Fender brackets

[Pasiv65]

Hello!

I recently bought the lower bracket for my 1972 XS2 front fender. As you can see in the pictures, it is not long enough. I tried to press the fender closer to the tire, but it needs a lot of power, and I think that the bracket should fit easily. And besides that, when pressed closer, the bracket´s mounting hole goes upwards compared to the fork´s mounting hole.

So, I am asking if someone knows the correct length of the bracket. This one is about 13,6 inches, measured in the center. Or maybe there is something wrong with the fender?

Pasi

 

[neanderthal]

you're missing one as well. This could be a silly question, but if it is indeed at 72 part are you sure its not backwards?

 

[TwoManyXS1Bs]

Hi, Pasi. Welcome to the dark world of fender stays. You are trying to fit an 'Enduro' style fender stay, of which there were (6) different stays for the `71-`73 models.

1971 XS1B/F used '256' stays, front with (2) fender mount tabs, rear with (4) fender mount tabs.
1972 XS2 used '306' stays, front with (2) fender mount tabs, rear with (4) fender mount tabs.
1973 TX650 used '366' stays, front with (2) fender mount tabs, rear with (4) fender mount tabs.

The XS1B/F steel front fork lowers were changed over to the 'Enduro' style, with fender stay mount ears added near the axle. Later aluminum fork lowers included those enduro 'ears', but in a slightly different location.

Early model fender parts lists (PDF), fork change bulletin, and pic of XS1B front wheel included for reference.

However, the seriously short fender stay that you have may be for some other bike with an 18" front wheel...

 

[DogBunny]

I'm pretty sure that you have one of two things going on:
Either you are trying to use a two-hole strut, which is supposed to go on the front of the fender on the rear (hard to tell from your pics. The front strut should be a 2-hole, the rear a 4-hole),
OR, more likely, you are trying to use a 1973-75 strut on a 1972 fender (or vice-versa).
EDIT: OR, whatever TwoMany just said.

 

[Pasiv65]

Wow, quite complicated, I wouldn´t have quessed...

This is an OEM-part, and there was some label on it. I will check tomorrow what it says.

DogBunny, there are 4 mounting holes, so I think I´ve got the right one to the rear.

I think you all are right, the fender´s and stay´s yearmodels must be different.

Thanks for your helping!


Pasi

 

[angus67]

silly thought here.... how good are your head bearings? if sloppy, that would allow the lowest part of the forks to be more forward. the cleanliness of your bike indicates you prolly have solid head bearings, just a thought.

 

[650Skull]

Could have a strut from a 74TXA-76C They are different from the 72/73 struts

 

[Pasiv65]

Ok, yesterday I got back to the garage, and checked the label on the bracket: 366-21514. So I bought a -73 TX stay (can be checked from TwoManyXS1Bs´s tables). Actually the seller said it was for XS2, but I don´t blame him, because it is difficult to know.

Angus, your thought was very good, but this time it was other reason.

Pasi