What is the purpose of a motorcycle rear fender?

You do not have to run a rear fender on your bike, but we recommend that you do. Fenders are made to keep debris from being picked up by your tire and flung into the air. Without a rear fender this debris is going to be flung at the vehicles behind you on the road as well as your own back. Without a rear fender getting caught in the rain will mean you will be certain to have a streak of road debris down the center of your backside.

What makes a good fender?

A couple things to look for in a good fender is material and fitment. Fenders need to be made from a good quality material so they can be painted without a major amount of prep. Most fenders are made from steel. The other thing to consider is if the fender you chose needs heavy modifications to be mounted to your motorcycle. If you have to cut, grind and drill in order to just get the fender mounted, you might want to look for something different. However, for most custom builds this is necessary, and various fender mounts and brackets are available that help make the job much easier. The last thing to consider is if it covers your tire as it should. If you are running a 5.00-16" motorcycle tire (which is about 5" wide) then you need to run a fender at least as wide... a 4-3/4" fender is not the right choice for this tire.

Can I put Lowbrow Customs rear fender on any bike?

No. The main determining factors to the size of a rear fender is the frame width and the tire width. Fenders are designed to cover the top portion of the tire to keep debris and water from coming off the tire and hitting you in the back. If you choose a fender that does not cover the full width of the tire, you are still going to get some of that debris coming off the tire to travel past the fender. Rear fenders need to be able to mount over the rear tire, but between the rear fender struts, or frame rails. If the fender width is appropriate for your tire width, you can mount a universal Lowbrow Customs fender, such as a Stingray or Manta Ray Fender, on most any bike using a combination of fender mounts and a sissy bar.

Do I need a rear fender on my bike?

You do not have to run a rear fender on your bike, but we recommend that you do. Fenders are made to keep debris from being picked up by your tire and flung into the air. Without a rear fender this debris is going to be flung at the vehicles behind you on the road as well as your own back. Without a rear fender getting caught in the rain will mean you will be certain to have a streak of road debris down the center of your backside.

Are there legal requirements for motorcycle rear fenders?

There are legal requirements regarding the coverage and visibility of rear fenders in many jurisdictions. These regulations may specify the minimum distance the fender should extend from the wheel, the visibility of taillights and license plates, and other factors. It's crucial to ensure that your rear fender complies with the local laws and regulations in your area.