First post, been lurking a while, really great resource here.
I have taken off the front fender and stripped a load of hex bolts in the process. One was particularly difficult and I used a drill in the end. In doing so I went into the mount on the fork ever so slightly, it still holds strong with the new bolts, is there any reason (structural damage?) why I wouldn't want to reattach a new plate to the mount? Is the plates purpose just to hold the fender on? This is all pretty new to me.
Hey Scotinoz, welcome!
I think there is some structural stability offered by the bracket to the fork braces. The 4 bolts prevent the forks twisting, to a degree. As to whether the structural integrity of your brae is compromised I wouldn't know, I'd be inclined to say that it wouldn't be. I would personally run it, but I do a lot of dumb things...
In the for sale section there is a member who sells billet aluminium fork braces which could be nice upgrade/alternative if you don't feel comfortable running the part anymore.
Chris
O0
https://s29.postimg.org/n3yo4t5p3/tmp_4143_IMG_20170110_2137518881313262221.jpg (https://s29.postimg.org/n3yo4t5p3/tmp_4143_IMG_20170110_2137518881313262221.jpg)
Thanks the_63, just added the photo above, explains things better!
Ah I see, as far as I know, that tab is just for mounting the fender.
Chris
O0
Hi Scotinoz, ugh sorry to hear about your bit of troubles. I agree with the_63, the aluminum fork brace is an awesome upgrade!!
From what I've learned here on the forum over the years, the brace is there for stability to the front end and forks... I'm also remembering reading something having to do with the fact that the GS has front brakes on only one side and the brace helps to stabilize that... IIRC... as well as being there to mount the fender. I'm sure someone will reply and correct me if I'm wrong.