Calling all XBONES
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,949
Likes: 288
Calling all XBONES
OK, gang, I recently sold my 2005 Deluxe and bought a 2009 XBONES. Already have had it lowered (burnout cyles kit and put 2" springs on seat) so it fits me pretty great. I have followed a number of threads from innovators such as Cheescake, C. Numb, Cammy, and others that have evolved their XBONES into what I believe it should be; a modern bobber. Anyway, I would like to solicit some advice.
I have spent a lot of time researching rear fender kits for the bones. I have narrowed it down to two options; Kyle (shadetree) fender kit and Heartland (fender and brackets only). Kyle is a great guy who has displayed a lot of patience with my questions and is a true innovator. Fact is, I almost bought the Blackwood Special before I went with the Bones. His fender kit is listed at $695, but has the advantage of no drilling of the frame, only the fender once you settle on how you want it mounted. In addition, he can recommend me directly to a local painter that he has worked with that would also likely help with the installation.
On the other hand, Heartland's fender (and brackets) only bobber kit is only $430 and is of known high quality. The downside is you have to drill into the top cross member of the swingarm to mount it, but they have been selling this kit for some time and doesn't seem to be a problem. I would have to find a painter, and if I want to install for example the Shadetree Sissy bar, I would have to figure that out on my own. In addition, I know Kyle is probably working on a battery cover, and Heartland's solution does not fit the stock set-up, which I wish to keep.
So the question and feedback I wish to solicit is this. I know there are a number of members (mentioned above) that have gone with Kyle and are very happy. Aside from drilling the fender, seems pretty much plug and play. But the Hearland fender is $265 cheaper, but you have to be willing to drill into the swingarm, which maybe is no big deal, but kind of makes me nervous. Which direction to go is the question I am asking feedback on, and accept all other opinions as well. Thanks very much in advance.
TedMan
I have spent a lot of time researching rear fender kits for the bones. I have narrowed it down to two options; Kyle (shadetree) fender kit and Heartland (fender and brackets only). Kyle is a great guy who has displayed a lot of patience with my questions and is a true innovator. Fact is, I almost bought the Blackwood Special before I went with the Bones. His fender kit is listed at $695, but has the advantage of no drilling of the frame, only the fender once you settle on how you want it mounted. In addition, he can recommend me directly to a local painter that he has worked with that would also likely help with the installation.
On the other hand, Heartland's fender (and brackets) only bobber kit is only $430 and is of known high quality. The downside is you have to drill into the top cross member of the swingarm to mount it, but they have been selling this kit for some time and doesn't seem to be a problem. I would have to find a painter, and if I want to install for example the Shadetree Sissy bar, I would have to figure that out on my own. In addition, I know Kyle is probably working on a battery cover, and Heartland's solution does not fit the stock set-up, which I wish to keep.
So the question and feedback I wish to solicit is this. I know there are a number of members (mentioned above) that have gone with Kyle and are very happy. Aside from drilling the fender, seems pretty much plug and play. But the Hearland fender is $265 cheaper, but you have to be willing to drill into the swingarm, which maybe is no big deal, but kind of makes me nervous. Which direction to go is the question I am asking feedback on, and accept all other opinions as well. Thanks very much in advance.
TedMan
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Central Ohio
Not a bad decision to have to make! I think you will be happy either way. I have heard good things about both kits. Mama would be very upset if I eliminated her seat on our bike so I can only look at what you guys do the the back end! Anyways, sounds like Kyle is providing good service that may very well justify the extra money. Make sure you post a bunch of pics of whatever you decide to do!
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Central Ohio
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,160
Likes: 3
From: Houston, Texas
My experience with Kyle is one of the main reasons I decided to go with his set up...
I have gone back to him and also bought his brass grips, jockey shifter handle, side mount plate bracket, and mic. light. and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he working on a few other items....
I asked him a bunch of questions... never had to wait for an answer... always returned my call or e-mail in a timely manner....
I like the fact that I can talk directly with him...not some random customer service rep...
His fender went on with no issues... I'm no master mechanic but I will do most of my own work / maintenance....
If I ever decide to take it back to stock it can be easily removed with no signs of modification (doubt I'll ever do it...)
I am planning on taking it off and shortening the fender some... after seeing Cammy's and C.Numb's... I like the shorter look (glad I have the option)
I have had little interaction with Hartland...just a few e-mails asking questions .. $430 is a cheep price... when I looked at them they were $2K...
I do know that there are a lot of Rocks with their kit... I don't believe there is an XB on the forum with one...
I also had looked at the Roland Sands set up...
White Guy on the forum has one... IMO it's really cool... it mounts with struts...something I didn't want..but cool none the less!
If you have any specific questions on the Shadetree feel free to PM me..
Lastly... Sweet looking Deluxe... looks like you put some time and money into it... I would love to have a bike that I could put some wide beach bars on!
CC
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 501
Likes: 0
From: Oahu, Hawaii
I really like the Shade Tree fender, it is on my buy list. Unfortunately the fender was not available when I purchased my current one. At the time their wasn't a huge market for the Bones. The Shade Tree seems (at least to me) to be the most user friendly rear fender on the market. I dont think you will be disappointed with the Shade Tree, I have heard nothing but great things about them and their customer service. Good luck
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 619
Likes: 0
From: edinburgh , scotland
alright ted
if you like your fender slammed to the tyre and a fat *** 200 rubber on show then the shadetree is the only fender for you...... the rsd and heartland although looking good dont sit anywere near as close and the brackets take away from the look IMO. $430 seems very very cheap for heartland are you sure thats right bro?
dont buy the fender painted is my advice to you. you will want to run a buffer over it or grind it alittle or cut a bit off. do what cheescake did and mock fit it run it alittle then get it painted once your happy. again IMO this bike and fender needs a sissy bar. i personnaly have had nothing but grief with mine as i try and perfect the design, its sheared on me twice due to road vibration and i have had to have brackets that cover the lower joints were it all screws together made to try and stop this. i think i have sorted it this time though. (elliot i will get pics of the design to you over the weekend bro) as for kyle? ...... well he is a good guy but as i started to have problems with his kit he became less and less helpfull to the point were he dont even speak to me now his stuff is good if not alittle rough around the edges as some on this forum can verify.
if you like your fender slammed to the tyre and a fat *** 200 rubber on show then the shadetree is the only fender for you...... the rsd and heartland although looking good dont sit anywere near as close and the brackets take away from the look IMO. $430 seems very very cheap for heartland are you sure thats right bro?
dont buy the fender painted is my advice to you. you will want to run a buffer over it or grind it alittle or cut a bit off. do what cheescake did and mock fit it run it alittle then get it painted once your happy. again IMO this bike and fender needs a sissy bar. i personnaly have had nothing but grief with mine as i try and perfect the design, its sheared on me twice due to road vibration and i have had to have brackets that cover the lower joints were it all screws together made to try and stop this. i think i have sorted it this time though. (elliot i will get pics of the design to you over the weekend bro) as for kyle? ...... well he is a good guy but as i started to have problems with his kit he became less and less helpfull to the point were he dont even speak to me now his stuff is good if not alittle rough around the edges as some on this forum can verify.
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Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,949
Likes: 288
TedMan