I have a 16 breakout and removed that rear reflector on the rear fender. I had to remove the fender from the bike and remove the inner fender bracket to get the reflector out. My question is if i got the bolts to tight that hold the fender struts to the fender itself would it bend the fender. I notice a little wavy area around those struts now but may be like that from the factory. I looked in the manual should be 25 ft pounds i did probably 30-35. They were tight from the factory so i assumed put it back that way. It did have thread sealer on them from the factory which explains my struggle haha to get them out. I would assume the bolt would strip before it damage anything to the fender but didnt know if anyone has ran into this. It doesnt look bad either way just curious. Thanks guys.

 

Sounds like you looked up the spec after you overtightened them...and no, a fender strut bolt will not "strip" before it bends a painted sheet metal fender.