How To: Choose Cafe Racer Fenders

Fenders are a motorcycle part that serve practical functions like providing support to the front fork and protecting the rider and bike from road debris. They can also serve aesthetic purposes like these unique spiderweb fenders. This blog will help narrow down cafe racer fender options and make your choice a bit easier! 

There are a few aspects to consider when choosing the right fender for your cafe racer. Some things to consider are whether you need a front or rear fender, brackets, material, fit, and shape.

Front Motorcycle Fender vs Rear Motorcycle Fender 

While front and rear motorcycle fenders serve similar purposes they cannot be used interchangeably because of their differing fits. Rear motorcycle fenders are known to cover a larger area of the tire to protect not only the rider but anyone driving behind. Another difference is they are usually supported by a sliding bracket at the rear brake bridge which makes them adjustable. Front motorcycle fenders on the other hand tend to cover less of the tire and are usually fixed in place.

Bracket

There are endless ways to mount your cafe racer fender all of which revolve around the bracket you choose. The most simple and foolproof way to mount your fender is by using a foldable flat bar. This method is customizable to fit the sizing requirements of your fender and is used by attaching the flat part of the bracket directly to the front fork and attaching the thinner Y shaped part to the fender. 

Find these Universal Aluminium Fender Supports on Cafe Racer Webshop!

Material

The most common materials for fenders are aluminum, steel, and plastic/fiberglass. There are distinct pros and cons to using any of the following materials but aluminum fenders are often a popular choice as they can be used as is without having to paint and are made of durable material.

Plastic

• Prone to cracking
• Good for show bikes, cross bikes, and trackers

Steel

• Easily corrodes
• Needs to be painted

Aluminum

• Can be used as is
• Most durable 

Find this Shorty 18 inch Alu Fender on Cafe Racer Webshop!

Fit

Measuring for the appropriate sizing of cafe racer fenders is another essential part in not only making sure they function correctly but that they last. Tires can expand in warm weather so it’s important to ensure you have the appropriate amount of clearance between the tire and fender in order to avoid damage to both. The recommended clearance between tire and fender is between 12.7mm - 15.8mm (½” - ⅝”). 

Helpful Hint

A rubber fuel hose can serve as a tool for making sure you have enough clearance. Simply place the rubber tube over the tire and place the fender on top of it. The space the hose creates will give you the appropriate amount of clearance needed.  Best look is usually following shape of tire and as close to tire as possible

Another thing to keep in mind with the fit of cafe racer fenders is the length. Most fenders can be trimmed to the desired length. A rule of thumb is the longer the fender the more coverage and protection will be provided. 

Round vs Flat

The two main shapes of fenders are round and flat. While they can look similar to the untrained eye there are some key differences to keep in mind when choosing what shape suits your bike best.

Round

• Half circle shape
• Edges come over the sides of the tire
• Offers more coverage
• Increased stability

Flat

• Completely flat or half rectangular shape
• Prone to shaking
• Not as stable
• Less coverage

From spider webbed to traditional metal and there many options to choose from and one place that has all the materials you’ll need! Check out our fenders page for more information and tons of supplies to choose from.