I have just had a rather exciting conversation with the director of an English carbon fibre company. His company makes a ridiculously affordable carbon front mudguard for the K12/13S. This product is currently out of production due to a defect in the mould they have which produces a slight twist in the finished article. Although most owners would never notice this defect, they are not happy to continue selling them with this twist.
So here's the real twist. This guy has previously owned two K12S's and a K13S and knows the issues of the short mudguard only too well. He is fully aware of the cracking at the top of the rear section on the standard mudguard. He is also fully aware of the market in fender extenders, especially for the K bike.
His company are currently majoring on some non-carbon products which will hopefully be the short term bread and butter of the company.
But here's the thing. He is fully committed to looking into the feasibility of producing an extended carbon front mudguard for the K12/13S; potentially a much neater solution to the rotting radiator problems than using a stick-on extender, which in my case, never did!
So, two questions, firstly, how many of us might be up for an extended front mudguard in great quality English produced carbon fibre?
Secondly, does anyone out there have a 'spare' front mudguard that they can have a play with. Guaranteed no damage and perhaps a discount on any future product into the bargain. If it meant it being a go'er, I offered to buy him a new one but he balked at this offer and would obviously buy his own if this goes ahead.
Brian (who has his name down for the first off the production line so please form an orderly queue behind him)
PS The last thing this guy needs is all 180 members bending his ear, so please, let's keep this in house for the time being.