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View Full Version : How To: Shave your fenders



BlasterEaten250
03-28-2006, 09:54 PM
Many people are asking how to cut fenders. My brother did his and it looks very good and professional. I will go through the steps on how to do it.

1. Make sure your quad is clean. A pressure nozzle or power washer works good. Spray it down, and get all the big chunks of mud off. Next, spray simple green everywhere on the quad. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then spray the whole quad again with the power washer. Dry everything off with rags thouroghly. Spray armoral plastic shiner and finisher on the plastics. Then wipe down good with dry rags.

It should look like this when it is finished...(clean)

BlasterEaten250
03-28-2006, 09:56 PM
Next, after it is clean, take a highlighter and make lines on your plastics to get a general idea of where you want to make your cuts. Put electrical tape on the lines. Check that both sides are even and line up. Make sure you are happy with the design before you cut (cant go back after you cut) After you put the electrical tape on you are ready for the next step.

BlasterEaten250
03-28-2006, 09:58 PM
Rough sketch of popular choice, but remember it is up to you.

BlasterEaten250
03-28-2006, 10:03 PM
Now, a good, clean way to cut the plastics is a saber saw (jig saw) The best way to cut the plastics is while they are still on the machine. Cut up against the line of the electrical tape. You can fine tune later, but just get the main part of the plastics off for now. Just dont make it to sloppy.

After you have got the main bulk off. Look at the plastics from up above. You want the lines to have a nice clean look to them and not all wavy. Try to smooth out any noticable waves with the saw. Repeat on the other side.

BlasterEaten250
03-28-2006, 10:05 PM
After you have everything fine tuned, take some course sand paper and sand the edges. This gets all the rough shavings off. Then do the same with fines sand paper, untill the sides are smooth. You might see some white on the parts you sanded. That leads to the next step.

BlasterEaten250
03-28-2006, 10:06 PM
Now, take a lighter, and light the part were you have cut. This takes out all the white, unfinished look of were you have cut. It makes it have a factory finished appearence.



This is what it should look like in the end.

BlasterEaten250
03-28-2006, 10:09 PM
Cutting your fenders helps you control your atv in the air, as well as makes it look good. Be warned though, they can make you get muddy easier.

Things you will need:
1. Cleaning materials to wash your atv.
2. Highlighter
3. Electrical tape
4. Jigsaw
5. Sand paper (rough grit, and fine grit)
6. Lighter.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

BlasterEaten250
03-30-2006, 06:19 PM
You can also shave your rear fenders. It makes it even more controlable in the air, as well as makes it look better. Here is a picture of shaved rear fenders. (this is thebigsd's 400ex)

zeppelin
03-30-2006, 06:33 PM
Originally posted by BlasterEaten250
You can also shave your rear fenders. It makes it even more controlable in the air, as well as makes it look better. Here is a picture of shaved rear fenders. (this is thebigsd's 400ex)
It is usualy done for hybrids so that the kickstart will clear the plastics

Ripitupfilms
03-31-2006, 01:43 PM
cutting the rear does not effect anything in the air and the cutting of the front is also a myth.. but it does make it look better

my400exrules
04-12-2006, 03:20 PM
anyone else have some pics of cut 400ex plastic

BlasterEaten250
04-12-2006, 07:11 PM
...

gmeece07
04-15-2006, 01:33 AM
I don't really see that you have any more control with cut fenders but you can definately see where the tires are going and what they are hitting better. That's a huge plus in rough and rocky conditions.

