22 Mar 2008

I've been asked by more than a couple of people about adding the Dakar front fender extension to bikes without one... the standard GS... years 2000-2004 (after '04, the dual spark models came with a different front fender; hence, this mod isn't for the dual-spark models with the different front fenders). 

Anyway, since it seems to be a popular topic, I figured I'd scribble down the basics so folks can simply refer to this page should they wish to install the Dakar extension on their bikes...

The Dakar front fender extension installed on standard GS front fender.

From the picture of the fiche below, I ordered the following parts:

Usually one of the questions that's asked if if there is any trimming required...

No, I did not have to trim anything.  I did have take apart the front fender and drill three holes, but there was nothing to it... very simple.

In terms of WHERE to drill the three holes, the following picture shows the location of one of the new screws at the back of the extension.  In other words, it's where I placed the extension when I used a Sharpie to mark the location for drilling.  Basically I placed the extension on the front fender so that the back screw is six centimeters away from the existing screw on the original fender...

The location of one of the new screws relative to an existing fender screw.

Once this rear screw was located, I simply lined up the other side, then marked and drilled that hole.  I did the same for the remaining front screw.

And that's pretty much that.

... though I reckon you could also install the Dakar extension for the rear of the bike, but that's a topic for another time...

This is a very simple modification and one that I feel improves the appearance of the front of the motorcycle dramatically. 

If you have any questions or whatnot, let me know.

Peace,