【PIT TIPS】Tell me, Tomoda-san! ~Drilling holes in the Honjo fenders~

　
Hello, this is JUS.
　
The other day, while checking over a bike that Tomoyan was building, I noticed he had installed Honjo fenders with his usual precision, and I found myself admiring his handiwork: "He really does a great job with those!"
　
The particularly difficult part of installing Honjo fenders is that you have to decide where to drill the holes for the mounting hardware yourself. However, it is precisely because of that effort that you can install them as fenders tailored exclusively for your bike, creating a perfect, beautiful arc.
　
　
When it comes to the actual drilling, the hardest part is determining how to drill a hole right at the very center of the fender arch. Even a slight misalignment can cause the fender to rub against the tire or result in it being mounted at an angle once finished.
　
So, I asked mechanic Tomoyan what technique he uses to drill that hole right in the center of the fender arch!
　
　
"What's that, JUS? You want to know my secret fender-drilling technique? Can't be helped, I'll teach you."
　
　
"Even if it is a 'secret' technique, it's super simple. First, line up the masking tape straight and clean along the fender arch. Then, use a marker to draw lines on both sides like this."
　
　
"Then, peel the masking tape off the fender. It should look like this."
　
　
"All that's left is to measure the length and mark the center, and you're done."
　
　
"If you stick that masking tape back onto the fender, you'll know exactly where the center is, right?"
　
　
"After that, you just use a drill to make a pilot hole at your mark. By using masking tape, you also protect the fender from scratches during drilling, and since it's less slippery, it's easier to position the drill bit. Also, once you've made one of these 'marker tapes' for this fender, you can use it for all the hole locations, front and rear, so don't throw it away after just one hole!"
　
　
"Fender installation is all about tire clearance. Too close is no good, and too far is no good either. Take your time, check as you go, and carefully decide where to drill!"
　
　
"Alright, that looks pretty good. It's spot on. That moment when everything snaps into place is the best part."
　
Whether or not Tomoyan actually said that, we mechanics always take care to perform every step with precision so that fenders can be installed correctly and securely. When you decide to try installing Honjo fenders yourself, why not refer to the "Tomoda Method"?
　
　
We have a full lineup of SIMWORKS BY HONJO fenders and convenient small parts for installation, so if you're planning to install them yourself, be sure to check those out.