Rear Fender Removal

[Slick]

Is there a write-up around about removing the rear fender off of an I/S to  do the nutcage mod?

Thanks in advance-


Slick Steve

[Joe Hummer]

Hey Steve,

Here is instructions on doing the nut cage mod. 

http://lifeisaroad.com/stories/2005/08/24/valkyrieRearFenderNutCageMod.html

As for taking the rear section off, you will need to remove the saddlebags and rear fender bolts.  You will also have to remove the rear seat (if you have the stock seat, you will need to remove the seat to get to the bolt.  If you have an after market seat, then the seat bolt is what holds the seat on).  Once you have the bolts out, squeeze the fender together up near the fender rails a little and carefully remove the fender.  You will have to disconnect the turn signal wires so you won't get too far removing the fender until you unplug the lights at the joint in the fenders.

Joe

[vanagon40]

Slick,

I've never worked on an Interstate, and maybe you have already replaced the tire, but if you intend to replace the tire without removing the fender, I would think you could also perform the nut cage modification without removing the fender.

Maybe you have already replaced the tire (or performed some other modification) and you want to perform the modification?

[Joe Hummer]

Due to space limitations and angles to get to the nut cages...you REALLY want to remove the fender to do it. 

Joe

[Jess from VA]

With the bike up on a lift and the tire off, we had no problem removing the nut cages with lower fender half still mounted.  Just scooted up, reached in and worked underneath.  Air cutoff wheel to cut it in half, and wiggle/break each half off.  Believe the lower half is better welded and took a little cleanup to remove sharp edges.  Upper half came off clean.   

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I did mine with an air cutoff wheel with the bike on the lift and the wheel removed. I held a wet towel to the outside to keep the heat down on the paint.Piece of cake.