HemiOrange
Member
Another thing I noticed was that my factory fender seemed to measure about 18ga (.05") while fenders from places like Paul Yaffe were 12ga (.1904"), about 4 times the thickness. That must be why the Harley fenders have that stepped profile and rolled edges instead of a half round profile like the Yaffe's and a few others, they are trying to make the thinner fenders as strong as they can. They may just need to reinforce the areas that carry the cantilevered weight.
Meanwhile, either relocate your heavy stress inducing parts or try to isolate them with grommets. Your warranty won't last forever. Also, a few loose bolts will contribute to earlier stress cracks, so don't overlook a going-over of the fasteners.
Meanwhile, either relocate your heavy stress inducing parts or try to isolate them with grommets. Your warranty won't last forever. Also, a few loose bolts will contribute to earlier stress cracks, so don't overlook a going-over of the fasteners.