Hey Guys

Over the years someone had swapped out the front fender for a Fatboy fender. I was never crazy about the FB fender, as the front tip allways appeared to long to me.

So today I figured its time to give it a new look. I cut it back 6 inches from the front tip. Now the front half looks much like the softail slim fender on the front half anyway.

The next thing I want to do is rework the mounts, just re drill the holes, and trim off the excess that was used to bolt it up. My question is, what is considered a safe tire to fender clearance? I was thinking a 1/4 inch would be good. But hey, what I think isn't allways right. So opinions would be helpful.

Thanks Guys

 

I would have thought 3/8" - 1/2" clearance...but I'm no expert

 

I put a 21" tire on my RK and its tight, maybe not quite as tight on the bottom as the top which is about the 1/4 you're talking about. Havent had any issues yet. Seems the front and rear were tighter than the middle, have seen it the other way around, couldnt get the front down because the middle would hit, tires that are pumped up good dont grow much, imho you should be good to go.

 

I put the 21 on my heritage and ended up with 1/4 inch at best. I was very concerned about a 90 degree day with a tire expanding on a long trip but everything was fine. No rub. You're fine but if you want to spot check it for the first hundred miles don't hesitate!

 

The wheel and fender move together, so clearance only really needs to be minimal, although I would use my little finger as a guide.

 

You probably could run 1/4" of clearance forever and not have any problems, but it's that "what if" variable that would bug me. I personally would feel more comfortable with 3/8-1/2" of clearance, like Kees said. JMO

 

It sure would help if people let us know what bike we are asked about.......

 

I always recommend 5/16" clearance top allow for growth in the tire height at speed.

 

I use an old drive chain as mock up tool. The height always works out perfect , and it contours the tire so you get an even spacing all the way through

 

Thanks Guys

As it turns out these Fatboy front fenders are tight at the top , on centre line with the forks. I was hoping this thing would drop down more than it is, but it is what it is. The max drop will be 3/4 inch, with 5/16 clearance. Not dropped as low as I want, but with the 6 inch chop off the front leading edge, and the 3/4 drop it is a major improvement visually.

Again, Thanks for your input guys.