Encounter with a BIG rock...

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Jul 13, 2010 | 09:28 AM

sgnden

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 1,101

Likes: 106

From: Colorado Front Range

Encounter with a BIG rock...

I just returned from a 1500 mile scoot down to Santa Fe, Taos, and other parts in and around southern CO and northern NM.

We spent a couple of nights at an Inn that ended-up requiring a short ride across a very rutted meadow road (gravel and hard pan) as well as as up and down a very steep (like 25%+ grade I'd guess) dirt section onto the paved road. Riding 2-up and fully packed...I thought it was a kick.

Anyway - Going up the steep section the first night I wandered into the center section avoiding some of the more rutted areas and BLAMMO!...I kicked-up a big rock with the front tire. I heard it ricochet (see "blammo") and when I stopped at our destination I saw that it had hit the bottom right of the downward side of the front fender and bent it back as well as ripped the crappy tin skirt off its rivets in 2 places.

I was able to easily bend the fender back a bit but the skirt is destroyed.

Any ideas on options for replacing the skirt with something that may look good? I guess I'l take the fender to someone to see they can get it bent back correctly without requiring paint too...

Jul 13, 2010 | 09:33 AM

FXSTS-88

Road Master

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 760

Likes: 6

From: Central Wisconsin

H-D and the aftermarket has lots of skirts. Just go shopping for something that 'trips your trigger'.

Jul 13, 2010 | 09:39 AM

will2002

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 10,788

Likes: 2,222

From: Texas

Ya were LUCKY!! ......... I knocked the botttom out of a engine once by kicking up a rock like that with the front tire.

Jul 13, 2010 | 09:42 AM

Turbo Turtle

Road Warrior

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 1,635

Likes: 13

From: 501

And consider yourself lucky that it didn't trip you up and send you sprawling across the pavement. I'd be a bit Pis'd, but I'd be even happier knowing I didn't have to spend weeks or months recovering from the krash! The Steeler has several styles of skirts to chose from. Ida know bout the fender. Only a pro can help with that!
Glad you survived.

aka Bob

Jul 13, 2010 | 09:52 AM

Zimbob

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 2,906

Likes: 11

From: Grottoes Va.

Sorry about your run in with that rock. A squirrel got mine, I hate squirrels. Like posted above, the dealer has a few to choose from, still more on the aftermarket. Get the one you like.

Jul 13, 2010 | 10:04 AM

traveler_

Stage II

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

remove it

take the whole fender off...less weight, you'll go faster too!

Jul 13, 2010 | 11:34 AM

sgnden

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 1,101

Likes: 106

From: Colorado Front Range

Quote:

Originally Posted by traveler_

take the whole fender off...less weight, you'll go faster too!

Yeah...great idea! Plus I'll get the good 'ol automatic leg-and-boot-washing system going.

Maybe I'll put some **** carpet on my tank console too!

Sweet.