Rear mudguard thingy...

[Felters]

So the rear mudguard - the one that is attached to the final drive with three bolts - does it really do anything useful?

I'm assuming that BMW wouldn't have bothered if it didn't... but in my fools errand of trying to look "well 'ard" I might leave it off.

What's the collective view?

 

[andybharris]

errm,, take it off and try it without,, if its ok for you leave it off,, if its crap put it back on. 2 min job, s'pose each person on here will have their own views but what works for them might not work for you .. I have left mine on,, never removed it infact

 

[Jester]

So the rear mudguard - the one that is attached to the final drive with three bolts - does it really do anything useful?

I'm assuming that BMW wouldn't have bothered if it didn't... but in my fools errand of trying to look "well 'ard" I might leave it off.

What's the collective view?

It's a bumper not a mudguard, so for that reason I've left mine on.

 

[Fanum]

It's not a bumper...nor is it a mudguard

It's there purely and simply to satisfy the German TUV regulations, that say something along the lines of that there must be some bodywork BEHIND the furthest back section of the rear wheel.

It won't stop crap from hitting you, it won't help you in any way apart from perhaps being somewhere rather convenient to stick your GB sticker onto if you go abroad and don't have modern plates that show country of origin.

Offroad, they are a bloody nuisance...they are easily sent around the wheel by an errant stick or rock, make a frikking racket and can be a bastard to pull out from around the wheel afterwards.

Take it off, bin it, fill the holes with a Rugged roads protector if you feel the need to.

 

[Steptoe]

It's perfect for sticking your GB sticker onto if you're a real adventurer and only sling a bag on the rear instead of all the huge pannier crap.

 

[Goose]

I broke mine off after losing the bike down a track into a quarry..... - went to the local stealer and they asked me whether the salesman had explained to me that the read mudguard should be removed for offroad use... I replied no!
He indicated that they were supposed to as there's a potential of danger if a rock or branch gets lodged in between it and the wheel.... but as BMW is aware of the issues... each VIN number is allowed one free "under warranty" replacement...

so for tarmac use... leave it on. for dirt & offroad best to remove (although a blimmen hassle)

 

[Giles]

Yes, I buggered mine off road. I've taken it off and have binned it.

 

[MikeP]

It's there purely and simply to satisfy the German TUV regulations, that say something along the lines of that there must be some bodywork BEHIND the furthest back section of the rear wheel.

Except where "massive block" tyres (TKC 80 or similar) are fitted. Then the TuV Regs state that it should be removed because there's a greater danger of the stupid thing catching on the tyre and being ripped off. All of which just goes to show how stupid it was to insist on the fitting in the first place (so much for German efficiency).

 

[BOBAD]

....... All of which just goes to show how stupid it was to insist on the fitting in the first place (so much for German efficiency).

Similar to the note attached to a document which was transferred between 2 government departments which read...."You have initialled the wrong box. Please erase your initials and then initial your erasure...."