Lost front fender and…

[Courtney]

So I’m at 1100 miles of 1800 on day three and my front fender comes off at 65 MPH. It’s embarrassing because I’m riding with my Dad who has a 03 VTX 1800 with 40,000 miles (of course he’s had no issues). I’m at 21,000 on a “touring” bike and stuff is falling off. I get to Utah (from Alabama) to find that one of my windshield bolts is broken off. WTH! Why such issues with the super-sport touring bike? Has anyone else lost the front fender? Gezzzzz….

 

[03HiYoSilver]

Sorry to hear this had to happen to you. I put on about 40k on mine and parts aren't falling off and have not heard about this issue with others.

 

[kenporider]

I take it you're not the original owner? If not, the previous owner may have dome some work to it and not properly snugged everything up. Were I you, I'd be grabbing the wrenches and checking everything. Should be done anyway, only you know if it was done right when you do it yourself. Never heard of a fender coming off though :blink:

 

[highcountry]

Someone probably removed the fender to install a new front tire and didn't button everything up good and tight.

 

[lonesoldier84]

Were I you, I'd be grabbing the wrenches and checking everything.

+1

 

[Patriot]

So I’m at 1100 miles of 1800 on day three and my front fender comes off at 65 MPH. It’s embarrassing because I’m riding with my Dad who has a 03 VTX 1800 with 40,000 miles (of course he’s had no issues). I’m at 21,000 on a “touring” bike and stuff is falling off. I get to Utah (from Alabama) to find that one of my windshield bolts is broken off. WTH! Why such issues with the super-sport touring bike? Has anyone else lost the front fender? Gezzzzz….

check the manufacture label

maybe a few Feej's were made in Milwaukee

 

[escapefjrtist]

Too bad about the front fender...these don't normally fall off. Couple places to check for maintenance hints and tips...FJR Tech and FJR Info both have good information.

--G

 

[FJRBluesman]

Were I you, I'd be grabbing the wrenches and checking everything.

+1

Double gunny.
Sorry that happened, glad you and the bike are OK, no misshaps.

That isn't normal, although I do recall one other person did post on the forum that a couple bolts came out, and his fender was hitting the front and melting away form the friction. I don't recall anyone losing a fender though. :dribble:

 

[SkooterG]

Don't know what to tell you. I have over 250,000 miles on FJRs and I have never lost anything that wasn't because I forgot to tighten something.

There's 4 bolts for the front fender. Never ever had even one of them loosen. Never have had anything loosen that was tightened correctly in the first place.

Oh, one helpful hint: If you do your own tires, brakes or whatever that requires front wheel removal? Make sure you tighten your caliper bolts up re-installing. Don't ask me how I know.

 

[Bounce]

There's 4 bolts for the front fender. Never ever had even one of them loosen. Never have had anything loosen that was tightened correctly in the first place.

+1

I'm with the others who recommended you go to town on personally inspecting the fasteners on the bike.

 

[NMRoadRunner]

The way I see it, It's not the bikes fault. <_< It can't tighten itself up, you follow me? You went on a planned trip and apparently didn't look the bike over very well before you left. New or used, shit happens, it's up to the pilot to catch it before it happens if possible. Better luck on your next trip.

 

[dcarver]

No radiator damage or other issues with the fender exiting?

 

[SilverHound]

Did you have anything connected to the front fender using the two main fender bolts? I have some driving lights on mine and noticed some stress cracks around the bolt holes as I did not have washers in place to distribute the force against the fender properly. Replaced the fender, added washers and no problems since.

 

[xcsp]

I get to Utah (from Alabama) to find that one of my windshield bolts is broken off.

I had one of the plastic windshield bolts snap off on a trip back from South Dakota, had some nasty cross winds and the V-Stream windshield probably added to the stress on the screw failing. Didn't notice it until I was back in WI.

 

[mferriter]

I get to Utah (from Alabama) to find that one of my windshield bolts is broken off.

I had one of the plastic windshield bolts snap off on a trip back from South Dakota, had some nasty cross winds and the V-Stream windshield probably added to the stress on the screw failing. Didn't notice it until I was back in WI.

Is there some reason why Yamaha used plastic bolts and why they shouldnt be replaced with metal ones?

 

[wheatonFJR]

Is there some reason why Yamaha used plastic bolts and why they shouldnt be replaced with metal ones?

YES. nylons are meant to sacrifice during an "incident". Sometimes to save the shield...sometimes to save the rider during the rider/shield interface.

I would NOT replace those with metal screws.

 

[zenwhipper]

Why the comparison with Sport Touring vs a VTX in terms of quality? Seems a bit odd and maybe pointless :huh: to make such statements. Anyway- never seen a front fender fall of an FJR. I guess it COULD happen to the FJR or any other bike for that matter if the conditions are right. I'd say you'd be much happier on a high milage VTX.

Scoot

 

[WBill]

Maybe this is a good time to remind ourselves to do a quick check of parts and systems each day before we take off. WBill

 

[ceddec]

Someone probably removed the fender to install a new front tire and didn't button everything up good and tight.

This happened to me after the dealer did a tire change. I found I was missing a brake caliper bolt and a fender screw when checking out for a ride. They fixed it after I pointed out the issue and before it became a problem thankfully.