I'm installing a RSD tracker rear fender on a softail slim with stock tire. Anyone have any idea why they supply threaded studs to mount the struts to the bike? A bolt, with the head, would make much more sense.

 

just swap them out with other 3/8 x 16 hardware.....
use button head bolts / screws to mount struts to the frame. and either socket head bolts / screws (or the cap ones) to mount struts to the fender


cap head bolts


Socket head bolts

 

My guess would be clearance issues...

 

i couldn't use any of the hardware for the fenders that came with my RSD kit (they were all too long and hit the tire). if you kept everything at or close to stock height you would probabally be alright with what they provide.

if you lower it a lot they have to be very short, i couldn't find them in lowes, depot, or a local mom & pop hardware store. some of mine were ordered online, but still ended up cutting the fender ones down and then cleaning up the threads with a tap and die set.

 

There is no clearance issue for the struts to frame, and they supply threaded studs with a cap. Just changed them out for button head... Thanks for the replies. Just seemed strange just they don't send button heads with the kit.