warehouse and ship daily, worldwide. Live phone support is available every business day if you have fitment questions before or after ordering.