Braced front fender

[JOHNDADDY]

I have a late1975 and have seen a lot of 75s with the braced front fender but not mine. Is this a mid year change or a mod?
I love the old school look and the sturdiness of it. Would I have to change forks for the lower mounts or is there a mod?
Planning.
Thanks

 

[Its been a long time]

No. IIRC the shallow, braced front mudguard/fender was used until 1977 model year production was started. I recall it was a common theme across 250/350/500/650 bikes.

 

[650Skull]

Have your forks been changed to 35mm. Up to and including 76 the forks were 34mm with bracers on the guard. Some people cut the brackets off if they change the guard.
https://www.xs650.com/threads/xs650...workshop-manuals-and-other-information.30569/

 

[JOHNDADDY]

Weekend went wat to fast, I did not get a chance to measure diameter, will convert to sae and measure when I get out of work. I do not see any way to mount a braced fender.

as such

 

[gggGary]

Weekend went wat to fast, I did not get a chance to measure diameter, will convert to sae and measure when I get out of work. I do not see any way to mount a braced fender.

View attachment 257764
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as such
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Looks like a complete front end from a special was installed

 

[5twins]

Yes, the forks are '78 or newer (adjustable preload top caps). Wheel, disc, and caliper probably are as well.

 

[DogBunny]

You can't put the fender on that you want, but on the other hand, your 78 or newer front end is way superior to a 76 or earlier front end. More robust 35mm shocks vs 34mm, and a better brake caliper.

 

[5twins]

I don't know about the caliper. It's said that early two (moving) piston caliper brakes very well, maybe even better than the later single piston unit.

 

[JOHNDADDY]

Thank you All for the input. Musta been done by the PO, the bike was set up as a full dresser when I got it
hard faring and boxes, king queen and large sissy bar.

 

[Kevin Werner]

Weekend went wat to fast, I did not get a chance to measure diameter, will convert to sae and measure when I get out of work. I do not see any way to mount a braced fender.

View attachment 257764
View attachment 257765
as such
View attachment 257767

Does anybody fit a flat plate brace inside the front fender on the '77 and newer front ends? It wouldn't be too hard to fabricate.

 

[gggGary]

Does anybody fit a flat plate brace inside the front fender on the '77 and newer front ends? It wouldn't be too hard to fabricate.

The late model fenders have a brace built in.

 

[XSTime]

I’ve thought about the need of a fork brace on the 77 up 35mm forks plenty over years.
Once even cut a fender down which was more work than anticipated.
I’ve had old experienced dirt track racers tell me they never used a fork brace as it wasn’t necessary?

 

[gggGary]

The late model fenders have a brace built in.

 

[Jim]

I’ve had old experienced dirt track racers tell me they never used a fork brace as it wasn’t necessary?

Dirt track racers didn't have to contend with the twisting moment created by a single disk brake trying to twist the forks.
That was more pronounced with the 34mm tubes than the 35, but it's there in both.

 

[jetmechmarty]

old experienced dirt track racers

I don’t think that’s the same as canyon carving on pavement.
There are indeed a lot of folks who think they need a fork brace, but they don’t. The one in the fender does the job for most.
@grizld1 probably wrote how to test the need someplace in this forum.

 

[jetmechmarty]

A cracked fender might tell you you need one. That is, if the fork tube isn’t bent.

 

[JOHNDADDY]

I could get tubing and a p clamps for the fender but how to secure to to the lowers??? and the fender looks larger than mine or is that just an optical?

 

[arcticXS]

I don't know about the caliper. It's said that early two (moving) piston caliper brakes very well, maybe even better than the later single piston unit.

Definitely better. The earlier caliper was also used on 73-78 RD350 and 400, as well as the TZ250, 350 and TZ500 roadracers. It has two 48 mm pistons, where the 77 onwards XS caliper has a single 38 mm piston. With a 12-14 mm master cylinder, even a single disc setup is a great brake. The only reason for changing to the later caliper must have been cost. Also, the later one piece disc is a cheaper, simpler setup than the 73-76 two piece disc.

 

[arcticXS]

If you just want a different look, but not necessarily the exact stock look, you could try to make something similar to some 70s Honda models, see attached picture.

 

[Jim]

If you just want a different look, but not necessarily the exact stock look, you could try to make something similar to some 70s Honda models, see attached picture.

... or the early XS650's.
Might be a real bear to fit, but nothings impossible.