I Tested the Softail Rear Fender Strutless Setup: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started customizing my Harley Softail, one upgrade that truly transformed its look was swapping out the traditional rear fender setup for a softail rear fender strutless design. There’s something undeniably sleek and modern about eliminating those bulky struts, giving the bike a cleaner, more streamlined profile that turns heads wherever you ride. But beyond aesthetics, going strutless also brings its own set of challenges and unique engineering solutions that any enthusiast should know about before taking the plunge. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about the softail rear fender strutless approach and why it might just be the perfect modification for your ride.
I Tested The Softail Rear Fender Strutless Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Demon’s Cycle Custom Rear Fender 130/160, compatible with Harley-Davidson Softail
![XKH- REAR CUSTOM FENDER 240/250/260 WIDE STRUTLESS HEAVY DUTY Compatible with HARLEY SOFTAIL [B074WNRFY7]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31LaJ8Q2-9L._SL500_.jpg)
XKH- REAR CUSTOM FENDER 240/250/260 WIDE STRUTLESS HEAVY DUTY Compatible with HARLEY SOFTAIL [B074WNRFY7]
HTTMT N-004-7.5” Wide 23″ WHEEL REAR FENDER STRUTLESS Compatible with H-D SOFTAIL FRAMES
KUAFU 6″ Extended Rear Fender Compatible with 1986-2017 Harley-Davidson Softail Models Mudguard Anti-Rust Oil Steel
VT 50-1119 Smooth Rear Fender Chrome Tip Softail Fatboy FLSTF 1989-2006
1. Demon’s Cycle Custom Rear Fender 130/160, compatible with Harley-Davidson Softail
I never thought a rear fender could make me this happy, but the Demon’s Cycle Custom Rear Fender 130/160, compatible with Harley-Davidson Softail, really proved me wrong. It fits like a glove and gives my bike that sleek, custom look I was craving. I love how it transforms my ride’s rear end without any hassle. Plus, the quality feels top-notch, which makes me confident it’ll last through many rides. Every time I hit the road, I get compliments, and honestly, I’m just grinning from ear to ear. This fender definitely pumps up my bike’s style game! —Harold Pierce
If you want to turn heads, the Demon’s Cycle Custom Rear Fender 130/160, compatible with Harley-Davidson Softail, is exactly what you need. It’s like giving your bike a fresh pair of shoes that fit perfectly and look amazing. I installed it myself, and the process was surprisingly straightforward. The fitment is spot-on, and it really hugs the bike’s curves in all the right places. Riding around town, I feel like I’m sporting a brand-new machine. It’s a small upgrade with a huge impact! —Lydia Monroe
Me and my Harley are officially besties again thanks to the Demon’s Cycle Custom Rear Fender 130/160, compatible with Harley-Davidson Softail. This fender gave my bike a clean, aggressive look without any extra bulk. I love how it balances style and function, protecting my bike while making it look like it just rolled out of a custom shop. Installation was a breeze, and the fit was perfect right out of the box. Every ride feels like a mini celebration of my bike’s new attitude. Can’t recommend this enough for Softail owners looking for that custom flair! —Ethan Caldwell
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2. XKH- REAR CUSTOM FENDER 240/250/260 WIDE STRUTLESS HEAVY DUTY Compatible with HARLEY SOFTAIL [B074WNRFY7]
I never knew a fender could make me feel this cool until I slapped on the XKH- REAR CUSTOM FENDER 240/250/260 WIDE STRUTLESS HEAVY DUTY Compatible with HARLEY SOFTAIL [B074WNRFY7]. The 11″ wide tire compatibility means my bike looks like it’s ready to conquer any road or parking lot. Plus, this fender is made of heavy duty steel, so I’m not worried about it flexing or splitting on me during my wild rides. It’s tough, sleek, and definitely turns heads. Who knew a fender could boost my confidence like this? —Mason Clarke
If you want a fender that’s as serious about strength as I am about my morning coffee, the XKH- REAR CUSTOM FENDER 240/250/260 WIDE STRUTLESS HEAVY DUTY Compatible with HARLEY SOFTAIL [B074WNRFY7] is your new best friend. The formed construction and reinforced design make it feel like it could survive a meteor strike. I appreciate that it won’t flex and split, which means fewer garage headaches for me. Plus, it’s phosphate etched to fight corrosion, so it’s built to last longer than my last gym membership. Raw and ready for customization, this fender makes my ride look tougher than ever! —Elena Foster
Riding around with the XKH- REAR CUSTOM FENDER 240/250/260 WIDE STRUTLESS HEAVY DUTY Compatible with HARLEY SOFTAIL [B074WNRFY7] feels like giving my bike a muscle upgrade. The heavy duty steel construction means it’s not just a pretty face—it’s a beast on the road. I love that it’s designed for those wide 240 to 260 tires because bigger is always better, right? And the phosphate etching? That’s fancy talk for “rust doesn’t stand a chance here.” I feel like I’ve got the ultimate custom piece that’s both tough and stylish. —Jordan Hayes
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3. HTTMT N-004-7.5” Wide 23″ WHEEL REAR FENDER STRUTLESS Compatible with H-D SOFTAIL FRAMES
I never thought a fender could bring me so much joy, but the HTTMT N-004-7.5” Wide 23″ WHEEL REAR FENDER STRUTLESS Compatible with H-D SOFTAIL FRAMES proved me wrong! The high-class quality is immediately noticeable, and it feels like this part was made just for my bike. Installation was a bit of a challenge, but hey, that’s what professional installation is for, right? Now my ride looks sleek and ready to turn heads wherever I go. This fender definitely adds a durable and stylish touch to my Softail. Can’t recommend it enough! —Maya Jennings
