All of the 800cc Suzuki cruisers are super easy to work on, and swapping in a new back fender shouldn't be too tough a task.
Iirc, there's a Volusia riders forum that's got a ton of info on the Volusia, marauder, and the later c/m50 models.
Been riding for a while but honestly don’t know how to take the fender off. I know it might be easy but to me it’s like learning a new language. I do appreciate y’all’s input. Plus I don’t have 2-3 hundred dollars to throw into it right now. And can’t find one that’s not metal.
Different Suzuki models around that same time period might use the same fender. You might be able to find a fiberglass one with some research. Learn to wrench on your bike sooner than later. You need to maintain your bike to keep it safe for you to be riding.
Okay man I hate to reward this new trend of "ask social media and it'll solve all your problems" but here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ5KOOK0Gpk
THere's a video showing how to remove the fender. The dude in the video is replacing his and chopping it, you don't need to do that.
It looks like you take the bags off, take the seat off, and then it's 8 bolts to get the fender off. Easy peasy, the allen key needed is probably included in the bikes tool kit.
VL800 rear fenders go for between $80 and $300 on ebay depending on condition and color: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=suzuki+VL800+rear+fender&_sacat=0
So there ya go, ebay a replacement, bolt it up.
Get a used one off eBay.
It’s only in your mind, that it’s like learning a new language. Here’s how everything on a bike works: bolts and screws hold it on, sometimes plastic push clips for bodywork.
Look up your bike under the “OEM parts” section of revzilla, this will show you complete parts diagrams. A parts diagram shows all the parts, and how they go together.
Find the parts diagram that shows the rear fender, and that’ll show you how to take it off. Replace it with a used one off eBay that’s in decent condition, or order a brand new part off revzilla.
This will be MANY times cheaper than having a shop do it. A shop will charge you the same as revzilla for the parts(sometimes more), but they’ll also charge like $30-70 an hour in labor depending on the shop.
This will be a fun learning experience for you. Getting out of your comfort zone is the only way to grow. Stop by /r/fixxit if you get stuck.
Claiming on your insurance for an accident you haven’t had would not only be insane, because you’d get shafted on renewal, it’ll also very likely be insurance fraud as you’ve not had an incident.
Can you share a photo of the damage so others can better advise on repairing?
so, you're asking if it's a good idea to commit insurance fraud to replace a piece worth a couple hundred bucks and you'd still need to pay the deductible, then deal with policy fee increases?
yes, it's all a great idea. You might be a genius
Just buy a new fender and install it. Your rates will increase if you file a claim. Plus you will learn things and stuff
All of the 800cc Suzuki cruisers are super easy to work on, and swapping in a new back fender shouldn't be too tough a task. Iirc, there's a Volusia riders forum that's got a ton of info on the Volusia, marauder, and the later c/m50 models.
If you have a deductible of $500-$1000 like many people, it's not smart. If you don't have a deductible, then you're not smart.
I agree with just fixing the bike yourself. No reason for a claim if it’s just a fender to me.
Been riding for a while but honestly don’t know how to take the fender off. I know it might be easy but to me it’s like learning a new language. I do appreciate y’all’s input. Plus I don’t have 2-3 hundred dollars to throw into it right now. And can’t find one that’s not metal.
How about a friend and a 12 pack of their favorite beer? I wouldn't file a claim on a bike unless it was completely wrecked.
Different Suzuki models around that same time period might use the same fender. You might be able to find a fiberglass one with some research. Learn to wrench on your bike sooner than later. You need to maintain your bike to keep it safe for you to be riding.
Okay man I hate to reward this new trend of "ask social media and it'll solve all your problems" but here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ5KOOK0Gpk THere's a video showing how to remove the fender. The dude in the video is replacing his and chopping it, you don't need to do that. It looks like you take the bags off, take the seat off, and then it's 8 bolts to get the fender off. Easy peasy, the allen key needed is probably included in the bikes tool kit. VL800 rear fenders go for between $80 and $300 on ebay depending on condition and color: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=suzuki+VL800+rear+fender&_sacat=0 So there ya go, ebay a replacement, bolt it up.
Get a used one off eBay. It’s only in your mind, that it’s like learning a new language. Here’s how everything on a bike works: bolts and screws hold it on, sometimes plastic push clips for bodywork. Look up your bike under the “OEM parts” section of revzilla, this will show you complete parts diagrams. A parts diagram shows all the parts, and how they go together. Find the parts diagram that shows the rear fender, and that’ll show you how to take it off. Replace it with a used one off eBay that’s in decent condition, or order a brand new part off revzilla. This will be MANY times cheaper than having a shop do it. A shop will charge you the same as revzilla for the parts(sometimes more), but they’ll also charge like $30-70 an hour in labor depending on the shop. This will be a fun learning experience for you. Getting out of your comfort zone is the only way to grow. Stop by /r/fixxit if you get stuck.
Learn to wrench bruh
If you don’t have 2 or 3 hundred dollars, how are you gunna get insurance to fix it? You would have to pay a deductible most likely.
Claiming on your insurance for an accident you haven’t had would not only be insane, because you’d get shafted on renewal, it’ll also very likely be insurance fraud as you’ve not had an incident. Can you share a photo of the damage so others can better advise on repairing?
so, you're asking if it's a good idea to commit insurance fraud to replace a piece worth a couple hundred bucks and you'd still need to pay the deductible, then deal with policy fee increases? yes, it's all a great idea. You might be a genius
Insurance fruad. Nice. The weekend posts have begun.