I know that it is a huge topic and I agree it needs to go, but I am weary to have my bike go under the knife. I got a few questions, could i possibly just chop around the existing fender leaving the turn signals and lincense plate holder in tact... or does that just look horrible and leave the possibility of the turn signals busting off easier? If not so much of a good idea, then what is the best course of action. I have look at Pablo's site and i am just a little nervous that i am going to screw something up. But I want to get rid of it. I am at college and dont have too many resources available to work on it. A drill, cooping saw, sandpaper, ruler, pencil that is about it. Will those tools do the trick? Also, I have no idea where to get a piece of metal to mount the new license plate holder and turn signals. A lil' help please?
Lex
Pablo is a bit on the extreme side. Apparently he was attacked by a rabid fender as a child.
A lot of people simply shorten the existing fender so it doesn't look so much like a mudflap. In fact, if I recall correctly, it took Pablo a few passes to get to his "no fender" look.
Personally, I haven't had the nerve to cut mine off either. If I do, it will be to shorten it, not remove it. Take a look on the main page at the fenderectomy (http://www.gstwin.com/fenderectomy.htm) mod.
I left everything else where it was when I did mine... I used a hack saw and cut it off just above where the liscense plate comes down. It looks better than before IMO and shouldn't cause anything to have less support. I also used sand paper to get the rough edge off.
just cut above the bottom of license and leave everything else as is-like Anne and John did on fenderectomy page:
(http://www.gstwin.com/images/mods/fender/fender3.jpg)
looks better than stock fender here too... :thumb:
I sorta did the same thing - cut the fender below the plate. But I also removed the bracket that holds the plate and drilled holes into the remaining fender to affix the plate to. Now the plate sits flat against the fender. You can see "before" and "after" pictures in the bikes subfolder at:
http://photos.yahoo.com/jean_cockburn
Also, notice the bar-end mirrors? Im lovin' them! I'm still going to replace the turn signals...give me time :)
I did the same thing as vegbiker. I hated that little bracket holding the plate on. It seemed unnecessary so I took it off. I like the way it looks much better now. I also put the little reflector back on the back that bolt on to the fender, I just drilled the holes so it would mount under the plate. The screw heads that hold the reflector on kick the bottom of the plate out to give it a slightly more angled look.
John L.
I sucked it up and cut it off. With a cooping saw, a metal file, sandpaper and a lighter to smooth the edges a little more and return the smoothness, it looks like it was stock to begin with. Looks great much sportier and has no longer the absurd blockiness to the back end. Now i am starting to consider the LED taillight and the buell turn signals. Thanks for everyones help. And if there are any suggestions for the taillight and the signals let me know please!
Lex
I got lockhart phillips shortened stalk ones, direct bolt in for stock with the wiring and the bolt/nuts.
This is Before
Rear
http://www.printroom.com/ViewAlbumPhoto.asp?userid=acrpt24&album_id=145226&image_id=3
Front
http://www.printroom.com/ViewAlbumPhoto.asp?userid=acrpt24&album_id=145226&image_id=5
And this is after.
Rear
http://www.printroom.com/ViewAlbumPhoto.asp?userid=acrpt24&album_id=145226&image_id=11
Front
http://www.printroom.com/ViewAlbumPhoto.asp?userid=acrpt24&album_id=145226&image_id=9
Quote from: Lex143ms[...]if there are any suggestions for the taillight and the signals let me know please!
Check out my
LP Short Stalk II page for extra tips on the lights JasonB is talking about.
EDIT: Changed link from
sisna.com to
bbburma.net
Never thought about the reflectors, might have to do that with mine. But I havent had complaints from honking drivers yet so they must be decentl lit. And I didnt have to change the bullet connectors on the front or the rear.
Quote from: JasonBI didnt have to change the bullet connectors on the front or the rear.
Now that you mention it, I guess the only reason I had to change the connectors was because I needed to mount my turn signals way out back on my new Five Stars tail rack, and the stock wires weren't long enough. I needed to add a length of wire in between each pair of stock connectors, and that's why I cut all the old connectors off and replaced them.
I had totally forgotten about that!
Just J-Lo's opinion, but I think moving the turn signals up and back into the tool resevoir is the way to go...that way, you can cut the fender straight across the sides, and behind the license plate......
The fender had little indents on each side, just above where the turn signals are now...they fit perfectly in there...I know that hwen I cut my fender, I was worried about how stable the turn signals would be just hanging on to the little peice of fender I left...moving them into those little slots eased my mind...
I'll try for pics...
J-Lo
P.S. LOSE the reflectors...
Quote from: J-Lo
P.S. LOSE the reflectors...
Sheesh cant please anyone, first I chop my fender then I gotta shorten my signals now I gotta get rid of the reflectors! Just dont comment on loosing the rider and I might comply with the rest!
:lol: ;)
I reflectors were already gone. Knowing that I'd be riding at night and that everyone around here is actively trying to kill me I put on some red reflective tape which is almost invisible on my red paint. That is unless the light hits it.
Quote from: J-LoJust J-Lo's opinion, but I think moving the turn signals up and back into the tool resevoir is the way to go...that way, you can cut the fender straight across the sides, and behind the license plate......
The fender had little indents on each side, just above where the turn signals are now...they fit perfectly in there...I know that hwen I cut my fender, I was worried about how stable the turn signals would be just hanging on to the little peice of fender I left...moving them into those little slots eased my mind...
I'll try for pics...
J-Lo
P.S. LOSE the reflectors...
thats where my buell t/s are mounted-added benefit is that it indents about 1/2" so it pulls the t/s in farther...looks tight.
You could always go extreme like mine. I personally think this looks the best. mount the turnsignals on the rear bodywork.
i even relocated my license plate, but thats not necisary(i cant spell)
(http://www.uploadit.org/files/210703-motorcycle%20ride%20032.jpg)