21" tire rubbing even when drilled the fender holes?
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
21" tire rubbing even when drilled the fender holes?
I bought some new tires for my bike i originally had metzler but now switched to pernelli and now my front tire rubs even when i drilled the fender. Melted the paint on my fender Should i just drill the fender out some more ? Anybody have pics of the fender holes after you drilled them? Whats best to use a regular drill bit or a dremel to shave it off? I like the look of the stock fender and would like to keep it.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
loosen the fender & raise up out of the way.
tape 1/4" ID fuel line to your tire.
lay the fender on the fuel line.
mark your new mounting position and drill or ream.
if you have to get your fender painted- get the rivets ground off and the mounts welded on
mike
tape 1/4" ID fuel line to your tire.
lay the fender on the fuel line.
mark your new mounting position and drill or ream.
if you have to get your fender painted- get the rivets ground off and the mounts welded on
mike
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 345
Likes: 3
I had an Avon Cobra originally on my 21" front wheel. I drilled the rear mounting holes on the front fender before installing the wheel and the Avon tire. When I first put it on and I had the bike on the jack I spun the front wheel and I could hear the "new tire hairs/nipples/fingers" (whatever you call them) rubbing against the inside of the fender. I recently replaced the tire with a Metzler and did the same thing, but the tire hairs did not touch the fender. I guess the Metzler's are slightly smaller in diameter.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
OK, WTF??? I may need some help from you guys to talk me down off the ledge!
I am staring here at my brand new 21 inch wheel with Vee Rubber tire. I was under the impression that a 21 wheel and tire were a 100% direct bolt on, and now you guys are talking burnt paint and drilling fender mounts. Please elaborate. I was literally on my way downstairs first thing in the morning to install this wheel, now I'm in a panic.
Please advise.
I am staring here at my brand new 21 inch wheel with Vee Rubber tire. I was under the impression that a 21 wheel and tire were a 100% direct bolt on, and now you guys are talking burnt paint and drilling fender mounts. Please elaborate. I was literally on my way downstairs first thing in the morning to install this wheel, now I'm in a panic.
Please advise.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 696
Likes: 13
From: Creston, Ohio
I just installed a 21 inch rim and a metzler 880 tire on my 2013 Street Glide
I had to drill the rear holes in the fender with a 7/16 drill bit to gain enough clearance so it wouldn't rub
I had to drill the rear holes in the fender with a 7/16 drill bit to gain enough clearance so it wouldn't rub
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,824
Likes: 603
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Thanks for reminding me why I went with a 19" instead of a 21" wheel and tire when I bought my new PM wheels recently. Didn't want to have to drill a fender or worry about paint cookin on the inside. It's hard to tell a 19 from a 21 unless they are parked side by side anyway.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 799
Likes: 8
From: central Il
Its no big deal I used a small round file and enlarged the rear hole in the 5 oclock position, and just lift up on the rear bottom of fender and tighten the bolts easy. I taped a 3/8 stack of washers for clearance no issues
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