rear fender not perfectly aligned? is this how they come stock?
#1
12-08-2010 | 02:03 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
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rear fender not perfectly aligned? is this how they come stock?
Hey All,
the previous owner of my bike had the rear turn signal relocation kit on (mounted to the license plate frame). Due some cracks in the license plate frame, i moved the signals back to the rear fender bracket and noticed that i have more clearance on the brake side than the belt side. The belt side is so tight that i get a very slight rub on the tire on the first nut in the bracket. i ended up switching out the stock nut and getting thinner 5/16 nut to cut down on the rub...
the bike is a 98 XL1200S... is this just how it is for sportsters around this year? wheels are aligned and the bike handles great... just seems as if the rear fender is slightly not aligned... just curious
the previous owner of my bike had the rear turn signal relocation kit on (mounted to the license plate frame). Due some cracks in the license plate frame, i moved the signals back to the rear fender bracket and noticed that i have more clearance on the brake side than the belt side. The belt side is so tight that i get a very slight rub on the tire on the first nut in the bracket. i ended up switching out the stock nut and getting thinner 5/16 nut to cut down on the rub...
the bike is a 98 XL1200S... is this just how it is for sportsters around this year? wheels are aligned and the bike handles great... just seems as if the rear fender is slightly not aligned... just curious
#2
12-08-2010 | 02:53 PM
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,756
Likes: 1,724
From: Hope Mills NC, bye CA!!
My fxr is the same way......almost rubs on the left but more space on the right. As long as the belt tracks straight on the pulley Im fine with it. Fender isnt stock, but not sure if that matters, its still centered on the frame rails.
#4
12-08-2010 | 07:19 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 20
From: Driftless Area
Way to go, now I have to pull the bike out and look to see if all the ducks are in a row. Likes been said, long as it rides right, don't see a problem. But do understand your concern that things should be equal on both sides of the tire or it looks funky. Just noticed that the stripes on my 1988 truck box don't match up with the cab stripes on one side??? What gives?? Some things are worth worrying about, others are not. my .02
#6
12-08-2010 | 08:03 PM
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 948
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From: Oklahoma City
my 04 RK looks near perfect.
the last mechanic who changed my rear tire told me its real easy to not get the fender centered right when you reinstall all the saddlebag hardware......it wants to pull the fender one way or another. I could see what he was talking about as he put it all back together......FWIW.
the last mechanic who changed my rear tire told me its real easy to not get the fender centered right when you reinstall all the saddlebag hardware......it wants to pull the fender one way or another. I could see what he was talking about as he put it all back together......FWIW.
#7
12-08-2010 | 08:15 PM
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 65,107
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From: Niles Canyon Ca.
It's not uncommon to find situations like that on OEM or custom builds . Path of least resistance and time for stockers , if it fits and doesn't rub ship it . Takes time & effort to pull a wheel & install spacers that an assembly line doesn't have .
On after market parts it's almost a given it's going to be off without some alignment work or spacing .
On after market parts it's almost a given it's going to be off without some alignment work or spacing .
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#8
12-08-2010 | 08:38 PM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,719
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You also have to realize that the support at the end of the rear fender is not all that impressive...
On most models, although I'm not that familiar with sporties, the tail end of the fender has no real support. So, it tends to follow path of least resistance like twizted stated. You can tweak the fender tip a bit, but I'd make sure the rear wheel is aligned correctly first...
On most models, although I'm not that familiar with sporties, the tail end of the fender has no real support. So, it tends to follow path of least resistance like twizted stated. You can tweak the fender tip a bit, but I'd make sure the rear wheel is aligned correctly first...
