Bestem USA manufactures a 100% carbon fiber sprocket cover for the 2014–2019 Yamaha FZ-09/MT-09 that also fits the FJ-09, XSR900, and Tracer 900. It is built from pre-preg Toray carbon fiber, autoclave-cured in matched-metal molds, and finished with a proprietary UV-resistant clear coat backed by a lifetime warranty against sun-ray yellowing.
What does a sprocket cover do on the Yamaha FZ-09?
The sprocket cover sits over the front (countershaft) sprocket on the left side of the engine. It shields the rider from the chain and sprocket, contains chain-lube fling, and keeps road debris out of the drive area. The stock FZ-09 piece is molded plastic — functional, but plain, prone to fading, and easy to crack with a stray boot or a tip-over. Replacing it with carbon fiber is one of the cheapest visual upgrades on the bike: it finishes the engine case area, matches other carbon parts, and won't corrode, ever.
Which Yamaha models does this carbon sprocket cover fit?
The Bestem carbon fiber sprocket cover (SKU CBYA-FZ9-SPC-T) fits:
- Yamaha FZ-09 / MT-09 — 2014 through 2019
- Yamaha FJ-09
- Yamaha XSR900
- Yamaha Tracer 900
It is produced in a 2x2 twill weave with a gloss finish, matching the rest of Bestem's FZ-09/MT-09 carbon line. This part is a special-order item, so call ahead for current lead time — Bestem staff answer the phone live every business day.
How is the Bestem sprocket cover made?
Every Bestem carbon part starts as 100% pre-preg Toray carbon fiber — the resin is already impregnated into the fabric at a controlled ratio before it ever touches the mold. The layup goes into matched-metal tooling and is cured under heat and pressure in an autoclave, the same aerospace-grade process used for structural composite parts. 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.
The practical differences over hand-laid or wet-lay carbon:
- Precise fitment. Metal molds hold shape exactly, so mounting holes line up with the factory bosses without drilling or trimming.
- Consistent weave and thickness. No resin-rich puddles or dry spots, which is where cheap carbon cracks.
- High strength-to-weight. Pre-preg laminates are stronger at a given thickness than wet-lay parts, so the cover can be thin without being fragile.
Will a carbon fiber sprocket cover turn yellow in the sun?
Yes — most will, and it's the single most common complaint riders have about carbon fiber parts: the clear coat ambers and clouds after a couple of seasons of UV exposure. This is exactly where Bestem's coating matters most, because a sprocket cover sits low on the bike collecting sun, chain lube mist, and road grime year-round.
Bestem applies a proprietary UV-resistant clear coat rated to roughly 3,000 hours of UV exposure versus about 1,000 hours for standard OEM clear coat — approximately three times longer before any sun-ray yellowing appears. Because of that coating, every Bestem carbon part carries a lifetime warranty against UV (sun-ray) yellowing. The hard clear coat also wipes clean easily, which matters on a part that lives in the chain-lube splash zone.
How do you install a carbon sprocket cover on the FZ-09?
Installation takes about 15–30 minutes with basic hand tools:
- Remove the bolts holding the stock plastic cover and pull it away from the engine case.
- Clean the area — this is a good time to scrub built-up chain lube off the case and inspect the front sprocket and chain for wear.
- Position the carbon cover over the factory mounting points.
- Reinstall the hardware and snug it evenly to Yamaha's service-manual spec. Do not over-torque bolts into carbon — firm and even is correct.
No drilling, cutting, or permanent modification is required. The part is molded to the OEM mounting geometry.
What other carbon parts match the sprocket cover?
Two parts in the same twill weave finish the drive side of the bike:
- The carbon fiber chain guard replaces the stock plastic guard along the swingarm and visually connects with the sprocket cover.
- The carbon fiber clutch cover carries the same weave onto the right engine case, balancing the look on both sides of the bike.
Why buy from Bestem USA?
Bestem has been manufacturing carbon fiber since 2005 — more than 20 years — and supplies OEM carbon parts to car and motorcycle manufacturers, not just the aftermarket. Parts are stocked in the Atlanta, GA warehouse and ship daily worldwide, with live phone support every business day if you have a fitment question before ordering.
FAQ
Does this sprocket cover fit a 2018 or 2019 MT-09?
Yes. The cover fits the 2014–2019 Yamaha FZ-09/MT-09 across those model years, and also fits the FJ-09, XSR900, and Tracer 900.
Is it real carbon fiber or carbon-look plastic?
It is 100% real carbon fiber — pre-preg Toray carbon, autoclave-cured in matched-metal molds. There is no fiberglass core and no hydro-dipped plastic.
Will the carbon fiber yellow over time?
Bestem's proprietary UV-resistant coating is rated to roughly 3,000 hours of UV exposure — about three times the roughly 1,000 hours of standard OEM clear coat — and the part carries a lifetime warranty against sun-ray (UV) yellowing.
Is the sprocket cover hard to install?
No. It bolts to the factory mounting points with basic hand tools in about 15–30 minutes, with no drilling or trimming. It's a convenient job to combine with a front-sprocket inspection or chain cleaning.
Is this part in stock?
This sprocket cover is a special-order item. Call Bestem USA during business hours — real staff answer the phone — for the current lead time, or to confirm fitment for your specific year.