#8red
04-15-2006, 02:03 AM
I ussed an old thick "survival" type knife and heated it up w/ a torch and used it to cut the lines nice & smooth - then a little sandpaper & LIGHTLY torched the edges - NICE

insaneracin2003
04-16-2006, 01:38 PM
Originally posted by my400exrules
anyone else have some pics of cut 400ex plastic
here ya go

400exmatt
04-19-2006, 10:40 AM
Insanes looks the best

wakerider113
05-05-2006, 09:43 PM
heres mine

insaneracin2003
05-06-2006, 09:21 AM
Originally posted by wakerider113
heres mine
wakerider113,those look awsome!!! :macho

wakerider113
05-06-2006, 09:56 AM
thanks dude... what i did was first draw them out with pencil to see about where i wanted them... then i measured from the outside , making them both even... i then taped off the line and used a jig saw and afterwards went over the edges with some sandpaper....my only complaint is when going trough puddles... u get a little more water on u.... its worth it though

JW450R1
05-06-2006, 05:49 PM
DOES ANY ONE HAVE PICS OF A 450R FRONT SHAVED.I'M DEBAITING ON SHAVING

my250ex
06-04-2006, 11:00 AM
wake rider can you get some more pics like from the front and from above? i want to cut mine like yours they look awesome

wakerider113
06-06-2006, 01:00 PM
thanks... heres one

wakerider113
06-06-2006, 01:03 PM
another

wakerider113
06-06-2006, 01:08 PM
its a little shiny cuz the plastics were soaking in some spray...with the old bumper

wakerider113
06-06-2006, 01:12 PM
wow... i just realized in that last pic the sides look way uneven but its cuz of the angle...

hks308
08-18-2006, 01:16 PM
why, why would you want to cut your plastics?

wakerider113
08-18-2006, 01:37 PM
uhhhh... have u seen the stock plastics....im not gunna lie... there pretty gay... they are way too bubbley... that was my only complaint with the 400 beside the axle bearing.

02440exkid
08-19-2006, 08:05 PM
wuts rong with the axle bearing?

wakerider113
08-19-2006, 10:14 PM
honda just used a cheap bearing with an even cheaper dust seal and when the bearings dry up and rusts they shatter and it tears up the whole inside of the bearing carrier. it happened to me and a bunch of others on here.

Rogan91
08-22-2006, 10:09 PM
Originally posted by insaneracin2003
here ya go

how much did the a-arms and suspenion coast???

Rogan91
08-22-2006, 10:11 PM
here mine cut

insaneracin2003
08-23-2006, 10:23 AM
these are my new plastics,i dont know if i am cutting these are not.

Rogan91
08-23-2006, 04:38 PM
Originally posted by insaneracin2003
these are my new plastics,i dont know if i am cutting these are not.

i've seen this bike befor I LOVE IT i prolly wouldnt cut after market plastics if i was u, what kind of air scoops are thos, they look awsome. kick @$$ bike

Kansas400ex
09-04-2006, 03:23 PM
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g279/ks_400exrider/HPIM1126.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g279/ks_400exrider/HPIM1127.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g279/ks_400exrider/HPIM1131.jpg

09-05-2006, 08:52 AM
Originally posted by BlasterEaten250
You can also shave your rear fenders. It makes it even more controlable in the air, as well as makes it look better. Here is a picture of shaved rear fenders. (this is thebigsd's 400ex)
rear shaved

bmxatv
09-12-2006, 05:47 AM
Has anyone ever used a dremel tool? I imagine you can make some nice clean lines with a dremel.

EX_stunter
10-04-2006, 10:02 AM
I have a dremell tool, I might shave the fronts off my 250ex. It would prob work!

ducman998r
10-23-2006, 11:09 AM
I did mine with a jigsaw.. not too bad I guess

bah1491
10-24-2006, 07:04 PM
Heres Mine....

bah1491
10-24-2006, 07:06 PM
Oh yeah...i used a cut-off wheel on the grinder, did a great job, 180grit sand paper, and a heat gun....

thez400dude
10-26-2006, 03:13 PM
does anyone have pics of z400's w/ cut fenders

GearHeadz400ex
10-28-2006, 09:38 PM
Does anybody happen to have a picture of shaved front fenders on the newer body style (05+)

Rusty91o
11-08-2006, 09:39 AM
Shaving your fenders does give you more control in the air. It gives you more control on the ground at high speeds as well. Not only is it alittle less weight, but the biggest thing is, less wind resistance. Making your quad faster. If you don't think so, take off your front fenders and take your quad for a rip. You'll feel the difference right away.

