Fender guards for paint protection

[Huff1711]

What’s everyone’s take on guards or bra for fenders? Dealership was trying to preach to me to get them asap before anything. I don’t usually go on gravel unless I decide to take trike to farm market type parking lots. Harley has a cheaper smaller version of protection that would financially be easier to get now that I could install. Also wife hates the idea of covering up blue fenders. Thanks!

 

[trikechuck]

Chad,

I'm in the same spot you are in. I just got my Tri Glide this past spring. From what I read, people were stating the fender bras scuff the fenders. I did not get the fender bras and I now have a chip in my left fender. I do not ride on gravel either.

Chuck

 

[Notgrownup]

I put the clear film instead. Had the bras on my 14 and it was scuffed bad.

 

[Huff1711]

I put the clear film instead. Had the bras on my 14 and it was scuffed bad.

What is that? Haven’t heard of it

 

[Zammy]

Just a sampling Chad:

Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Trike – Clear Guard Fender Bras - Bras For Trikes

Transparent Paint Guard Kit - Trike 11100125 | Harley-Davidson USA

 

[Sheriff42]

I have had the fender bra on my fenders since I bought my Tri Glide in 2019. I have not experienced the issues with scuffs that others report. I recently had the bras off and the fenders were perfect.

 

[Papa Zook]

We've had really good luck with the Xpel paint protection film. We have it installed by our local pro shop Performance Tinters in Conroe, TX.

 

[HDUSA1]

We've had really good luck with the Xpel paint protection film.

Can you elaborate a bit more on this? I’ve got 3 small chips in my RoadSmith kit already and wanting to put a paint protection film on the front part of the fenders. I’ve installed the product before on a car, was thinking about purchasing some in a roll and cutting a couple pieces to fit. How high do you take it or could you post a pic on one you’ve done? Many thanks!

 

[Papa Zook]

If I posted a picture of the product installed on a trike, you could not see it...seriously! It is pretty much invisible, I have to look at it very close to see it. As for the height, I go far enough up that rocks aren't going to directly impact the paint. I'd add it sooner than later because those rock chips start accumulating quicker than you would think. If you are going to touch up the chipped spots before you have the film installed, I would give it time to cure before installing the film.

 

[cycle7447]

I have them on my CSC conversion. In my opinion, really makes the bike look that much nicer.

 

[BIG DENNY]

What’s everyone’s take on guards or bra for fenders? Dealership was trying to preach to me to get them asap before anything. I don’t usually go on gravel unless I decide to take trike to farm market type parking lots. Harley has a cheaper smaller version of protection that would financially be easier to get now that I could install. Also wife hates the idea of covering up blue fenders. Thanks!

Well for me I just use truck bed spray liner in a can Its fast and you can get it at any parts store

 

[ultrafxr]

I'm the contrarian here. On my 2018 TG I installed the H-D PPF kit. Was ok but did not cover fender as well as I'd like as still got stone chips outside the coverage area. On my 2020 I went with the Hog Skins full PPF kit - rear fenders, side covers, outer fairing, lower fairing, front fender, gas tank where it meets the seat and had it professionally installed by his recommended installer in Springfield, MO.

Was better than the H-D as it covered more of the rear fender area but got some small cuts from rock hits. I know it is supposed ot 'heal' itself when left out in the sun bt I could still see the places where hits occurred. And with both installations while not noticeable from a distance up close I could still see edges and I just did not like that. And over time it did yellow just a slight bit. So I'm going naked on my 2024 and just ride it.

 

[PosseRider]

Hog Skins tells a great tale but it DOES NOT heal itself.. Waste. would never reccomend it or buy again

 

[Notgrownup]

My next application will be Xpel film, I will buy a roll.

 

[ISP-FL]

I've had two new trikes, a 16 and my current 19. I average about 9,000 to 10,000 miles a year. I tried bras on the 2016. At first I was pretty good about taking them off every couple of weeks and washing/waxing underneath. The first time I left them on for over a month the dust and dirt behind them started to scuff the paint. I took them off and eventually gave them away.

