Author Topic: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.  (Read 8678 times)

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Offline Mingo

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Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« on: August 09, 2012, 02:37:58 pm »
I went with Avon Roadriders. The front is a 100/90/19 and it rubs the fender.

I just took the fender off, which is a drag because I like that fender. Anyhow, I'll go without until I get a new front tire, but I just want to make sure the forks are sturdy enough sans fender for the bike to be safe.

Any input?

Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« Reply #1 on: August 09, 2012, 02:45:02 pm »
I didn't use the Roadrider's on my 550 (but did on my Enfield and FJ), but I am pretty sure I went with a 100/90 front and didn't have any rubbing issues.
"The problem with quotes on the Internet is that you never know if they're true" - Abraham Lincoln

Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline jamesb

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Re: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« Reply #2 on: August 09, 2012, 02:46:58 pm »
i took the front fendr off my 74 cb550 i haven't had any problems until last night comming home it rained i missed that part,but the puddles and crap from the road when i got home i kinda started to look like al jolson. so bottom line is i missed my fender last night.
I've done a lot of things in my life that I'm not proud of...and the things I AM proud of, "are disgusting"

Offline flybox1

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Re: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« Reply #3 on: August 09, 2012, 02:51:06 pm »
get a fork brace if you go sans fender.
'78 750K (F3 engine) PD42b's, Modified airbox w/K&N  filter, 40/110 jets, 1 needle shim, IMS@ 1 turn out. Kerker + Cone 18" QuietCore

Past Bikes
1974 550K0 (stock), 1973 CB350F (stock), 1983 Yamaha XS400K (POS)
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Offline Mingo

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Re: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« Reply #4 on: August 09, 2012, 02:57:26 pm »
get a fork brace if you go sans fender.

Got recommendations?

Offline JamesM

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Re: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« Reply #5 on: August 09, 2012, 03:53:53 pm »
You'll be fine.
Current Stable:

1972 CB750
1973 Shovel
1978 CB750
1977 KZ750T
1996 Shadow VLX

Offline LesterPiglet

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Re: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« Reply #6 on: August 09, 2012, 03:58:22 pm »
I also have a 100/90 fitted and no rubbing. Try loosening the fender nuts and sliding it up a tad.
'Then' and 'than' are completely different words and have completely different meanings. Same with 'of' and 'have'. Set and sit. There, their and they're. Draw and drawer. Could care less/couldn't care less. Bought/brought FFS.


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Offline xnoahx

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Re: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« Reply #7 on: August 09, 2012, 05:33:12 pm »
How much bracing can that stock fender do?  It doesnt seem very substantial

Offline 750K

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Re: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« Reply #8 on: August 09, 2012, 05:34:57 pm »
I like butter on my popcorn, not that topping crap...
77 Cb750, 78 Kz1000

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« Reply #9 on: August 09, 2012, 05:47:05 pm »
I like that popcorn salt on mine.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline chewbacca5000

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Re: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« Reply #10 on: August 09, 2012, 05:59:35 pm »
Steve,

You better get the big tub!  And yes the front fender does add stability to the bike, and a high quality fork brace like TKAT turns a bike that runs like a Buick into something much more porche like.

I have had one on my CB750 all summer and love it!  It changes the entire character of the bike.  I would not feel so good in the twist, and now I can pretend I am a salomon skier.

Check it out.




Offline Mingo

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Re: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« Reply #11 on: August 09, 2012, 06:22:41 pm »
Baca, where'd u get it and would it fit my '78?

Offline chewbacca5000

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Re: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« Reply #12 on: August 09, 2012, 06:31:17 pm »
Baca, where'd u get it and would it fit my '78?

Not sure if it would fit a 78 I think the forks may be different.  It's super sweet though.  A forum member had 4 made up sold one to me and another forum member and is keeping two for himself.  If you email him at tkat@tkat.com and do some begging he may make up another batch.

The difference in handling is night and day.  If you get one you'd better post some pics.

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« Reply #13 on: August 09, 2012, 06:41:41 pm »
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline RFogelsong

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Re: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« Reply #14 on: August 09, 2012, 07:05:17 pm »
I like pepper from the pepper shaker in the latest "what is this part" post on my popcorn.

But in all seriousness, You can run without a fender, I wouldn't, you'll end up with a streak all the way up your headlight, all up under your gauges, all the way along the top tube under the tank, all over your face etc. point being, if you hit rain it's a #$%* to clean. 

