Topic: Okay to run without a front fender? + some new pics

[kuyarico]

Nice work on that fender and bike in general.

[Al_Aaraaf]

I just recently removed the fender and kept the stock brace. I was surprised to see it had a chrome finish on all surfaces. It was a simple job-- just take a cutting tool to the 4 rivets holding the fender to the brace. A little careful prying and it all snaps loose. I like the slightly trashy look of the stock brace on the bike, and it keeps the brake line bracket in place. It's a bit flimsy in my opinion though. As soon as my other little projects are finished up, I'm sure I'll buy another.

[jdigga]

When I put the fender back on without that lower horizontal brace piece, I noticed the fender was a bit floppy.  Does it really provide that much extra rigidity?

[Al_Aaraaf]

When I put the fender back on without that lower horizontal brace piece, I noticed the fender was a bit floppy.  Does it really provide that much extra rigidity?

Well, it seems to me the brace doesn't need to be that stiff after all, since its primary function is to keep the struts from twisting and torquing around each other. As far as the floppy fender goes, I'm sure lopping three inches off each end, like eldar did, would go a long way.

By the way, what the hell do you call a rooster tail that's coming off the front tire? A rooster head? If I were any more juvenile, I'd call it something else.

[eldar]

Actually I did NOT cut anything off my fender. I got a couple extra washers for the side with the rubber grommets and used those to provide some extra rigidity. yes it does flex some but if I remove the rubber grommets, it would be much more rigid. I do not have an issue with it hitting my tire though. I will try to get a pic tomorrow. I got to see Transformers tonight!!!!! And it seriously kicked some ASS!!!!

[cbr-eric]

Thanks, looked like this when it was given to me...

Thats a sweet luggage rack   you could carry a rebel on the back of that thing in case the cb ran out of gas   nice work on the transformation for sure!
back on topic, the brace is a very good idea to have, even if you chop all the fender away, leave something as a brace. looks good with the fender though, I think