How to Make a Motorcycle Mud Flap

Motorcycle mud flaps help reduce road spray on the back of the motorcycle, the passenger and any cargo on the rear of the motorcycle. A variety of styles are available which include plain black leather, studded designs and fringe leather designs. Installing a motorcycle mud flap can also accentuate the safety of a motorcycle with high-tech lighted mud flaps, which add another set of taillights to the motorcycle. Basic mud flaps are easily installed by any motorcycle enthusiast; lighted mud flaps may require a visit to your local mechanic.

Things You'll Need

• Masking tape
• Paper
• Drill
• 3-buttonhead screws
• 3-flat washers
• 3-locknuts
• Leather cutting scissors

Instructions

Design the Mud Flap

1. Measure the area where you will install the mud flap.

2. Decide on the material to use for the mud flap. Leather is the most common type of material to use. Leather offers versatility and options for adding fringe and designs into the leather. Cheaper materials such as vinyl do not hold up well, but do work for colorful designs.

3. Cut out the mud flap. Using leather cutting scissors, cut exactly the size of flap which you will install on the motorcycle.

4. Add accessories to the mud flap. Rhinestones, fringing and lettering are all possible with a leather mud flap.

Install the Mud Flap

1. Locate the center of the rear fender. Measure an equal distance from each side of the rear fender to find the center-line. Use masking tape to mark on the fender

2. Make a template of the rear fender using white paper. Place the paper on the rear fender, and draw a line around the edges. Cut this template out. Use the template to design where holes need to be to attach the mud flap.

3. Draw circles where the holes need to be for installation of the mud flap.

4. Test the leather mud flap on the template to ensure the mud flap fits as you want it to.

5. Align the template with the center-line on the rear fender. Hold the template in place using tape.

6. Drill holes in the rear fender to match the holes in mud flap. Hold the drill steady and drill straight through the rear fender.

7. Attach the mud flap using three buttonhead screws, three flat washers and three locknuts.

References

• Harley Davidson: FLSTS Mud Flap Kit Instructions
• iPass: American Eagle Mudflap
• Chilhowee: Leather Mud Flaps