A simple test to confirm. Remember, my rear fender was centered over the rear wheel before taking it apart. The fender,although made of thin sheet metal, is strong in it's design. It is basically a long curved arch. That's why the Romans used it on aquaducts, and buildings. It's a strong shape on all sides. OK, if I go to the side of the offending fender stay, in my case on the rear left.And some one at the front right, just holding the bars straight. Got the picture? If I pull the left rear fender stay out to a position were it was when the fender was in place, What do you think happens? That's correct, the bars stay straight with a little resistance from the person in front, but the rear of the frame pivot's to the right at the steering head.
Dan.