Update regarding the flag mounting plate I made! Important!

[bmwlarry]

:yikes: Yesterday I rode the Polar Bear run with my wife. This is my first 2-up since installing the flag holder. When I got home, I found the bottom edge of my rear fender had broken off. I'm not sure yet but maybe when heavily loaded, the bike squats enough that the rear fender hits the Rivco flag hoder or the rear edge of the plate. I will have to troubleshoot this further and will let everyone know what I found out. Maybe, if the Rivco part is simply removed from the plate it self, things are ok but at this time I'm not sure. Please trouble shoot this before riding 2-up over large bumps with a heavy load. I do not want others to have the same thing happen to them!

Larry,
the original install:


The broken fender:

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: Thanks for the heads-up on this, Larry! :thumbup:
And now that I see this; I remember Lamont mentioning in a thread that the fender will ride down within the trailer hitch when the bikes are loaded up.
I should have remembered this much sooner! I could have warned you about it... pps:

 

[MarkLawson]

Yol Bolsun Already Learned This Lesson...

Keith ran into this exact same problem and ended up notching his rear fender to give clearance.

 

[Lamonster]

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...-trailer-hitch&p=547277&viewfull=1#post547277

 

[bmwlarry]

Well, I guess I have already notched the fender. I will get my dremel out and "clean" it up to look deliberate!
Larry

 

[bmwlarry]

Here is a link to the photo album. Please review the photos and read the text on the photos! The 2 in. measurement is estimated. It would be great if someone could verify the exact measurement.
Next came the photos with 320 lb. static weight added and bike turned off. If a bump is hit and suspension further compressed the fender tip would have hit the flag holder end. I have a LTD so the air suspension compensates somewhat but I am not sure how much. I suppose if you are going to ride 2-up loaded you should maybe trim the fender just a "tad". (this is again assuming the 2 in. estimation is correct!!

Sorry!
Larry

http://s808.photobucket.com/albums/zz6/lkniess/broken fender/

 

[rgscms]

Yikes

Geez, Larry, don't let your wife see the next to last sentence of your original post!! Or you will never be allowed to come out an play again.

 

[Spacetrucker]

Just cut the pice out and would like it was made that way fix done? Seya at the meeting I hope?.

 

[bmwlarry]

I have lost sleep! Not over my broken fender but because I built and sold a product that may cause problems. Just maybe the trailing edge of the flag holder & plate could be ground off so "if" the fender does come in contact with the holder, it would simply flex slightly and slid down and back without damaging the fender.

 

[StanProff]

Well, I guess I have already notched the fender. I will get my dremel out and "clean" it up to look deliberate!
Larry

Look at the bright side, there is no guess work now as to how big a knoch to have.

 

[bmwlarry]

I did have one rider mention that it could probably be turned 180 degrees. I'm not sure how well it would clear with a trailer attached. The Rivco holder would obviously need to removed with a trailer!
Just brainstorming.

 

[Blue Star]

I have lost sleep! Not over my broken fender but because I built and sold a product that may cause problems. Just maybe the trailing edge of the flag holder & plate could be ground off so "if" the fender does come in contact with the holder, it would simply flex slightly and slid down and back without damaging the fender.
View attachment 59459

Don't loose any sleep, as you did not know this would happen. If I can't make it work for me when I get my hitch it is no big deal. I knew it was homemade, and It is a chance I took.

 

[bmwlarry]

I have made a somewhat acceptable repair for the time being. I took the panel I removed from underneath and cut it down to fit. It doesn't look too bad.
It does not hit the flag holder ant more. Below are before and after pics.