Triumphrat

BadMouth

I thought I'd share my progress on my fender chop and get some feedback/ideas.

I started out with a legend fender, chopped it, then removed the ridge and the brake light mounting holes. I've wanted red signal lenses for a while and the only way to get them was to swap out turn signals. While I was at it, I installed a run/turn/brake module so the signals could double as brake lights.

It has turned out close to what I had envisioned, with the exception of the license plate lighting. The plan was to use license plate mounting bolts that have LED's built into them, so I wouldn't have to clutter things up with a light housing. The lights would work fine on a flat license plate, but I ran into problems using a curved one. Due to the curve, the light can only illuminate a small section. To illuminate the plate this way, it will take 5 or 6 bolts. That will clutter things up and cost me another $40. I'm still exploring my options. (btw, the wide rear rim is at the powder coater and should be laced & installed within the next few weeks. The front rim is on backorder until mid-november)

So what are your thoughts?
Go ahead and use 6 giant license plate bolts? Add a sparto? Move the plate to the swingarm? Chop it farther?

WoodsieIII

I like it. But whats the problem with the number plate light, just dont run one. Mine hasnt worked for about three years. That little bulb in the standard lamp only lasts about ten minutes.

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I believe there is no such thing as accidents. When I ride I must leave enough room for others stupid mistakes, added to that is enough room to make my own.

gregp

I don't know about PA, but you would never get away with not running one around here (MA). I would go to Wal-Mart or an auto parts store and look for a small marker light used on trucks and trailers.

Rhinoe

Looks good. The fender looks to be about the perfect length. Not sure what to tell you about the lighting issue. I like the idea of the plate on the swingarm, but think it might look out of place on these bikes (I'm sure it would not be cheap either). Do you think the plate would look terrible if it was in the same position, but flattened?

SWare

I like the fender chop and the idea of using the turn signals as brake/tail lights. The license plate looks sort of lonely and out of place to me without a frame or some sort of mount. Could you come up with a frame that could be formed to the shape you want and then embed some leds into the frame. That would surround the plate in light. Now that I say that, what about the little ropes of light? If hidden behind a frame they might not look too tacky.
Personally, I think a very small tail light with bit of clear lens might not look too bad.
Of course the best look might be nothing on the fender at all.
If it is legal to move the plate to the side you might experiment with that.

Stan

MickMaguire

you could use lite-n-bolts for illuminating the plate http://www.carolinaclassictrucks.com...ght-bolts.html

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Mick...

BadMouth

That was my opinion.

Yes I do.

Those are exactly what I'm using, but the center and bottom corners of the plate are completely dark due to the curve. I did some experimenting and figured out that I'd need one at each corner and another in the center of the top to light the plate enough that I wouldn't be hassled. I'm still debating it, but I don't think I'll like the look with that many.



I do like the idea of having a chrome frame flush mounted in the fender with a rope light or LEDs inside it and the plate itself recessed just enough to be illuminated (that was my original idea). I just don't think I'd be able to find one that fits the curvature of the fender unless it's bendable. JP cycles has one I like for small radius fenders under 7", but it's $60 and might not work. To be honest, I really like the look of plate just bolted onto the fender.

Woody1911a1

can't you just space those light bolts out a lil to give more coverage ? ie a washer under each ?

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If you love it , let it go . If it comes back to you , you've highsided ;-)

RickN

I like what you've got so far.

I wonder if it would be possible to indent the fender about 1/2" for an area just larger than the plate. The above mentioned rope light could then be installed around it to illuminate the plate.

I think this could be done be hammering this recessed area into the steel fender. (A one-day crash course on custom sheet metal working was offered at a recent motorcycle show, but I did not take it - so I am not speaking from experience.)

Rick

hyzer

BadMouth

How did you get rid of the ridge?