Lowering Front Fender
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 445
Likes: 19
From: Lynden, Washington, USA
I definitely agree with all of the above it does sit too high but, be careful how much you do lower it. The tire will expand due to the centrifugal force of the tire spinning at normal operating speeds. For the most part this isn't too much of a problem unless you plan mounting it super close. I say get a couple lengths of rubber hose in various diameters from the hardware store and tape them to the tire then, place the fender on top of that to get and idea of what you want.
Pic finally...
And I DID lower the front fender on The Black Turd (different bike) too much. Well, it was actually perfect but then I changed tire brands and Metzlers apparently expand more than the tires I previously had. My paint caught on fire lol.
And I DID lower the front fender on The Black Turd (different bike) too much. Well, it was actually perfect but then I changed tire brands and Metzlers apparently expand more than the tires I previously had. My paint caught on fire lol.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 8
From: Wheeling, WV
I bought a second fender, chopped about 3/4" out of the side plates, welded it back together, drilled out the rivets, cut out the section under the fender, and welded the side mounts directly to the fender. No pics of it right now as it's still in need of some touch up spot welding from grinding & still deciding on a paint scheme.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,705
Likes: 2
From: D.C.
mreed: how did you do that exactly? It really looks good.
posointhesteve: get caught in heavy rain one day and you might change your mind. Not only the water splatters on your face, but it goes on your neck, get inside the jacket and hose down your pants.
posointhesteve: get caught in heavy rain one day and you might change your mind. Not only the water splatters on your face, but it goes on your neck, get inside the jacket and hose down your pants.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,705
Likes: 2
From: D.C.
Do you remember how much higher you drilled the holes?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 11
From: Ladera Ranch, CA
mreed, your fender job looks great! The sucky thing about Nightster front fenders is they're shorter and don't follow the contour of the tire like yours does. They flair up at each end away from the tire which may make it look weird sitting closer to the tire.
I'm going to give it a shot anyways and huge thanks on the warning about getting the fender too close. That would suck catching fire like that!!!
I'm going to give it a shot anyways and huge thanks on the warning about getting the fender too close. That would suck catching fire like that!!!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,828
Likes: 8
If you set the chain on the tire and set the fender on the chain, all you will need to do is mark the holes and drill, no need to take measurements.