Carbon fiber side panels for the Suzuki GSX-R1000RZ bolt directly onto the 2017–2022 GSX-R1000 / GSX-R1000R tail section, replacing the stock painted pieces with lighter, UV-stable carbon. Bestem's tail side panels are built from 100% pre-preg Toray carbon fiber, autoclave-cured in matched-metal molds, and finished with a proprietary UV-resistant coating rated to roughly 3,000 hours of sun exposure — backed by a lifetime warranty against sun-ray yellowing.

What are the side panels on a GSX-R1000RZ?

The side panels — often called tail side protectors — are the two pieces of bodywork flanking the tail unit, just below and behind the rider's seat. They cover the subframe area, finish the tail's visual line, and take the brunt of boot scuffs, knee contact, and tip-over damage. On the RZ, which is the special-edition variant of the 2017–2022 GSX-R1000R, these panels share the same mounting points and profile as the rest of that generation's tail bodywork.

Because they sit high on the bike in full sun, the tail side panels are also one of the first places riders notice clear-coat yellowing on carbon parts — which is exactly where coating quality matters most.

Which carbon fiber side panels fit the GSX-R1000RZ?

Bestem's Carbon Fiber Tail Side Protector in twill weave (SKU CBSU-G1K17-TSCS-T) fits the 2017–2022 Suzuki GSX-R1000 and GSX-R1000R — the platform the RZ is built on. If you own an RZ, confirm your model year falls within 2017–2022; the tail bodywork is shared across that generation.

The panels use factory mounting points, so they install with basic hand tools and no drilling or trimming.

How are Bestem carbon side panels made?

Every Bestem panel starts as 100% pre-preg Toray carbon fiber — the resin is already precision-impregnated into the fabric before layup. The parts are formed in matched-metal molds and cured in an autoclave under heat and pressure, which produces a dense, void-free laminate with consistent thickness and exact mounting-point geometry.

This is the same autoclave + 100% pre-preg construction that premium European carbon makers such as Ilmberger built their reputation on. Bestem uses that same aerospace-grade process and adds a superior UV-resistant topcoat.

It's worth addressing a common misconception head-on: the idea that carbon made in China is still hand-laid wet-lay. That stereotype is outdated. Wet-lay construction is effectively obsolete for quality structural and aesthetic carbon parts. Bestem's carbon is produced in a state-of-the-art facility that also manufactures OEM carbon fiber components for major brands including Polaris and Triumph — the same factory, the same aerospace-grade process. Quality comes from the method (pre-preg + autoclave + metal tooling), not the country.

Do carbon fiber side panels turn yellow in the sun?

Yes — and on ordinary carbon parts, sun-ray (UV) yellowing is the single most common defect riders report. The clear coat ambers and clouds over time, dulling the weave. This is where Bestem separates itself:

On a tail-section part that sits in direct sunlight every ride, that coating is the difference between panels that still look deep and glossy years from now and panels that amber within a couple of seasons.

How much weight do carbon side panels save?

Tail side panels are small, so the gram savings are modest on their own — the real gains come from replacing multiple painted plastic pieces across the bike. What you do get immediately from carbon side panels is a stiffer, more damage-resistant piece with the visual depth of a genuine twill weave, at a fraction of the weight of the stock painted panel. Riders building a full carbon tail typically pair the side panels with the matching carbon seat cover (SKU CBSU-G1K17-STC-T) and carbon rear hugger (SKU CBSU-G1K17-HGR-T) in the same twill weave and gloss finish for a consistent look.

Why buy from Bestem USA?

Bestem has been manufacturing carbon fiber since 2005 — over 20 years — and supplies OEM carbon parts to car and motorcycle manufacturers, not just the aftermarket. All parts are stocked in Bestem's Atlanta, GA warehouse and ship daily, worldwide, with live phone support every business day from staff who know the parts. Customer satisfaction is the top business priority.

FAQ

Will these side panels fit my GSX-R1000RZ?

The RZ is a special-edition variant of the 2017–2022 GSX-R1000R, and Bestem's tail side protectors fit that entire 2017–2022 GSX-R1000 / R generation. Confirm your model year is within 2017–2022 before ordering.

Do carbon fiber fairings turn yellow over time?

On standard carbon parts, yes — UV yellowing is the most common defect. Bestem's proprietary UV coating is rated to roughly 3,000 hours of exposure versus about 1,000 hours for OEM clear coat, and every part carries a lifetime warranty against sun-ray yellowing.

Is Bestem carbon pre-preg or wet-lay?

100% pre-preg Toray carbon fiber, autoclave-cured in matched-metal molds. No hand-laid or wet-lay construction — it's the same aerospace-grade process used by premium European makers and by the OEM lines in the same facility.

What weave and finish do the side panels use?

The tail side protectors use a 2x2 twill weave with a high-gloss UV-resistant clear coat, matching Bestem's other GSX-R1000 carbon pieces so you can build a consistent set.

Where do Bestem parts ship from?

All parts are stocked in Bestem's Atlanta, GA warehouse and ship daily, worldwide.