I found lots of topics about asking for recommendations and for internet diagnoses. I'm looking for outcomes of choosing to DIY or have a shop repair it. Not the flashy online shop photos, but real life user feedback.


I came from the world of DIY turbo race cars, engine builds, head builds, among other things. I got into bikes.

I'm also an engineer and make and follow procedures all day long.

It looks like carbon repair has moved from "back room craft" to now being "mainstream procedure" for your more typical repairs.

I'm in a situation of considering DIY due to the ratio costs to quality and risks. Now, maybe 5 years ago I wouldn't have considered it due to accepted practices not being procedure yet.

Am I crazy thinking that a less complex repair sand and wrap job looks about 100x easier than rebuilding a cylinder head? I mean, I drag raced engines and cars I built up at 160mph. There's always risk involved.

Both in the DIY realm and shop repairs..........whatcha got? Both raw with clear coat and painted.

I'm 100% sure I can do the repair (with materials from a repair shop, not chinabay), but would likely have a shop do some paint/decal work.