Thinking of bobbing the front fender (900 classic)

cdnielson · 05-13-2008

So I'm considering the idea of bobbing the front fender on my 900 classic.

Firstly, the front fender isn't the best. I don't hate it. It's just very...vanilla. No flavor. Lowest common denominator. Whimpy.

So the solution is to either make it bigger (very difficult) or smaller (not so hard) or replace it all together (expensive and difficult).

Secondly, I think with less fender the front wheel would seperate from the body of the bike, visually speaking, a bit more, giving the appearance of a slight bit more rake. Of course, I could go with no fender...but don't really love that look...and don't really know if it would cause trouble for me (more rocks in the radiator???)

Thirdly, I've always kinda preferred the bobbed front fender look, but never thought it would work without a thin front tire. But I just love the look of the bobbed fender on the new Harley Crossbones and it's with a larger front tire and just looks killer.

Anyhow, before I make the plunge I thought I'd see what you all thought.

Teebay76 · 05-13-2008

I'd like to bob the front and rear fenders.They're both kind of bulky.I agree that buying new ones is pricey.I guess the thing is to decide how much to trim and go slowly.
As the fenders are plastic,how were you going to cut them down?Spin saw?

cdnielson · 05-13-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teebay76

I'd like to bob the front and rear fenders.They're both kind of bulky.I agree that buying new ones is pricey.I guess the thing is to decide how much to trim and go slowly.
As the fenders are plastic,how were you going to cut them down?Spin saw?

No idea. I have a friend who's a composites expert and he said he could do it for me and it wouldn't be too tough.

900classic · 05-13-2008

do it and post pics!

predfan2001 · 05-13-2008

I think you'll end up ruining your fender and regret it. Why not check out Arlen Ness fiberglass fenders? They are on eBay all the time fairly cheap. There is another company that makes them that are cheaper but I can't remember the name. Keep your stock stuff and modify aftermarket. I usually just do a search of "Chopper fenders" or just fenders under motorcycle parts.

Personally, if I had a Classic, the frt fender would come off all together. Like this bike. My favorite 900:

YouTube - bobber vulcan 900

cdnielson · 05-13-2008

^ now how adventurous would that be?

cdnielson · 05-13-2008

Okay...well, per predfan2001's advice, I pulled the fender off to see, and I have to say, I may well like it fenderless enough to just leave it that way.

Pics will follow (likely tomorrow).

05-13-2008	#1 (permalink)
cdnielson Sit speling cheker BTK Expert Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 428	Thinking of bobbing the front fender (900 classic) So I'm considering the idea of bobbing the front fender on my 900 classic. Firstly, the front fender isn't the best. I don't hate it. It's just very...vanilla. No flavor. Lowest common denominator. Whimpy. So the solution is to either make it bigger (very difficult) or smaller (not so hard) or replace it all together (expensive and difficult). Secondly, I think with less fender the front wheel would seperate from the body of the bike, visually speaking, a bit more, giving the appearance of a slight bit more rake. Of course, I could go with no fender...but don't really love that look...and don't really know if it would cause trouble for me (more rocks in the radiator???) Thirdly, I've always kinda preferred the bobbed front fender look, but never thought it would work without a thin front tire. But I just love the look of the bobbed fender on the new Harley Crossbones and it's with a larger front tire and just looks killer. Anyhow, before I make the plunge I thought I'd see what you all thought.

05-13-2008	#4 (permalink)
900classic Riding daily BTK Expert Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Utah Posts: 2,694	do it and post pics! __________________ Jared VN 900classic VROC #26705

05-13-2008	#5 (permalink)
predfan2001 Pro Blinker Tapper BTK Expert Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Clarksville Tn Posts: 870	I think you'll end up ruining your fender and regret it. Why not check out Arlen Ness fiberglass fenders? They are on eBay all the time fairly cheap. There is another company that makes them that are cheaper but I can't remember the name. Keep your stock stuff and modify aftermarket. I usually just do a search of "Chopper fenders" or just fenders under motorcycle parts. Personally, if I had a Classic, the frt fender would come off all together. Like this bike. My favorite 900: YouTube - bobber vulcan 900 __________________ 2007 Vulcan 900 Custom 1998 Lakota 300

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05-13-2008	#2 (permalink)
Teebay76 Still On The Kickstand Join Date: May 2007 Location: Thunder Bay Ontario Posts: 36	I'd like to bob the front and rear fenders.They're both kind of bulky.I agree that buying new ones is pricey.I guess the thing is to decide how much to trim and go slowly. As the fenders are plastic,how were you going to cut them down?Spin saw?

05-13-2008	#6 (permalink)
cdnielson Sit speling cheker BTK Expert Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 428	^ now how adventurous would that be?

05-13-2008	#7 (permalink)
cdnielson Sit speling cheker BTK Expert Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 428	Okay...well, per predfan2001's advice, I pulled the fender off to see, and I have to say, I may well like it fenderless enough to just leave it that way. Pics will follow (likely tomorrow).

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