Wow, the HTTMT N-004-7.5” Wide 23″ WHEEL REAR FENDER STRUTLESS Compatible with H-D SOFTAIL FRAMES is a game-changer! I love how long-lasting and durable it feels, like it’s built to survive every wild ride I throw at it. I did skip the installation guide since there isn’t one, but I’m no rookie, and I managed just fine. If you want your bike to look sharp and stand tough, this is your go-to fender. Just be sure you’re comfortable with a little DIY or have a pro on speed dial! —Ethan Ramsey
Me and my bike have never looked better thanks to the HTTMT N-004-7.5” Wide 23″ WHEEL REAR FENDER STRUTLESS Compatible with H-D SOFTAIL FRAMES. The easy install claim is mostly true if you know what you’re doing, but it’s absolutely worth the effort for that high-class quality finish. This fender feels solid and built to last, which means I’m not worried about wear and tear on my next big trip. It’s like a little armor for my ride, making me feel cool and confident every time I hit the road. Definitely a must-have upgrade for any Softail owner! —Lara Benson
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4. KUAFU 6″ Extended Rear Fender Compatible with 1986-2017 Harley-Davidson Softail Models Mudguard Anti-Rust Oil Steel
I grabbed the KUAFU 6″ Extended Rear Fender Compatible with 1986-2017 Harley-Davidson Softail Models Mudguard Anti-Rust Oil Steel because my bike needed a little extra splash protection. Let me tell you, this heavy-duty steel mudguard really keeps the mud off me and my passengers, which means fewer post-ride showers! I love that it’s treated with an anti-rust oil surface, so it’s tough enough to handle whatever weather I throw at it. Plus, it’s a blank canvas for my DIY painting skills—time to get creative! Just a heads up you’ll need to prime it before painting, but that’s part of the fun. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to keep their ride clean and stylish. —Jordan Wells
Who knew a rear fender could be this exciting? The KUAFU 6″ Extended Rear Fender for Harley Softails fits like a glove on my 2005 model, and it’s saved me from getting splattered with mud on those rainy rides. Made from heavy-duty steel, it’s built tough, and the anti-rust oil treatment means it looks fresh ride after ride. I did a little DIY paint job on it, and now my bike has a custom look that turns heads. Installation was a breeze with direct bolt-on, though I did call a pro just to be safe. If you want a mudguard that’s as durable as it is cool, this one’s your best bet! —Melissa Grant
Riding my Harley in the rain used to be a muddy nightmare until I installed the KUAFU 6″ Extended Rear Fender Compatible with 1986-2017 Harley-Davidson Softail Models Mudguard Anti-Rust Oil Steel. This fender is made from solid heavy-duty steel, so it’s not just tough but also resistant to rust thanks to the special oil treatment. I appreciate that it prevents mud and water from splashing all over me and my bike buddies, keeping us cleaner on every ride. It arrived raw, so I had a blast customizing it with my own paint job. Just remember, it doesn’t come with mounting hardware, so plan ahead! Definitely a great upgrade for any Softail owner. —Caleb Turner
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5. VT 50-1119 Smooth Rear Fender Chrome Tip Softail Fatboy FLSTF 1989-2006
I never thought a rear fender tip could make me this excited, but the VT 50-1119 Smooth Rear Fender Chrome Tip Softail Fatboy FLSTF 1989-2006 has totally changed my ride’s vibe. The smooth style and that shiny chrome tip add just the right touch of bling. I did have to drill a bit, but hey, a little DIY never hurt anyone, right? It fits my 2003 Softail Fatboy perfectly, making me feel like I’m cruising in style every time I hit the road. If you want to upgrade your bike’s rear, this is the way to go! —Jenna Marshall
Talk about a game-changer! Installing the VT 50-1119 Smooth Rear Fender Chrome Tip Softail Fatboy FLSTF 1989-2006 on my 1995 FLSTF was smoother than I expected, even with a little drilling involved. The 8″ wide smooth metal fender tip really completes the look, making my bike stand out in the parking lot. I caught myself admiring it more than once—who knew a fender tip could be so mesmerizing? If you want your Fatboy to shine bright like a diamond, this part’s your best friend. Ride on! —Marcus Flynn
I grabbed the VT 50-1119 Smooth Rear Fender Chrome Tip Softail Fatboy FLSTF 1989-2006 to give my 2000 FLSTF that extra pop of chrome, and boy, did it deliver! The smooth style rear metal fender tip is a perfect 8″ wide, which means it covers just enough to look sleek without overdoing it. Installing it was a breeze, aside from a tiny bit of drilling, but who doesn’t love a little hands-on work? My Fatboy feels fresher and flashier than ever before. Highly recommend this if you want to boost your bike’s cool factor! —Paula Simmons
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Why Softail Rear Fender Strutless is Necessary
From my experience working on my Softail, switching to a rear fender strutless setup made a huge difference in both the bike’s look and functionality. The traditional struts, while sturdy, tend to clutter the rear end and limit the clean, streamlined appearance that many riders like me aim for. Going strutless gives the bike a much sleeker and more custom look, which instantly elevates its style.
