Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
high or low front mudguard? high or low front mudguard?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Mar 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Deventer, The Netherlands
Posts: 65
high or low front mudguard?
Hi there,
I'm planning to drive around Australia on my Tenere and will cover a high mileage on dirtroads and through deserts.
Does a high or low front mudguard make a big difference in driving through the sand. Will I have more problems (like a sandlock) with a lower one (as on a tenere)?

thanks for your replies,

Roland

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Mar 2002
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,313
A low fender isn't a problem in sand, only in mud, when it will clog and stop the front wheel.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 17 Mar 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: London, UK
Posts: 270
One thing you may notice with the higher mudguard is the noise and they do move around even with the metal support.

They do look good though!!

Julio
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 Mar 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Posts: 456
Maybe I’m too fussy but I’m converting my Tenere to a low mudguard since I think that the high guard minimizes the airflow over the cylinder head. We don’t have much mud in Egypt so getting a stuck front wheel is not really an issue for me.

I’m also making a full fairing for the bike (like the KTM Rally bike) for more comfortable travel and because I think the low mudguard look stupid on bike without one.

Just wondering about the mud issue: The first few stages in the Dakar rally where all mud, how did the KTM with their low fairing manage to run so well?

------------------
A.B.
www.ShortWheelbase.com
__________________
A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19 Apr 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Winchester, Hampshire
Posts: 202
I moved my R80 mudgaurd from the yoke to the fork brace as I was fed up getting covered in crap all the time, even on roads that were only wet the front wheel would spray s**t all over my legs and the engine, since I moved it no worries, allthough mud may be a different thing, but I can always move it back again.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 May 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: London, UK
Posts: 270
Hi Guys

Just covered 4600 miles last month with a new strenghted tall mudguard on my r100 GS in Morocco. The extra strenghing that Cray engineering did worked a treat. It did not move around much even at 100 mph. I also didn't get soaked by spray from the torrential rain in the Atlas mountains. It also seemed to keep the sand out of my face too. So really chuffed with it.

Julio
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 8 Dec 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: ENGLAND
Posts: 30
If your using a 3AJ I would advise a low mudguard.Yamaha put it low because the previous model had overheating problems with the high one due to reduced airflow over the cylinder head,and this could be an issue in Oz.I have done many miles off road in mud,snow,rocks,sand & gravel and had no problems,but if you're still worried I woukd suggest drilling holes or cutting slots along the top of you mudguard to help disperse any build up that may occur.

Happy travels,
Griff.
__________________
Do\'nt dream it, do it!
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 23:48.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top