11-28-2006, 01:22 PM
Better pics of cut rear. Cant cut cleaner than using a razer

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n26/getdrunk1990/4wheeler227.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n26/getdrunk1990/4wheeler225.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n26/getdrunk1990/4wheeler223.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n26/getdrunk1990/4wheeler228-1.jpg

MelhiserRacing5
12-20-2006, 05:02 PM
new here just joined today this is a cool topic and does anyone have pics of a 300ex with shaved fenders

CDCHONDAS
12-22-2006, 10:24 AM
I use a dremel with a bit that looks like a drill bit but its not, forget what its called, then i level it up with a d/a sander, i do them all like that

yfz450rida
01-02-2007, 07:55 PM
This is a pic of my 05 YFZ450 Practice Bike i used a jig saw and then used an orbit sander to round the edges and the rear are shaved to and i dont think that they really help with jumping it more of a visual thing and alot of it has to do with seeing whats going on around you when your jumping and corning , it helps with picking lines and spoting your landing.
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o251/yfz450rida/yfz450.jpg

mojo123
01-08-2007, 02:55 PM
what i did to cut my fenders was to take a jig saw and cut what u wanna just then take a lighter and lights the eges to make it smooth

400exrider99
01-11-2007, 12:03 AM
i cut mine today (01-10-07) i used a roto-zip spiral saw. it did a nice job execpt it would jump alittle bit.

BOOSTED2V
01-19-2007, 07:17 AM
Originally posted by 400exrider99
i cut mine today (01-10-07) i used a roto-zip spiral saw. it did a nice job execpt it would jump alittle bit.

I used a dremel last night... Mine are a little different but I wanted to be original...

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f193/BOOSTED2V/My400ex.jpg

quadking224
02-04-2007, 10:44 AM
nice bike yfz450rida....likin the plastics...yea same with my buddy he did that to his 05 450r and it looks good..yery impressed with overall visiblilty under me while ridin it

ida400ex
02-04-2007, 04:43 PM
does anyone have pics of a 05 or newer 400ex. the reverse knob is a pain for this.:confused:

steve wall
02-21-2007, 04:38 PM
did these w/ a dremel

steve wall
02-21-2007, 04:41 PM
by tha way it's for sale boys. $3,500

yfz450rida
02-22-2007, 09:43 AM
well today is the day i am cutting up my 07 fenders to look good for our trip to the sand dunes in Oklahoma in march. So i will post them when i get done.

ShiftFMX
02-25-2007, 08:28 PM
Heres Mine, I did it the day I got my r.

I used a Sawzall, fine sandpaper and a blow torch

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/ShiftFMX/DSC01854.jpg

fasterz69
02-27-2007, 04:18 PM
Originally posted by thez400dude
does anyone have pics of z400's w/ cut fenders


heres mine i will try to get a closer pic

fasterz69
02-28-2007, 06:03 PM
here is a better pic

ATV_RaZr
03-05-2007, 12:56 PM
This is my from Portugal: :D

http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/3537/variasmoto083xa0.jpg

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/2026/variasmoto005mx5.jpg

yfz450rida
03-06-2007, 07:27 AM
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o251/yfz450rida/DSCF0797.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o251/yfz450rida/DSCF0796.jpg
Finally done with the plastics, this is my quad i am racing for 07 i still have to put all my numbers on its not even done yet and the season is starting soon. got the dunies on for this weekend going to oklahoma dunes!

djguestone
03-12-2007, 06:16 PM
Pretty good write up.. Let me add from my experience..

*Apply the masking tape & draw the lines on the tape.
*Cut the lines you like.
*I used a sharp utility knife.
*Let plastic sit out in the sun to soften it.
*Sliced like butter & I was done.