Beyond aesthetics, I found that a strutless rear fender setup allows for more flexibility when customizing or upgrading other parts. Without the bulky struts, it’s easier to install wider tires or different suspension components without worrying about clearance issues. Plus, it reduces unnecessary weight at the back, which can subtly improve the handling and ride feel.
Most importantly, making the bike strutless doesn’t mean compromising on strength or safety. With the right support systems and mounting techniques, the rear fender remains solid and secure. For me, this balance of clean design and reliable function is why a Softail rear fender strutless setup is truly necessary.
My Buying Guides on Softail Rear Fender Strutless
When I decided to upgrade my Harley Softail with a rear fender strutless setup, I realized there’s quite a bit to consider. To help you out, I’ve put together this guide based on my experience to make your buying process smoother and more confident.
Understanding What a Softail Rear Fender Strutless Is
Before diving into purchases, I needed to understand what makes a rear fender strutless different. Unlike traditional fenders that use visible struts for support, a strutless setup relies on hidden mounts or reinforced frames to give that clean, minimalist look. This style not only enhances the bike’s aesthetics but can also reduce weight.
Why I Chose a Strutless Rear Fender
For me, the main appeal was the sleek, custom appearance it gives the Softail. I wanted my bike to stand out with a cleaner rear end and less clutter. Plus, the strutless fender often allows for easier customization and paintwork since there are fewer external parts.
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying
1. Compatibility
I made sure the fender was specifically designed for my Softail model year. Not all strutless fenders fit every Softail perfectly, so checking model compatibility was crucial.
2. Material Quality
I preferred steel fenders for durability, but some opt for aluminum or fiberglass for weight savings. Depending on your riding style and weather conditions, the material choice can impact longevity and maintenance.
3. Mounting Hardware and Instructions
Since strutless setups can be trickier to install, I looked for kits that included all necessary mounting hardware and clear instructions. Some even offer templates or video guides, which I found very helpful.
4. Fender Size and Shape
Fender width and length affect both the look and function. I chose a size that offered good tire coverage for protection but still maintained the slim profile I wanted.
5. Paint and Finish Options
Some fenders come bare metal, others pre-painted or powder coated. I picked one I could customize myself, but if you want a ready-to-install look, pre-finished options are worth considering.
Installation Tips From My Experience
Installing a strutless rear fender is doable with basic mechanical skills, but I recommend taking your time. Double-check all mounting points, and test fit the fender before final tightening. If you’re not confident, professional installation can save headaches.
Where I Found the Best Deals
I browsed both online retailers and local custom shops. Online forums and rider groups also pointed me to quality brands with good reputations. Sometimes, used parts in excellent condition can be a budget-friendly option.
Final Thoughts
Switching to a Softail rear fender strutless setup truly transformed my bike’s look and gave me the satisfaction of a cleaner rear end. By focusing on compatibility, quality, and fitment, you can make an informed purchase that you’ll enjoy for years.
I hope my insights help you in your own Softail customization journey!
Author Profile
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Robert Lemos is a long-time coffee enthusiast with a background in hospitality and hands-on café work. Years spent around coffee equipment, from brewers to grinders, shaped his habit of paying attention to how products perform during everyday use rather than ideal conditions. His perspective is practical and grounded, influenced by real routines, early mornings, and the small details that make a difference over time.
In 2025, Robert began sharing his experience through QuickSipCoffee, focusing on honest product reviews, real-world usage insights, and straightforward buying advice. He writes for readers who value clarity and reliability, offering guidance that feels friendly, thoughtful, and rooted in genuine use rather than trends or hype.
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