Paulrxs650
XS650 Enthusiast
Thanks Max, that's one vote for the chop 
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UK Board Tracker Build Thread
- Thread starter Paulrxs650
- Start date
I don't think you could go wrong either way on this, but I vote for not cutting.
If it were way low to the frame, then sure...but essentially, it looks to be in line with the overall bike...it's almost or about the same height as the bottom of the rear hub...the foot pegs, and the front hub...so it doesn't look out of place. In fact, I'd argue it helps balance those points. Cutting it shorter may actually draw your eye up a bit there...which could look a little off.
Also, if you're adding any accents to the edge of the fender...some chrome end-cap or trim piece, for example, then I'd really recommend not cutting.
But seriously, not a huge factor...if you do cut it, I second the thought of keeping the radius in-line with the top of the fender.
If it were way low to the frame, then sure...but essentially, it looks to be in line with the overall bike...it's almost or about the same height as the bottom of the rear hub...the foot pegs, and the front hub...so it doesn't look out of place. In fact, I'd argue it helps balance those points. Cutting it shorter may actually draw your eye up a bit there...which could look a little off.
Also, if you're adding any accents to the edge of the fender...some chrome end-cap or trim piece, for example, then I'd really recommend not cutting.
But seriously, not a huge factor...if you do cut it, I second the thought of keeping the radius in-line with the top of the fender.
Paulrxs650
XS650 Enthusiast
Thanks Brassneck! Very good points I definately favour radiusing any cut. Just whether to or not
I definately favour radiusing any cut. Just whether to or not 
Did the 'cover it with a finger' and *squint* routine, and will vote with the 'cut it off' crowd.
But, I don't have the artistic eye like the rest of you.
Maybe do a side view 'photoshop' before committing?
But, I don't have the artistic eye like the rest of you.
Maybe do a side view 'photoshop' before committing?
Paulrxs650
XS650 Enthusiast
Thanks 2M. I would if I had photo shop so I've done the thumb squint too - seem to favourite the chop so far
so I've done the thumb squint too - seem to favourite the chop so far 
theDQG
XS650 Addict
Shaping up to be one sick bike.
Airwolfie
XS650 Guru
Chop it off!
Looking smart Paul!
Glad you decided to use the remainder of the tank for fuel, I'll put money on it that it will save you bottom end one day!!!
Looking smart Paul!
Glad you decided to use the remainder of the tank for fuel, I'll put money on it that it will save you bottom end one day!!!
Johnt3
Still learning...
Hey Paul, damn nice job on your tank man! Good looking welds.
Wish I could weld as good.
I'll stick my neck out and vote for leaving the fender as is.
I think it fills out that area of the lower frame legs well.
Wish I could weld as good.
I'll stick my neck out and vote for leaving the fender as is.
I think it fills out that area of the lower frame legs well.
Hi peanut,
OTOH, if it were mine I'd re-fasten it such that the front edge was just below the frontmost attachment crosstube and the back end kept more of the road crud off the back of my jacket.
thats very practical thinking Fred
I didn't think of that. I've spent years riding a bicycle without guards and being covered in road cr*p and still haven't learnt anything.
phil1rowe4
XS650 Addict
Hi Paul,
Loving the build progress.
My 2 cents (pence?) worth...
I agree with other comments that you cant go wrong with that guard either way, but
I'd vote for keeping the guard as is. I like the visual balance of having the guard at the same height as the bottom of the motor. Chopping the guard will make the back look lighter, so it depends on the look you're after.
Phil
Loving the build progress.
My 2 cents (pence?) worth...
I agree with other comments that you cant go wrong with that guard either way, but
I'd vote for keeping the guard as is. I like the visual balance of having the guard at the same height as the bottom of the motor. Chopping the guard will make the back look lighter, so it depends on the look you're after.
Phil
Paulrxs650
XS650 Enthusiast
Thanks guys! Really appreciate the comments! So, it's evens on chop or not to chop! I'll leave it for now, as it's easier to cut later, than re attach
Fred, I hear you but this is going to be a 100% fair weather bike, otherwise totally agree
Fred, I hear you but this is going to be a 100% fair weather bike, otherwise totally agree
- - - Fred, I hear you but this is going to be a 100% fair weather bike, otherwise totally agree
Hi Paul,
100% fair weather?
In Northumberland?
Yeah, right.
It's gonna be the lowest mileage bike ever.
Paulrxs650
XS650 Enthusiast
Hey Fred, I take you know up here?
we do get some nice days but you're right, it's not going get GS mileage
we do get some nice days but you're right, it's not going get GS mileage
scabber
XS650 Guru
I've been fowling the build still trying to wrap my head around the design. Outstanding craftsmanship a high quality build. I would not cut the mud guard it looks good now.
Paulrxs650
XS650 Enthusiast
Thanks Scabber, thanks for the comments - very much appreciated
Paulrxs650
XS650 Enthusiast
While tidying up, I took a little wider angle shot of the bike
And one for Fred - today was one of our few dry days but boy are they good
And one for Fred - today was one of our few dry days but boy are they good
Paulrxs650
XS650 Enthusiast
Some bits and bobs arrived this week, so some fiddlier jobs done today. A pair of very nice Ram Air pod foam filters
A rather nice quick action throttle and a throttle cable, which needed making up
Got a nice 50mm weld in Bung for the tank and a flush fit filler cap. I'll blend the weld in when I come to do the tin work
Welded in the steel tubes for the crossover pipe
And also made a start on the electrics compartment. I cut out the access panel and welded in an 8mm pice of stud to secure the capacitor and it'll also act as an earth post
A rather nice quick action throttle and a throttle cable, which needed making up
Got a nice 50mm weld in Bung for the tank and a flush fit filler cap. I'll blend the weld in when I come to do the tin work
Welded in the steel tubes for the crossover pipe
And also made a start on the electrics compartment. I cut out the access panel and welded in an 8mm pice of stud to secure the capacitor and it'll also act as an earth post
Paulrxs650
XS650 Enthusiast
Today, I got the plug leads made up and fitted. I wasn't happy with the clearance between the kickstart and the right peg, so made some improvements, putting in a broader dogs leg. Took it outside for a bit of perspective. Not bad so far