Chips are a given with fenders that are sticking out there like the Harley Trike's. I have over 58,000 miles on my current trike and no chips that are visible from more than 5 feet away so I'm good for now. I bought the thing to ride not to keep as a show car.

 

[New Orleans Kevin]

I have a 21 TriGlide that I had a local car protection place install XPel about a month after I bought the trike . The film is over Snake Venom paint and has held up really well over the 37 k miles I’ve put on . It is still clear and not beat up looking. IMHO far better than hat HD sells

 

[Old Road Dog]

Don't waste your time with all the products already mentioned. Oh they work to one extent or the other.....but in the end they are too thin. I've had good results with Vivvid brand. These have a sticky backing and are of heavier construction. Still, I install it with a slip solution and the magical mystical trick: steam! A garment steamer is my friend and allows me to stretch and pull the material.Tip: spray the surface with slip solution ( water and baby shampoo)and use a plastic squeegee made from a putty or body filler blade with a piece of micro fiber towel glued over the edge with 3M Super 77.They have a bizzilion color options.So the color is not a perfect match but close- so what it adds contrast.( I don't like clear) Price? Competitive with others so I buy it by the roll. YOU DO NOT need full fender coverage- impacts are mostly to the front of the fender and to the gap between fender and body. A small wrap is used on the front fender tip.But hey go wild if ya want.You'll be frustrated at first but practice makes perfect. YOU CAN DO THIS!

 

[Old Road Dog]

What’s everyone’s take on guards or bra for fenders? Dealership was trying to preach to me to get them asap before anything. I don’t usually go on gravel unless I decide to take trike to farm market type parking lots. Harley has a cheaper smaller version of protection that would financially be easier to get now that I could install. Also wife hates the idea of covering up blue fenders. Thanks!

I interpret "guards" as not the same as vinyl wrap. I put "guards"- fender racks on my Freewheeler, something HD says can't be done. I found the lights NOS on fleabay. The protection they afford to the area they are mounted is excellent. No they don't protect against rocks but they don't hit that area anyway. But they do protect against things dropping on the fender (helmets- oh yes it will happen).

 

[Notgrownup]

I installed the HD kit myself and for $140 I think it’s ok, its good practice and I saved the backing paper and will use as templates to use when I get some Xpel film.

 

[Papa Zook]

A very informative article:
Don't Buy Paint Protection Film until you Read This!

 

[BIG DENNY]

Well if anyone would know, it would be you my friend, KEEP THE SHINIE SIDE UP BIG DENNY

 

[Oldster]

Each to their own, I personally am not going to worry about a few rock chips. If you're going to ride it, it's going to get a few battle scars. It just gives it character LOL.

 

[LD-Ordie]

I installed a set of fender bra's on my FW from Franks. Working great, easy on and off when I'm washing the bike. Very happy with the product. Rear Fender Chaps | Frank's Leather

 

[BikerG]

Looks like a nice product. I didn’t want to hide my paint, so I applied 3M transparent vinyl film to my fenders. Can’t even tell it’s there.

 

[pwhoever]

On my last trike, I had the fender bras and they did a good job of protecting the fenders. I had read some posts where guys complained that the paint underneath got a bit messed up. In my case, there were the snap fasteners permanently mounted to fender for attaching the bras so it would have looked a bit odd if I removed them. So they just stayed on all the time anyway. Besides I liked the look.

Now the running boards were a different story. The face of those took a pounding and were pretty dinged up. I have seen rhino liner recommended for them to help prevent the chipping but I'm not real fond of that. I do think I need to do something for this next trike to help protect that area. I know @Papa Zook will know exactly what to do.

 

[wlivin2]

i used window tint on mine and when it starts to go bad peal it off and replace cheap and easy