I like the fact that I can see where my wheels are turning. I can avoid rocks & ruts a whole lot better. This helps alot when climbing some steep hills.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/DjGuestOne/Texas%20Cyn/TexasCyn004.jpg

m.h.s.c.#527
03-19-2007, 08:16 PM
Originally posted by yfz450rida
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o251/yfz450rida/DSCF0797.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o251/yfz450rida/DSCF0796.jpg
Finally done with the plastics, this is my quad i am racing for 07 i still have to put all my numbers on its not even done yet and the season is starting soon. got the dunies on for this weekend going to oklahoma dunes!

i like them it looks like wings i also think the sand tired is the snow is cool

yfz450rida
03-19-2007, 10:49 PM
thanks i figured i would try something new this year. My last race quad i shaved the whole thing( the pic is a few pages back white yfz #77) but some races a got muddy, so this year i tried this style. I figure they fenders will help with roost and mud and i can still see whats going on at ground level. i was going to go with a kori ellis cut but you see alot of yfz like that and my buddies got his done like that so i had to be different!

bradex
03-25-2007, 08:55 AM
my fenders a shaved pretty well rite off it dosent look to bad but i didnt cut them thts the ****ty thing about used bikes lol but if it was up to me mine wud be shaved exacly lke the other ones are ill post a pic later of mine

wrobben
04-08-2007, 08:23 PM
Originally posted by m.h.s.c.#527
i like them it looks like wings i also think the sand tired is the snow is cool

ill 2nd that it looks sweet, and yes the sand tires are awsome in the snow, i used mine this year, helps u move a little faster in the snow.

GearHeadz400ex
04-15-2007, 08:11 PM
Originally posted by ida400ex
does anyone have pics of a 05 or newer 400ex. the reverse knob is a pain for this.:confused:
yeah i wanna see the same thing, plus how the newer ones look with the shaved fenders!

2old2race
05-02-2007, 11:17 AM
Originally posted by hks308
why, why would you want to cut your plastics?

Same thing I was thinking. :D
I love the easier to handle in the air excuse though. :p

It's all just for appearance if you ask me. :devil:

Nates400ex
05-10-2007, 11:48 AM
I have been told the loose feeling I have at WFO is caused by the wind sail design of the front fenders. I am cutting mine soon!!! At WFO I can feel the front end moving around like it is hydro-planing.

culichi
05-29-2007, 07:50 PM
http://www.yoshimura-rd.com/ltr450_chassis_faq.asp you just click in there and its a sketch for the ltr and use a jigsaw

culichi
05-30-2007, 07:15 PM
and the result its this

mat1977
06-04-2007, 02:46 PM
Originally posted by GearHeadz400ex
yeah i wanna see the same thing, plus how the newer ones look with the shaved fenders! here ya go.

skragg
06-10-2007, 10:16 PM
wakerider113 that is sick dude those pics hav totally convinved me to shave my fenders man sick quad by the way dude

ida400ex
11-29-2007, 09:20 PM
here is my LTR. it was easyer than i thought it would be. i just decided it was now or never. i used electric tape for the lines and a sharp utility knife. cut clean and easy.

dirtybird
12-04-2007, 06:52 PM
worked out great

X400EX
12-10-2007, 07:03 PM
Here's mine :

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b298/TRX350/5.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b298/TRX350/3.jpg

gf319804
12-11-2007, 07:30 PM
Anyone try shaving their LTZ400 fenders to look more like the LTR450's? I'm thinking about doing this, but haven't found any pics of this, and would kind of like to see one before I try it. Thanks

dirtybird
12-14-2007, 07:55 PM
word

Quadkid440
12-19-2007, 10:55 AM
Originally posted by ducman998r
I did mine with a jigsaw.. not too bad I guess


I just joined a couple days ago and was curious as to what was in this particualar thread, and i found this, this quad is freekin sa-weet, im getting an 02 400EX Saturday and it too is yellow, maybe with a little luck i kan make it as kool as this

Splitpin
01-01-2008, 02:49 AM
has anyone re-shaped there back fender on a 400ex
i'm not talking about behind you legs but right at the back

sick of the stright lines


http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/SPLITPINPAUL/back.jpg

RickC
03-07-2008, 01:48 PM
You can buy fenders precut from Maier.

www.maier-mfg.com

03-08-2008, 12:06 AM
I got so many sets of rear plastics knocking about, I thought I'd give it a go.

