Anyone install the fender rail inserts? I was getting ready to start my project when I discovered you have to remove the fender rail. The problem is you have to bend away the tabs surrounding the two attachment fasteners. Not sure how to get at them without taking off the front wheel itself. Installation instructions say nothing about removing the wheel...however I'm at a lost of how to get good access to these two fasteners (without removing the front wheel).

 

I did the insert awhile ago without removing the rail. I just removed the front nut and let the rail rotate down until it hit the tire. At that point, you can kinda see what's going on and access what you need. The problem remains that almost everything still needs to be done by feel and takes some time to get the insert aligned, especially if you've got sausage fingers.

 

It can be done, I've done it. Access from opposite side and bend back those damn tabs. Go to autozone and get yourself a small mirror with a handle extension, big help for this and other projects. Get a long bladed screw drive, one six pack and go to work. Easier than pulling the wheel..

 

It is easy to pull the well

 

took off the front wheel, just made my life easier

 

I waited til I needed a tire change. Luckily, I was already 'there'.

 

I see that I did not spell wheel right

 

Thanks all...I believe, given the front wheel is relatively easy to pull, and the damn tabs are a pain in the azz to get to if you don't, I will remove the wheel :-)

 

I didnt remove the wheel but it would have been faster if I did.

 

I installed the rail insert a couple years ago on a previous bike; I didn't remove the rail or the wheel. Once you get the rubber bumper removed, just pop in the chrome rail insert, you might have to use a rubber mallet to get it to pop in. then you can tighten the fasteners on the back side by feel. It was a piece of cake. Good luck.