People always talk about the stability issue, and while I haven't noticed the difference in seat of the pants feel, after working on old Honda bikes for a while now I'd say that anything the engineers deemed worthy to put on the bikes is probably there for a good enough reason to keep it. 
-Rob

Hondas past/present:
SOHC1:'74 CB125, '78 XL125
DOHC2:'71 CB450K
SOHC4:'73 350F, '75 400F, '75 550K
DOHC4:'81 900F, '01 1100XX
V4:'85 VF1000R, '86 VF500F, '08 VFR800


Offline jneuf

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Re: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« Reply #16 on: August 09, 2012, 07:47:56 pm »
Aside from stability, and I don't know what your bike looks like, but an otherwise stock looking CB looks real funny without a front fender.
'75 CB400f

Online scottly

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Re: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« Reply #17 on: August 09, 2012, 08:14:34 pm »
How much bracing can that stock fender do?  It doesnt seem very substantial
I actually tested this a while back: If the stock fender brace is mounted in rubber grommets, it doesn't do squat, at least under my test conditions. Removing the grommets and replacing them with washers to positively lock the brace to the lower legs, like the early 750s, will reduce flex by 20%. A stout aftermarket brace will reduce flex by 80%.
I forgot to buy popcorn on my last grocery run, so I'm outa here. ;)
Don't fix it if it ain't broke!
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Offline LesterPiglet

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Re: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« Reply #18 on: August 10, 2012, 03:42:02 am »
I'd just like to say popcorn is horrible. Anyone any pringles?
'Then' and 'than' are completely different words and have completely different meanings. Same with 'of' and 'have'. Set and sit. There, their and they're. Draw and drawer. Could care less/couldn't care less. Bought/brought FFS.


Les Ross.            Certified by a Professional

Offline Lostboy Steve

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Re: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« Reply #19 on: August 10, 2012, 05:25:49 am »
How much bracing can that stock fender do?  It doesnt seem very substantial
I actually tested this a while back: If the stock fender brace is mounted in rubber grommets, it doesn't do squat, at least under my test conditions. Removing the grommets and replacing them with washers to positively lock the brace to the lower legs, like the early 750s, will reduce flex by 20%. A stout aftermarket brace will reduce flex by 80%.
I forgot to buy popcorn on my last grocery run, so I'm outa here. ;)

You're going to get tired of explaining that to people.

IMO there is no noticeable difference. I actually use the stock fender brace with no fender just because I like the way it looks. (Although I did solid mount it.) I keep up with friend on modern day sport bikes around tight corners at somewhat high speeds and everything is tight and awesome. I would worry more about the condition of the front end than what that fork brace does. A set of NICE progressive springs (not the cheap 65$ ones), NOW that makes a difference.

1968 Honda Z50
1977 Honda CB550K
2018 Indian Scout

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« Reply #20 on: August 10, 2012, 06:00:50 am »
No front fender on my 550 cafe here, handles great. Considering a fork brace though.

Putting popcorn on the grocery list.....
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Mingo

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Re: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« Reply #21 on: August 10, 2012, 08:39:38 am »
Twisted, what do you mean by "solid mounted"?

Mods, can you add a popcorn eating icon to the emoticon options?

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=409740&highlight=Popcorn


See post number 2.

Offline Really?

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Re: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« Reply #22 on: August 10, 2012, 10:12:23 am »
Dunno what bike you are referring to (add it to your sig) but I wonder why that size tire is rubbing the fender.  I have a 110/90-19 up front on the '75 and it fits, close but it fits.  I may have seen that rub on one ride but still not really sure if it did.
I don't have a motorcycle, sold it ('85 Yamaha Venture Royale).  Haven't had a CB750 for over 40 years.

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The Kid's Bike - 750K3

Offline 03rangerxlt

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Re: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« Reply #23 on: August 10, 2012, 11:42:50 am »
Just a warning, but I have a slightly oversized tire on the front of my CB500, and because of that, the fork brace sold by Fast From the Past wont fit!  The tire rubs it.  Boooo!!!
1972 Honda CB500 Cafe "The War Eagle"

Offline Lostboy Steve

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Re: Don't need my front fender do I? Tire won't fit it.
« Reply #24 on: August 10, 2012, 11:46:07 am »
Twisted, what do you mean by "solid mounted"?

Mods, can you add a popcorn eating icon to the emoticon options?

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=409740&highlight=Popcorn


See post number 2.

You get rid of those rubbers and replace them with washers.
1968 Honda Z50
1977 Honda CB550K
2018 Indian Scout