It actually looks pretty good but not so good for MX.

Its got Maier plastics on now though.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/restinbeat/QUADZ/DSC01032.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/restinbeat/QUADZ/DSC01044.jpg

04-21-2008, 06:36 PM
did this to a friends warrior used to be able to pull up to a wheelie in fith be cause of the the wind now cant and goes 2mph faster b/c there is no wind resistence
great info thanks for this post

MTDman11
05-10-2008, 07:32 AM
i have a dremel tool. when ever i have used it for cutting plastic things it seems to melt burn them cause it has 2 high of rpms

Clay200X
06-15-2008, 06:19 PM
why would you that??? oK if you wanna be covered in mudd dust ect... or giting hit by rocks when on gravel

You see on 3 wheelers you know where your front tires are and should your back

P.S. I'ma 3 wheeler nut:D

rideracelivemx7
06-30-2008, 07:02 PM
just did mine today =]

skinful
07-17-2008, 12:23 PM
Originally posted by gmeece07
I don't really see that you have any more control with cut fenders but you can definately see where the tires are going and what they are hitting better. That's a huge plus in rough and rocky conditions.

ya kinda answered your own question there...the more you see the more you control

BossHogg420
08-25-2008, 04:10 PM
the cut fenders look good. but how exactly do yall keep rocks and **** hitting you when ur haulin through the woods. It seems to me cut fenders is a good way to get cracked by a rock or somethin out on the trail. has this happened to anyone out there especially the xc racers?

quadracer99
08-28-2008, 02:07 AM
here is my old 440ex.

quadracer99
08-28-2008, 02:07 AM
2

quadracer99
08-28-2008, 02:08 AM
a poor pic from the rear

quadracer99
08-28-2008, 02:10 AM
and here is a pic of my first try at cutting plastics (which was like 6 years ago on an '01 blaster)

Splitpin
08-29-2008, 01:45 PM
i used a small angle grinder with a metal cutting disk, took the plastics off and cut on the "fold" lines on the under side of the plastic. no need to heat up the ends only a light sand to take off the rough ends

Splitpin
08-29-2008, 01:48 PM
.

raptorrider642
09-07-2008, 07:26 PM
i have a 06 raptor 350 and was thinking of shaving my fenders any pic or feed for me.

RATPACK Z400
12-06-2008, 10:40 AM
I use to put sticks from ground up to rear fenders to make them stick up higher, looks awesome !every time I put quad away put stick under and after awhile fender stay up .

PrivettKFX400
03-23-2009, 12:56 AM
I just used a little hand grinder that you hook up to a compresser it made me feel like a redneck cause everybody else used a saw but it was a really east quick way and after sanding them they looked awesome!!!

timmersam
03-25-2009, 03:55 AM
I have done 4 sets of fenders, using an electric grinder then sanding every time and it looks great everytime.

Sam

03-26-2009, 08:44 PM
timmersam

i love ur quad... nice job:D

v0lcom13sn0w
04-23-2009, 03:12 PM
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/m3snwbrd13/4hundo.jpg i did this the weekend after i bought it... i used a sharpie electrical tape and a jigsaw then some really fine sandpaper. just be sure not to hit the fender support bracket with the saw.

08ex4
05-06-2009, 09:40 PM
this might sound stupid but why does everyone want to cut off their fenders, personally i think it looks dumb as **** and you get covered with whatever your riding in(mud, snow, pig ****. etc)

05-07-2009, 05:49 AM
who would ride through pig ****?????



