I have a (completely stock, including tire sizes) 1995 900RR, and recently received a rear hugger fender from Powerbronze (one of the few manufacturers I could find that still listed a fender for a '95.) However, upon installation, I find the fender won't seat in position because it rubs the top of the rear tire. (The mounting points are the welded on chain guard nuts, and two supply clamps that wrap around the right side upper swing arm.)

The manufacturer and myself are both puzzled at this fitment issue, and it seems the only two possibilities are:
1) They sent a 96-99 fender -or-
2) I have a late model '95 and it included the new '96 swing arm.

My question is, does anyone know what the differences are between 93-95, and 96-99 swing arms? Specifically, is the vertical distance from the front of the main swing arm to the front of the upper swing arm tube different? Also curious if the cross section shape of the upper swing arm tube is triangular for all model years?

Any ideas?
Thanks!

 

Is it just rubbing the tire a little? Or is the tire preventing you from mounting the hugger?
It could be the tire itself, even though the size may be correct, different manufacturers have different tire profiles for the same size tire. The one you have may have a taller profile, causing it to rub the hugger. I had this issue on my f4i, I took off a Michelin 190,and replaced with a Dunlop 180, and had to remove the hugger entirely to run it.

 

With the bolts loosely fastened on the left side, the bottom of the fender sits about 5/32" above the upper swing arm.


Left side

While the right side must be lifted so it is at least an inch above the upper swing arm to clear the tire.

Right side

I was wondering about tire diameters, but it's not barely rubbing... it doesn't come close to fitting. (Rear tire is a Metzeler Sportec M7 RR 180/55ZR17). And I would think that tire diameters for the same size specification would by necessity need to be very consistent even among different brands or there'd be all sorts of fitment issues when replacing tires with identical specs.

I'm assuming there were geometry changes in the swing arms between 93-95 and 96-99 because all of the aftermarket products I've found related to the swing arm for 900RRs had a different version for the two model year ranges. Now trying to discover what exactly the change(s) are.

Thanks for the reply!

 

Yea that's definitely not a tire issue lol. I'm not sure what the differences are, so good luck!

 

Thanks! If I find out, I'll definitely post back. Incidentally, Powerbronze is located in the UK (took 6 weeks to receive the fender since I believe they do not stock (and must manufacture) parts for ancient bikes), and I have to admit, I was nervous about their response to the issue (would they just leaving me hanging...) But they immediately offered to accept the return of the fender for a full refund, including shipping & return shipping! They said they've not had issues in the past of this nature, so I mentioned the possibility that they either sent the wrong year part, or perhaps my bike had a newer year swing arm. They are looking into those possibilities (rather than just throwing up their hands and walking away). While I don't (yet) have the product I want, I have to say their customer service so far is outstanding. To be continued...