When it comes to aftermarket motorcycle accessories, the world well and truly is your oyster if you are seeking to upgrade your motorbike.

With just about everything to increase functionality, performance, convenience and more, it has never been easier to treat your pride and joy an enhancement or two.

Belly pans are another fine example of this and although they may not be top of the list of priorities, they should not be ignored either. So, what exactly is a motorcycle belly pan and what do they have to offer?

What Is A Motorcycle Belly Pan?

Belly pans are a type of fairing that has been designed to add a sporty aesthetic to the front of the motorcycle whilst shielding the front underside to prevent the buildup of mud and dirt that could collect in what would otherwise be a naked, exposed area.

What Are The Benefits Of Motorcycle Belly Pans?

Featuring a sleek, modern design.

So, while the sporty characteristic of a motorcycle belly pan adding a sleek, modern appearance is undoubtedly the main selling point, particularly for naked motorbikes, the list of benefits certainly does not end at cosmetics. In fact, there are a number of incentives that add to a belly pan’s capabilities.

The addition of a belly pan can use wind to the motorcycle’s advantage, redirecting airflow and reducing drag to increase the aerodynamic performance and enhance stability. This ability is particularly pertinent when it comes to Puig’s belly pans thanks to the use of their innovative wind tunnel testing which is carried out with the aim of improving the aerodynamic coefficient.

By preventing mud and dirt from collecting in and around the front underside of the motorcycle, belly pans could become a rider’s best friend when it comes to cleaning. There is no need to worry about the struggle of cleaning what is a notoriously difficult-to-reach area, simply clean the belly pan itself and then plan what to do with all the time that has been saved.

How To Choose A Motorcycle Belly Pan

Belly pans undergo wind tunnel testing.

Aside from the benefits on offer, there are a number of other considerations that should be made when choosing a new motorcycle belly pan.

Firstly, it is worth looking at what material has been used to manufacture the belly pan. Take Puig for example, their belly pans are made using either ABS plastic or carbon which not only integrate seamlessly with the motorbike for a smooth fit and an attractive look, but are also lightweight materials that facilitate the aerodynamic upgrade. For contrast, other brands opt for steel or aluminium and while it would be unfair to outright say they do not look as good, they are simply much heavier and thus less aerodynamic.

In some cases, motorbike belly pans are available with multiple colour choices while various manufacturer’s offer a range of different designs. It is worth looking at the options to find the one that is right for you whether that is to complement the existing aesthetics of your motorcycle or create an eye-catching aesthetic.

There are belly pans available on the market that are the full package and one brand that stands out in particular is Puig, offering the best value for money with a range of belly pans that are aerodynamic, attractive, convenient and lightweight. There is no need to settle for second best!

Are Motorcycle Belly Pans Easy To Install?

It is all well and good talking about the benefits of motorcycle belly pans and what they have to offer, but that all becomes rather redundant if you do not know how to install them. Generally speaking, they are relatively straightforward to fit and do not require prior mechanical knowledge.

With that said, it may be worth checking the fitting instructions before making a purchase to see what you are getting yourself into and although belly pans generally come with all of the components required to fit them, this may also be worth confirming.

While the ease of installation can be subjective and varies depending on the manufacturer, Puig go to lengths to ensure the task is as straightforward as possible. Their detailed, visual instructions are the perfect companion to help walk you through the eight steps involved in fitting one of their belly pans.

Now that the necessary information has been laid bare, you should have the knowledge to go out there and find the best belly pan for your motorcycle.

There is no doubt they have a lot to offer in terms of aesthetics and aerodynamics while Puig are the standout option thanks to their wind tunnel testing, lightweight material and attractive designs.