Honda XR650R Rear Fender Brace

I didn't have any major plans today so I fabbed up a $4 rear fender brace. The main purpose of this brace is to support my Giant Loop & gear for long trips!

I started with a piece of 3/4" stock measuring 14" in length. I made a mark at 4" from the ends leaving 6" in the middle.


Using a torch I warmed up the metal and started my bends.


Perfect fit!


I used a piece of paper as a template to come up with the twist idea.


I love it when a plan comes together.


I chose the minimalist approach using 1/2" square tubing but have confidence this will be enough to support my luggage adequately (almost said erotically...Gotta love spell check).


It'll go something like this...The other piece of metal is part of the Baja Designs rear taillight support. The most costly part of this job was hiring the hand model.


The lower mounts were harder to make. I used some paper as a template to keep me pointed in the right direction.


With the tabs fabbed and in place I wedged the square tubing into position...Ready for some tack welds.


For the next phase I turned to my trusty welders Hodakaguy & his Dad who happened to be welding on their project (Click Here) across the street.


The final welds connecting my brace to the Baja Designs brace...Looking good I must say!


What's next is to mount the Giant Loop and camp gear to see if I need/want any mounting loops for straps & bungee hooks. Once that's settled I'll clean up the craftsmanship and powder coat this baby!

Nice job...

Nice work, Focker! As some one once told me, Great Yankee Ingenuity!