front fender mud flap; yes or no

[mark from maine]

Recently purchased a 98 R1100RT. There is no mudflap on the front fender. My K75 had one and I liked what it accomplished. It helped to keep gravel off the front section of the engine. My question, is there any good reason not to have one on the RT1100? Could it in any way block needed airflow to the front of the engine or header pipes? I have a long gravel driveway and I like the idea of the mud flap keeping gravel off the front section of the engine and header pipes.
Thanks,
Mark

[ALIENHITCHHIKER]

Mark, why BMW didn't put a more protective fender on this model is one of the minor mysteries of German design. Google BMW fender extender (or fenda extenda) and you will discover this is a popular add-on. BMW dealers also sell them.

I wound up installing a UFO dirt bike fender on mine - it works.

[jamesdunn]

I have one on my RS manufactured by Pyramid. It is an easy install, not too spendy and aids in keeping debris and mud away, etc.
JD

[mark from maine]

Thank you for the replies. I will put one on. I will probably make something up from an old car mudflap or something. Spending $ on such a low tech item just doesn't suit me. If I remember correctly the one I ended up putting on the K75 came from a mudflap I found on the side of the road. I 'll have to keep my eyes open once the snowbanks melt.:whistle
Thanks again,
Mark

[rspennachio]

If you look in the Hex head section there is a thread called "R1200 Corrosion Control! (Pictorial)"

It shows the result of not having a flap on the fender. I think I'm going to add an extender soon and avoid the repair.

[ALIENHITCHHIKER]

...the one I ended up putting on the K75 came from a mudflap I found on the side of the road. I 'll have to keep my eyes open once the snowbanks melt....

Mark, :thumb

[mark from maine]

Steve, Being self employed, in Maine, in the winter, in a tough economy, well, you get the picture. Being resoureful is a way of life.
Mark