Front Fender Slap

[MattB]

I am noticing the front fender slapping the front tire due to the front fender being so flexible. This makes an awful racket every time it happens. Anyone else seeing this?

I am looking for a more rigid solution similar to KTM.

 

[WoodsWeapon]

I use the Cycra vented front fender and dont seem to have such an issue. The alta fender and plate are from newer Hondas.

 

[Philip]

It is a 2009 CRF450 fender. Why would it perform any differently on an Alta? Mine works fine. Check the four bolts of the mounting bracket that holds the front of the fender.

 

[snydes]

Must be that Alabama dirt you got there...

@Mark911 has a KTM fender on his I believe, but I think he has a whole KTM front end.

 

[Mark911]

Frankly, you can put just about any front fender on if you want to drill a few holes and/or fab a little sheet metal bracket. You'll probably need to buy the corresponding front number plate as well as most nestle together. I think there's a conversion kit for early model KTMs (same as Alta's) to swap to the latest model KTM front fender. It's a bracket and a couple of spacers/screws. I'm not sure the stock (CR Honda copy) fender flexes more or it just because the bike's so quiet, but it is noticeable. I can even hear the knobs crunching together on hard landings!

 

[MotoMinded]

I am working on adapting a 2016+ KTM fender to the Alta.
I will add to my thread when available. I agree on the flexibility of the Honda fender.

 

[MattB]

It is a 2009 CRF450 fender. Why would it perform any differently on an Alta? Mine works fine. Check the four bolts of the mounting bracket that holds the front of the fender.

Yes, I know exactly what it is an where its from. Why would it perform any different?

1. Because it feels like its made from bubble gum?
2. Because the angle of the fender is completely wrong. The tip of the fender is pointed down way too much.
3. If you've never felt a KTM fender then you should really check them out
4. Maybe you are not sending it over 130ft triples? Step on step off sections? This is an MX bike, I am going to treat it like one and expect it to perform.

Maybe Alta got a deal on old overstock Acerbis fenders?

Phillip, please go easy on your tone..... I didn't attack you in any way shape or form. Treating people like idiots is what turns forums sour. We are all here to help one another and up until this point I felt like this forum may be different from other forums that are full of keyboard warriors with more experience typing than riding.

 

[MattB]

Frankly, you can put just about any front fender on if you want to drill a few holes and/or fab a little sheet metal bracket. You'll probably need to buy the corresponding front number plate as well as most nestle together. I think there's a conversion kit for early model KTMs (same as Alta's) to swap to the latest model KTM front fender. It's a bracket and a couple of spacers/screws. I'm not sure the stock (CR Honda copy) fender flexes more or it just because the bike's so quiet, but it is noticeable. I can even hear the knobs crunching together on hard landings!

Agree 100% You can hear everything on this bike!

I can deal with the chain noises and the tires crunching but the front fender slapping has to go!

Matt

 

[MattB]

I am working on adapting a 2016+ KTM fender to the Alta.
I will add to my thread when available. I agree on the flexibility of the Honda fender.

Awesome MotoMinded! Please post your results! This is exaclty what I want to do!

 

[Philip]

Phillip, please go easy on your tone.....

My apologies. I am sorry if this came across wrong, or condescending, or stating the obvious. I was driving from a MX track and just wanted to give you a quick answer to the question that you asked. Perhaps my message was curt, or I did not use the right words. Sorry about that. I didn't mean to do that at all.

 

[MattB]

My apologies. I am sorry if this came across wrong, or condescending, or stating the obvious. I was driving from a MX track and just wanted to give you a quick answer to the question that you asked. Perhaps my message was curt, or I did not use the right words. Sorry about that. I didn't mean to do that at all.

You are a good man Phillip! Thank you!

 

[MattB]

I was just looking at the triple clamps and it sure does look like a KTM number plate and front fender will bolt right up!

Going to order a 2016 Husky Front Fender and number plate now to see if it will work.

 

[snydes]

You are a good man Phillip! Thank you!

You have our permission to put his bike in map 1 and remove his map switch at your first Alta track day

 

[Philip]

You have our permission to put his bike in map 1 and remove his map switch at your first Alta track day

LOL! I must have done something un-admin-like more than once to deserve this kind of feedback. I should start adding smiley faces to those messages where I am not dead serious.

 

[snydes]

It's all good. So far I think we have a pretty level headed group.

 

[MattB]

I would agree! No trolls!

 

[Fog 25]

A simple fix might be to put two flat washers on the back bolts between the fender and the bottom triple clamp. We use to do this to adjust the front fender. Just check the clearance of the back of the fender.

 

[MattB]

A simple fix might be to put two flat washers on the back bolts between the fender and the bottom triple clamp. We use to do this to adjust the front fender. Just check the clearance of the back of the fender.

I considered that but I think it may take a bunch of washers to change the angle enough to matter.

 

[Mark911]

I was just looking at the triple clamps and it sure does look like a KTM number plate and front fender will bolt right up!

Going to order a 2016 Husky Front Fender and number plate now to see if it will work.

Mounting a late model KTM/Husky to the Alta lower triple isn't easy. First, you'll need to relocate the rear fender holes to allow the fender to fit flush against the front of the clamp. Put some grease around the holes on the triple and carefully place the fender in place to transfer the hole locations or you can just eyeball it. These holes are not critical and can be oversized/hogged out if necessary to get the screws in. After that bolt the fender in place (including top washers, preferably thick ones!) and center it on the clamp. Using the two front fender holes as a location guide, matchdrill pilot holes for the front screws into the clamp. Remove the fender, open the two holes to the proper tap size and tap them. Done!

If you don't want to drill into your clamp you can make a simple adapter bracket from a piece of 1/4"x 3/4" x 5" alum bar. Locate the adapter so that it's centered between the two holes used for the stock front bracket/hose guide making sure the adapter lower edge is flush with the clamps lower edge. Temporarily clamp it in place and transfer the two stock hole locations from the backside using a scribe. Remove the adapter and using the stock front bracket/hose guide as the hole locating template matchdrill the two thru holes to match the clamp. Bolt up the adapter and THEN use the above process. Now, instead of drilling/tapping into the clamp you'll drill/tap the adapter. Just make sure the screws you use are not too long as they'll bottom out against the clamp before they tighten down the fender.

Not exactly bolt-up, but should work. Note, this is based on my 2017 MX lower triple clamp.

 

[MattB]

I’ll give it a shot and let you know how it goes! Thanks for the tips!