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Fitting a Switchback fender on my Slim

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Old 08-13-2016, 05:22 PM
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Default Fitting a Switchback fender on my Slim

I lucked into a Switchback front fender on the forum that was the same color as my bike. Started fitting it to the forks today then had to stop and go to work (I hate OT).
It sat too high using the stock Switchback mounting tabs.



Taped some old sections of 10.4mm spark plug wires I had laying around to the tire for spacers.



When I tried to let the fender rest on the spacers the left rear mounting tab hit the caliper so I had to trim it back, left a little just in case I needed it to drill mount hole.



It cleared but the front tab hit the rotor so I trimmed it back a bit.






Notice the painters tape to prevent scratching and help mark the drill holes. It also helps prevent peeling the paint when drilling. Got it fitted now, I think that's a good spot.




Marked hole centers with a felt tip marker. Will drill the holes on the small side tomorrow and mount to see how it fits, might have to enlarge a hole or two for adjustment. Will update when I finish install.


 

Last edited by FLS103; 08-13-2016 at 06:23 PM.
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Old 08-13-2016, 09:26 PM
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that looks sweet!
 
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Old 08-13-2016, 10:59 PM
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Shame to shave down that great shaped fender, but understand entirely.
Will look mucho better, are you intending to reshape the mount too and touch up paint?

I'll probably be in the same predicament as you when I fit a FatBoy fender to my SlimS.
Trying to resist the urge to want to cut it down.
You're not helping ! ;-)
 
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Old 08-13-2016, 11:51 PM
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Originally Posted by jackafrica
Shame to shave down that great shaped fender, but understand entirely.
Will look mucho better, are you intending to reshape the mount too and touch up paint?

I'll probably be in the same predicament as you when I fit a FatBoy fender to my SlimS.
Trying to resist the urge to want to cut it down.
You're not helping ! ;-)
From the looks of things the mounting tabs will not be needed, the holes will be in the fender itself. Any area that is cut or drilled will be sealed to prevent rust starting. I ran a Fatboy front fender on my Slim for a bit, bolted right up and looked good...no trimming required. Will see if I can find ya a pic and send by PM. Hope your mate enjoyed those alloy art signals I sent your way.
 
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Old 08-14-2016, 12:05 AM
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Originally Posted by jackafrica
Shame to shave down that great shaped fender, but understand entirely.
Will look mucho better, are you intending to reshape the mount too and touch up paint?

I'll probably be in the same predicament as you when I fit a FatBoy fender to my SlimS.
Trying to resist the urge to want to cut it down.
You're not helping ! ;-)
For some reason it would not allow me to send a pic by PM so I am posting it here. Fatboy fender bolts right up, no trimming required.

 
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Old 08-16-2016, 12:47 PM
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Got lucky and hit the right spot the first time I drilled holes, everything lined up square. Took a few pics to show off the new front fender. I still need to trim the mounting tabs back a bit. Used a marker to trace around the mount pads on the legs, will trim to that spot and then seal all the raw edges to prevent rust.
Now to figure what to do for a long 200mm rear fender...





 
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Old 08-16-2016, 04:33 PM
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looks great!
 
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Old 08-16-2016, 07:38 PM
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That looks good.
 
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Old 08-17-2016, 07:22 AM
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Looking sleek Mitch, nice positioning.
The front of the frame and engine will stay much cleaner with fewer stone chips.

Mine looks like it's seen shotgun action in a sand storm.
Dirt roads and wet weather don't work well at all!
 
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Old 08-17-2016, 12:19 PM
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Originally Posted by jackafrica
Looking sleek Mitch, nice positioning.
The front of the frame and engine will stay much cleaner with fewer stone chips.

Mine looks like it's seen shotgun action in a sand storm.
Dirt roads and wet weather don't work well at all!
Thanks, these are the reasons I am installing long fenders. Also tired of the dust, dirt, water and gravel hitting my face and the stripe up my back from the short rear.
 


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