This thread discusses the Content article: Reinforce the Rear Fender

I was preparing to gather the parts listed in the 'Reinforce The Rear Fender' tech article.

I love it when motorheads dabble into engineering, it's always an adventure at a junkyard or industrial supply store or something equally fun.

Then I sat up last night late reading through my newly aquired manual and there in the very back (Clymers page 435) were the body parts and the fenders and more specificaly the 'Rear Fender Stay' with a note indicating it was only included on 2004 models and up.

Now that Yamaha has addressed the 'Shredding Rear Fender' problem with an OEM part, would purchasing the (SKU: 5VN-21643-00-00 STAY, REAR) listed for a 2004 XV17AS from somehwere like South Seattle Sports Plaza for 60 bucks or watching for one on e-bay be another alternative?

I'm not picking at the fix, I'm just asking if there is another option for new 'used' Star owners that aren't as inclined to fabricate as you and I.



Max

I also have the torn rear fender syndrome. This winter I'm going to pull the fender, fix the break and hopefully go one step further by adding on to the bracket to support a hidden trailer hitch setup as well as brace the fender better. Got some more research to do yet but that's the plan.

Greyphart

O-K guys, enlighten me on this cracked fender deal. Where does it crack and should I be worried with an '02 Roadie?

ditto!

I am also in need of some enlightenment.

<goes to hit the subscribe button>

Mine started just behind the inner bracket on the left side. It's now over an inch long.



Greyphart

I had a small crack that started in the turn signal bracket hole, never got more than about 3/4" long. There is a Yamaha tech bulletin on it and when I had my tranny recall done they replaced the fender, free of charge...

My stock fender was cracking right at the tip. So I rigged up this setup over the winter for the new fender. Don't mind the crooked tab.


Link to larger image

I reinforced mine (03' as one of my winter projects last year. It hadn't split yet, but my fender wobbled pretty good at idle. It was an easy fix and made a significant difference. I had the stuff in my garage, so it was a free fix. I'd recommend it.

i simply bought an 05 rear fender off ebay for ~ $150
easy swap ofcourse now i got to paint it!

Hi guys I've heard of the sheet metal breaks and tears but mine did something way worse! My sub frame broke! cracked right through the reinforcement that is oem. Yamaha was nice to replace it once and here 14months later it did it again!! Now we have some ruff roads in Louisiana but I would have to ride this like a dirt bike for this damage.. Has anyone seen anything like this?

FYI- Yamaha will not replace again.
'06 road star 25k mi
sissy bar and bags
I have other pic's but they are to large to post