Rear fender cracked again!!!!
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 893
Likes: 0
From: Knob Noster, MO
I went with a 06-08 fender before this became an issue on mine. But to blame it on an aftermarket exhaust that is typical because they just see anything aftermarket and now that is causing the issue so they don't have to fix it anymore. Even though completly stock bikes are having the same issue. It is obviousally a flaw in the design and the tail lamp/license plate bracket is causing the cracking issue. 09+ up fenders are just chopped 06-08 fender and a differant tail lamp setup. It is funny how the 06-08 didn't have this as a common issue. I never liked the 09+ rear fender setup so I went with a 06-08 fender and having the fender smoothed for no big tail lamp with a plate bracket. And using my turn signals as the tail light/turn/running setup. I relocated my plate to my left saddle bag. So instead of keep having it replaced, relocate your plate or go with a differant fender setup. Because it will just keep cracking because it is a bad design flaw. So once warranty is out you will be paying out of pocket anyway.
I went with a 06-08 fender before this became an issue on mine. But to blame it on an aftermarket exhaust that is typical because they just see anything aftermarket and now that is causing the issue so they don't have to fix it anymore. Even though completly stock bikes are having the same issue. It is obviousally a flaw in the design and the tail lamp/license plate bracket is causing the cracking issue. 09+ up fenders are just chopped 06-08 fender and a differant tail lamp setup. It is funny how the 06-08 didn't have this as a common issue. I never liked the 09+ rear fender setup so I went with a 06-08 fender and having the fender smoothed for no big tail lamp with a plate bracket. And using my turn signals as the tail light/turn/running setup. I relocated my plate to my left saddle bag. So instead of keep having it replaced, relocate your plate or go with a differant fender setup. Because it will just keep cracking because it is a bad design flaw. So once warranty is out you will be paying out of pocket anyway.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 893
Likes: 0
From: Knob Noster, MO
Do you really know people having this issue with stock pipes? I really need to find some people so I can claim my bike as a lemon. Texas has a lemon law and I could take advantage with that proof. I asked the dealer if i could return the pipes and put it back to stock and they declined.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 12
I have had mine replaced twice, and it is caused by the bracket loosing under the fender. Just make sure you keep the three bolts tight, and there should not be an issue. This is the only thing I can come up with, and I check my bolts about every 3000 miles now, and yes, they do loosen up.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
My fender cracked at about 1800 miles. Dealer is going to fix it under warranty but I'm debating on if I'm going to have them put another stock one back on and I'll move the plate. Or they will put the 06-08 fender on and I got to pay the difference between the cost of the two fenders about 200 bucks
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 893
Likes: 0
From: Knob Noster, MO
My fender cracked at about 1800 miles. Dealer is going to fix it under warranty but I'm debating on if I'm going to have them put another stock one back on and I'll move the plate. Or they will put the 06-08 fender on and I got to pay the difference between the cost of the two fenders about 200 bucks
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 279
Likes: 1
From: Del Rio TX
I got lucky with mine. After my rear fender cracked, the dealer ordered the wrong color fender. I had already asked the head mechanic not to install the sparto light and I intended to have the holes filled in and painted. To make up for ordering the wrong fender, the dealer offered to fill in the holes and paint the rear fender to match. I didn't mind waiting since ultimately I was saving some major cash. I love Harleys, but Harley is really doing its customers wrong with this one. It's a flawed design. between sparto taillight and license plate location, to much weight and vibration on the rear fender. Plus, very very few people even like the look of the sparto taillight. Most Streetbob owners would love to get rid of the light anyway. Easy fix on Harleys part Win,win. Bob owners would be happy and Harley wouldn't have to dishing out rear fenders to replace a flawed design. Sometimes common sense isn't so common. 
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
You would be better off buying a used in good condition 06-08 fender off of Ebay and having it painted to match your bike. But you also have the issue of the tail light setup, the 09+ has a differant setup. So you will have to change to a 06-08 tail light or fill it in like I did. I would not have the dealer swap a 06-08 fender at msrp value. So have them swap over a new stock one and pick up a used 06-08 fender and go from there.
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