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DK Designs Front Fender Video

  • <i class="fa--xf fal fa-check "><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" role="img" aria-hidden="true" ><use href="/data/local/icons/light.svg?v=1758297946#check"></use></svg></i> Discussion starter Discussion starter R2K
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Cool! It's always good hearing from a rider who's got the "goods". And it sounds like some real engineering was used in the design of the fender. It seems to me that the last thing that should put to rest concerns of longevity would be if someone were to watch the fender's movement or lack thereof while going down the road and hitting some bumps. That would require someone viewing it from a car in an adjacent lane. Too much of a pain in the bum?
 
theMucker said:
Cool! It's always good hearing from a rider who's got the "goods". And it sounds like some real engineering was used in the design of the fender. It seems to me that the last thing that should put to rest concerns of longevity would be if someone were to watch the fender's movement or lack thereof while going down the road and hitting some bumps. That would require someone viewing it from a car in an adjacent lane. Too much of a pain in the bum?
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Roadtrip!
 
TodkaVonic said:
[Takes out calipers] the thickness of the fender near the attachment points in just over 7mm. Yes, I considered some additional washers. The bushings (I think you referred to them as "bosses," I have no idea, Those flanged metal washers) take all of the force of the bolts. I surmised that adding washers would spread that force onto the fender around the attachment points. This feels worse to me than the current setup but I'm open to suggestions.
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Agreed. Fender washers would not fit properly in those recesses. 7mm is plenty. And judging by the photo included herewith, there might even be some reinforcing fibre embedded in the ABS. I reckon you are good - you bought yourself a first-class big-4ss ABS fender after all. I might get on board as well. I put out some feelers in the meantime. Russ Wernimont® did not know that anyone else, except Harley, built motorcycles (-; Klock Werks reckon that they might have a front fender that could be made to fit and looked forward, working with me, to find a solution (?). I know when I'm beaten.

dkfdet.webp (photo courtesy DK Design®)
 
I mostly just liked how it looked and am more impatient than I outta be. 😁

There'll be a proper metal version from BMW eventually

www.motorcycle.com

2021 BMW R18 Cruiser and Bagger Designs Leak

Design filings offer us the best look yet at the production versions of BMW's R18 cruiser and bagger, which we've tentatively called the R1800B and R1800C.
www.motorcycle.com www.motorcycle.com
 
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I might have to pull the rip cord and get a DK Design fender soon. I'm getting tired of cleaning the front of my R18 after every ride. The stock fender lets too much crud go flying back toward the engine and up, past the fender tip. Then the airborn crud gets caught by the forks, headlight, etc. Yesterday even my GoPro got blasted with mud from a small wet spot on the road!
 
Tony the Skin said:
How does it compare to the /5 and /6 front mudguards in terms of thickness and strength ?
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If your question is for me I'm not clear on what your referring to when you say /5 and /6 front mudguards. I would say the thickness and strength is on par with any oem reputable motorcycle manufacturers plastic front fenders though. I put over 300 miles on the bike this weekend and it seems fine other than a tiny bit loose as it rides on those included steel sleeves so it doesn't get crushed when you torque the 4 bolts. I'm almost tempted to shim them a wee bit so the fender doesn't move but Ive not decided yet
 
Longshot said:
If your question is for me I'm not clear on what your referring to when you say /5 and /6 front mudguards. I would say the thickness and strength is on par with any oem reputable motorcycle manufacturers plastic front fenders though. I put over 300 miles on the bike this weekend and it seems fine other than a tiny bit loose as it rides on those included steel sleeves so it doesn't get crushed when you torque the 4 bolts. I'm almost tempted to shim them a wee bit so the fender doesn't move but Ive not decided yet
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How about using some material that has some crush-ability as the shims? It would take up the slop, while keeping the pressure from damaging the fender.
 
As I said before, all that money for something that you know does not fit properly out of the box.
 
Its definitely overpriced for being plastic. Just how bad you want it I guess. But seeing bd's post got me to thinking (scary)...the fender actually fits great, its just the sleeve inserts are a little to long, therefore causing the looseness. Instead of shimming it up... why not file down a few thousandths off each one so I can take the slack out? Such a easy fix, I shoulda thought of that while I was installing it but I guess I was too excited about getting it on lol!
Anyways. I removed the four of them one at a time and spent about 20 seconds each filing them. They are aluminum so very easy to file. The fender is nice and snug now. Still wish it was metal though lol
20210525_180109.webp
 
Plastic (abs) is far better than metal for a mudguard. My old 1970's BMW /5 and /6 were fitted with them as standard and they are still good. Those on the Harley just rot. On the old BM's they had a stainless steel backplate but in those days quality was much better.
 
Longshot said:
Its definitely overpriced for being plastic. Just how bad you want it I guess. But seeing bd's post got me to thinking (scary)...the fender actually fits great, its just the sleeve inserts are a little to long, therefore causing the looseness. Instead of shimming it up... why not file down a few thousandths off each one so I can take the slack out? Such a easy fix, I shoulda thought of that while I was installing it but I guess I was too excited about getting it on lol!
Anyways. I removed the four of them one at a time and spent about 20 seconds each filing them. They are aluminum so very easy to file. The fender is nice and snug now. Still wish it was metal though lol
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Great solution, Longshot. I just went to the garage to confirm: mine doesn’t wiggle or shimmy or shake at all. Tight as two coats of paint. If anyone else has wiggliness issues, however, your post and solution will be quite helpful
 
Longshot said:
If your question is for me I'm not clear on what your referring to when you say /5 and /6 front mudguards. I would say the thickness and strength is on par with any oem reputable motorcycle manufacturers plastic front fenders though. I put over 300 miles on the bike this weekend and it seems fine other than a tiny bit loose as it rides on those included steel sleeves so it doesn't get crushed when you torque the 4 bolts. I'm almost tempted to shim them a wee bit so the fender doesn't move but Ive not decided yet
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By /5 and /6 I was referring to standard BMW production bikes of the 1970's which had high quality plastic front and rear mudguards ( fenders if you are from the USA) fitted. It is worth looking at how they are fitted and the quality of them.
 
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