Watch out for Gremlin bell..
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 80
Likes: 7
From: Byhalia, MS
Watch out for Gremlin bell..
Kind of ironic, my gremlin bell that my wife picked out when I got the Ultra came apart on a trip last week. The "bell" part separated from the "gong" part which is the part that is actually attached to the bike's front axle. Apparently a quarter turn and the bell will release from the gong and center attachment.
The bell then bounced up getting sucked up between the wheel and the fender, it got tumbled around and put about 6 quarter inch sized dents in the fender as it got pulled forward by the tire before being spit out the front.
Three of these dent have the paint chipped/peeled off exposing metal underneath. The bike is at the dealer now for it break in service. I am also getting the passing lights reflash so those stay on with high beams and a broke passenger backrest mount replaced.
I had them look at it when I dropped it off to see what they think the next step ought to be. I thought about touch up paint, they are not sure if they can even get the paint yet since it's a new color for 2015 and of course it has the raised dents. I am not looking for a flawless repair, just want to prevent rust and further peeling of the paint.
At some point, if a repair can be made for the time being, I will get a new painted fender from HD and replace it, I just want to buy some time.
They are gonna quote me a fender but the guy was thinking about $700 for a new one.
The bell was one of the newer styles with more of a square shape not the traditional bell shape, this kinda has corners and edges, probably wouldn't have been any damage with the traditional bell.
Wish I had taken some pics of the seperated bell and fender damage to show you guys, actually only noticed it today because I was looking it over good before taking it in for service.
Be careful out there...
The bell then bounced up getting sucked up between the wheel and the fender, it got tumbled around and put about 6 quarter inch sized dents in the fender as it got pulled forward by the tire before being spit out the front.
Three of these dent have the paint chipped/peeled off exposing metal underneath. The bike is at the dealer now for it break in service. I am also getting the passing lights reflash so those stay on with high beams and a broke passenger backrest mount replaced.
I had them look at it when I dropped it off to see what they think the next step ought to be. I thought about touch up paint, they are not sure if they can even get the paint yet since it's a new color for 2015 and of course it has the raised dents. I am not looking for a flawless repair, just want to prevent rust and further peeling of the paint.
At some point, if a repair can be made for the time being, I will get a new painted fender from HD and replace it, I just want to buy some time.
They are gonna quote me a fender but the guy was thinking about $700 for a new one.
The bell was one of the newer styles with more of a square shape not the traditional bell shape, this kinda has corners and edges, probably wouldn't have been any damage with the traditional bell.
Wish I had taken some pics of the seperated bell and fender damage to show you guys, actually only noticed it today because I was looking it over good before taking it in for service.
Be careful out there...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
Bells need to be mounted as far forward as possible, to allow their ringing to drive the Gremlins crazy and keep them off your bike : >)
I transferred my original Gremlin bell onto my new bike. Everybody in service got a kick out of me bring the bike back in to stop that tinkling sound from the new engine. Never heard it before due to louder pipes of previous bikes : <(
I transferred my original Gremlin bell onto my new bike. Everybody in service got a kick out of me bring the bike back in to stop that tinkling sound from the new engine. Never heard it before due to louder pipes of previous bikes : <(
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 62
From: Port St. Lucie, FL
You now have a reason to get that wrap around front fender and save some money for a new gremlin bell.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 144
Likes: 7
From: Minot
Mine is in the exact same place as Safety Man. I zip tied mine from the leather loop tight to the footboard mount.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 80
Likes: 7
From: Byhalia, MS
Seems like a good location but I still like the front axle, never had a problem with it over that last 3 years of having one. I don't want to have to buy another fender though. I'll have to get down there and look that over.
Edit, Now that I think about it, my old bike was a Dyna Superglide, real small narrow fender up high, it couldn't have sucked up a bouncing bell anyway so, yeah, I better give more consideration to where some of you guys are hanging em.
Edit, Now that I think about it, my old bike was a Dyna Superglide, real small narrow fender up high, it couldn't have sucked up a bouncing bell anyway so, yeah, I better give more consideration to where some of you guys are hanging em.
Last edited by speedyrob; Jun 28, 2015 at 08:50 PM. Reason: Thought of something