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I installed a rear Topshop kit on my 14 SGS a couple weekends ago. During the install, I noticed that on the right side, my shock reservoir was like 3/16” from the tire vs about an inch on the left side. I played with adjusting the fender mounts to see if that changed anything but no. I installed the struts and saddlebag supports without the fender and there was more space and only about 1/4” difference between the left and right side. I reinstalled the fender and the used an inch think block as a brace on the right side to torque everything down. It seemed to help with allowing about 5/8” space. However, after a test ride, it’s moved back over with less than a 1/4” gap on the right side. Only idea I can come up with is drilling out the right side of the fender to saddlebag support bracket to try and push the right side out some. Any other ideas?
There’s actually a purpose for that lone bolt, on the inside of your fender, located at the rear, dead center. You need a u shaped brace that bolts onto that lone stud/bolt, and extends out to both saddlebag support brackets.
that will even the gaps, as well as add sturdiness.
Looking at the rear of the bike, there is 1/2” gap between the bag and fender on both sides. Couldn’t make that more perfect.
The U bracket (1st pic below) is the one I was considering trying to modify to push the right side further away from the tire. If I made the hole that the bolt (pic below) that attaches to the strut and saddlebag support more of a slot and pushed it maybe 1/4” out to create some space.
Or try slotting the lone stud in the fender to accomplish the same. I’d measured the stud when I realized the issue and it is perfectly centered in the fender.
Not a front and rear alignment. I’d just measured the left and right distance from the tire to the struts without the fender installed which showed about 1/4” difference between the 2. Def not the dif you see once the fender is installed.
As long as the gaps are even, and your wheel is aligned, I wouldn’t worry about it. It’s not like you look under there, usually. But, I couldn’t tell if you already had the bracket. If you don’t, I can post a link
I’ll check the alignment. I’d just hate to see the result of the tire hitting the bracket. One up would prob never touch, but 2up plus camping gear, I’d imagine there’s be enough flex in a tire while moving to make some contact with only that -1/4” gap
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Topshop Rear Fender Alignment
