Can I lower my rear fender?

[davesax36]

So I've got myself these 17" wheels running 190/50/17 tires, but will be switching to stockish height 180/55/17s once I get things all bolted up. I know some guys don't like the look of a not-stock wheel under that rear fender and I'm wondering if there's a way I could lower the whole thing with spacers or something. I believe the WP shocks I've got on the back are actually 13.5" so I should have some room to play as far as travel goes. Has anybody looked at this as a possibility or do I just get to look at a little bit wider gap from now on?

Also, we're iced in here in Fort Worth, so I'm day-drinking. Please excuse any grammar or punctuation errors.

 

[Rusty McNeil]

It could be done but the gap created between the fender and the seat and grab rail will look weird for sure.

 

[davesax36]

It could be done but the gap created between the fender and the seat and grab rail will look weird for sure.

Yeah. There's that... I'm thinking an inch maybe.

 

[[email protected]]

Shorter shocks will make a 17" look OK IMO.

 

[adambweird]

Could always split the difference or space it out just enough to keep the gap between the seat/grab bar small so that dosent look weird.

 

[Rusty McNeil]

Just me but I think the big gap between the fender and tire look good.
But that's probably cause I like the sport tails and "sport bikey"/street fighter look.

Minus the ridiculously high EU type tails of course.

 

[davesax36]

Just me but I think the big gap between the fender and tire look good.
But that's probably cause I like the sport tails and "sport bikey"/street fighter look.

Minus the ridiculously high EU type tails of course.

I like the euro look as well, that's why I'm partially not worried about it. I'm mostly wondering because I had an idea about an under-rack auxiliary fuel tank. Maybe 1.5 gallons that could be mounted under my luggage rack so I wouldn't lose rear seat space for touring. I need to do some measurements for volume and spacing, but it could work out pretty well and maybe not break the bank.

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[dannymax]

Kinda liked the look of my '99 with 17"s on it....something that might look nice with 17"s is Exactrep's shortie fender....:confused2:

 

[davesax36]

I like the look of your '99, Danny.

 

[veebooster]

Try a 190/55 tire.

 

[dannymax]

I like the look of your '99, Danny.

Thanks Dave....always regretted selling that one. :blink000:

 

[davesax36]

Try a 190/55 tire.

Now that's pretty close to stock. There's a 190/50 on there now and I certainly don't hate the look. I was mostly thinking 180 to make it a bit easier to get it past the final drive. I still have to loosen the pumpkin either way, though, so getting a closer-to-stock size would probably be best. Thanks for the tip.

 

[MaxMidnight]

Try a 190/55 tire.

Without notching the swinging arm I suspect the tyre will rub.

I needed to do the washer swap to get a 180 Bridgestone to fit.

I wouldn't worry about it.
Unless you spend most of your time looking at your bike I reckon how it sits when there is a load on board is more important.
If it looks right without rider/ pillion/ luggage then it will appear too low when the additional weight is added..

 

[davesax36]

The 190 fits in there now with a washer swap. It's possible that I'll get a new tire and it won't fit, though. Do you have a 180 on an 18" wheel or 17"?

 

[MaxMidnight]

The 190 fits in there now with a washer swap. It's possible that I'll get a new tire and it won't fit, though. Do you have a 180 on an 18" wheel or 17"?

It is a 180/55 on a 17" Dymag

Another thought regarding the mudguard - you could consider one of the shorty versions, as seen on Mr Midnights Max?
As suggested in my previous post there will be a smaller gap when the suspension compresses.

 

[davesax36]

Is that the exactrep front fender, too?

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[MaxMidnight]

Yes.