Running no fender.

[rewindstuff]

Can I run my 1980 XS 650 "special" without a fender or bracing of any kind?

 

[raptormeat]

you should ideally keep the brace in the middle that screws into the forks.

 

[Bozz]

Not if you want to turn while riding.

A fork brace is essential in a vintage front end.

A modern USD setup can generally handle it, but the old forks warp too much to be safe.

 

[NvgtrWiggles]

I'd recommend keeping the brace that's under the fender like raptormeat stated. Rode without one for a while and I could definitely feel the difference. Less stable at freeway speeds and the turns didn't feel as locked in.

 

[hillsy]

I remember one of the first rides I had on my newly re-built GS1150 was with the front mudguard only bolted on finger tight. It freaked me out how the front end was so "vague" in turns. When I discovered the error, I was amazed at how much effect a properly mounted front fender / fork brace has on a bikes handling.


The moral is??......

 

[cyclefreak]

Why would youwant not want one?

 

[rewindstuff]

Moral is i think it looks bad ass to run without a front fender. I get it. it stiffens up the front end and makes it handle better and makes it "safer." I just want a fucking cool looking ride. I think no fenders look good. bottom line. Really I could just chop the fender to make it smaller: keep the functionality and make it look better by eliminating some of the flair.