Originally posted by 08ex4
this might sound stupid but why does everyone want to cut off their fenders, personally i think it looks dumb as **** and you get covered with whatever your riding in(mud, snow, pig ****. etc)

timmersam
05-07-2009, 11:13 AM
Have you ever tried riding a quad with +3 suspension? Full fenders or not your getting **** in your face. I disagree, I think cut fenders look far better in most cases, especially 250r's but to each his own.

Sam

riles88g
05-26-2009, 12:00 PM
Originally posted by JW450R1
DOES ANY ONE HAVE PICS OF A 450R FRONT SHAVED.I'M DEBAITING ON SHAVING

you have a 450, why dont you just take them off?

BEAVER.989
06-25-2009, 12:41 PM
Here's mine. I did them this morning with a utility knife. Sorry for the cell phone pics. It's all I had time for...

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh50/BEAVER-989/cutfenders.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh50/BEAVER-989/cutfenders2.jpg

BEAVER.989
06-25-2009, 12:52 PM
Here's one from the cokpit, as well. I haven't found any on here from this point of view(and I was looking), so I thought it might be useful...

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh50/BEAVER-989/cutfenders3.jpg

BEAVER.989
06-25-2009, 12:54 PM
And one more, just because...

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh50/BEAVER-989/cutfenders4.jpg

quadboy-55
08-16-2009, 04:01 AM
Originally posted by EX_stunter
I have a dremell tool, I might shave the fronts off my 250ex. It would prob work!

i dremel'd all of my 450's and my friends used a dremel too.

heres my YFZ 450

hob42
09-22-2009, 09:46 PM
Decided to shave the fenders on my ratted 87 250x. Used some decent tin snips and it turned out pretty well. If you don't have anything else its a cheap option, although it may add a little bit of sanding. Let me know if anyone tries it and how it turned out.

08ex4
11-22-2009, 11:17 PM
I just got dont cuting my plastics today on my 05 400, i cut both front and rear, and the way i cut the front i was able to make some cool looking air scoops for free lol check it out it was so easy, and if your going to cut fenders why buy scoops

08ex4
11-22-2009, 11:19 PM
another

08ex4
11-22-2009, 11:19 PM
ff

08ex4
11-22-2009, 11:20 PM
cc

Hmf Ds450
11-23-2009, 05:37 PM
wow hondas are terrible

08ex4
11-23-2009, 06:00 PM
it doesnt leak any oil

ATVetc
12-06-2009, 09:40 AM
I shaved my fenders and found out it doesn't work so well from a functional point of view. Be careful and understand the consequences of what you are doing when you do this.

quadboy-55
12-06-2009, 12:35 PM
i "race-cut" all of my Racequads fenders.

i dont shave them becasue my quad has never grown a beard.

quadboy-55
12-06-2009, 12:37 PM
Originally posted by 08ex4
cc

haha, wait, you made Radiator scoops for an air cooled quad????

raptor660103
04-18-2010, 03:56 PM
heres mine

http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx165/raptor660103/raptor005-1.jpg

finsteratv
06-08-2010, 01:31 PM
Originally posted by BossHogg420
the cut fenders look good. but how exactly do yall keep rocks and **** hitting you when ur haulin through the woods. It seems to me cut fenders is a good way to get cracked by a rock or somethin out on the trail. has this happened to anyone out there especially the xc racers?
i agree. what down sides are there to shaved fenders

PhilMoore
06-10-2010, 01:48 PM
Just a heads up, if you are thinking about cutting your fenders...

I borrowed my dad's Dremel "Multi-Max" cutter, bought a new half round blade for it, and it worked awesome for trimming fenders. (I don't work for Dremel LoL)

I used a block plane to finish the edges and it turned out awesome.

Shade_tree
07-01-2012, 10:32 PM
I used cheapo propane torch, took longer to light torch than to shine ruff edge up

Shade_tree
07-01-2012, 10:32 PM
I used cheapo propane torch, took longer to light torch than to shine ruff edge up