melting front fender

[vfrocket]

has anyone else had this happen? my front fender is melted and deformed, it is right behind the header, The only thing I can think happend is when I was setting up the carb I had the bike on the center stand, and the handle bars were straight,and the headers got too hot. While I was setting up the carb I did have a running rich problem which I later figured out. There does seem to be alot of heat coming off the headers, but i cant feel any exhaust gas leaking or anything like that, just real hot....

any comments???

[terry1013]

Greetings VFRocket. I just recently got a 96 GS500 that had a severly melted front fender. Previous owner thought that storage near a kerosene heater had gotten to it.  After much research on this forum I came to find out that there are a couple different ways to melt the front fender. If the engine is running lean it will heat the exhaust pipes enough to melt. If there is extended idle time say a traffic jam on the highway where you've run hard for awhile and then are sitting still "no air flow to cool off the engine". Thirdly I've seen recommendations of sitting a fan in front of the engine to cool it off if sitting and running while working on the fuel system.
As for mine it was actually distorted enough to rub the tire. I will be replacing it when I see a good deal on this board. In the meantime I took a dremel to it and cut it straight across about 2 " from the back of the fork bar. It is at least rideable for me till I can find a fender I can afford.
As for your pic I'd say I've found many comments on that type of blstering and would not be surprised to see it happen to a new fender if I install.

[rcepluch]

Hello vfrocket,

I'm sorry but I can not help you.

However, please forgive me, I would like to butt in here and ask you where you obtained that fender extender.

Thanks.  Hope you get some good ideas about your melted fender.


Bob

[DerekNC]

It must be a common problem. Mine's melted too.

Derek

[vfrocket]

fender extender came stock from suzuki...

thanks for the post guys, next time I am in the garage working on it I will point a fan at the front of the motor to keep the temp down...