The forks are very smooth, with the exception of a little rough spot on both of them, in the front at the very bottom. That area that is impossible to see, and really difficult to get to. I tried using bug/tar remover, brake cleaner, and several other chemicals and nothing removes it. So perhaps it is damage in the metal? My friend has one of those "cameras on a snake", maybe I can borrow it so I can see it. I have never taken the fender all the way off, just move it around for access, which is not enough to see. I think the right brake hose clamp is an issue the one time I thought about removing it completely.