tail tidy/fender eliminator on 1100e?

[greg78gs750]

Hi,

Wondering if anyone has done this on an 1100 or other? Pics?

[gsrick]

I've eliminated the rear fender on my 1978 1000. Not sure if you would need to do more than remove the rear plastic fender, fab a filler piece an make a tag bracket. It will depend on what the turnsignals are mounted to. I can check later when I get home. I can't post the pic right now, but if you look in my profile you can a see a pic of my '78 1000.

[dorkburger]

I've always thought that bike looked clean to begin with. I just narrowed the signal stalks on mine. A friend had one that the PO just sawed off the fender flush.
I think you may be on your own as far as an integrated taillight. The signals mount to metal brackets hung from from the end of the frame rail if I recall.

[greg78gs750]

I'm not actually thinking of doing it, just thinkin, ya know? I replaced my turn sigs with some ebay cheapies, don't really like them, but they do reduce the impression of WIDENESS, esp in dat azz. Rick, LOVE the spokes on your 1000..

[mmattockx]

The signals mount to metal brackets hung from from the end of the frame rail if I recall.

That is correct. I think all the lighting attaches to the sub frame, nothing on the plastic fender. I think OP would have to cut the lower portion of the fender off, it is all one piece from well forward under the seat to the back.


Mark

[wacky941]

Don't know if this helps or not but, I replaced my turn signals with some smaller ones and it reduced the impression of the "wideness."



If you take a look at my photo albums, you can get a better idea of how it looks as a final product.
Something else to consider, if you cut or remove the fender, where and how would you mount he license plate?
I must admit, I never thought about removing or cutting the rear fender on mine but, now that you have brought it up, I am beginning to get curious about it and how it might look.
If you do decide to do it, please post pictures because who knows, I might decide to do the same thing.

[dorkburger]

Agreed that the small / shortened signals lighten the visual impact of the back end.
A stock 1150 as mine was personifies wide load. My fender got cut back significantly and I used metal clips to fasten the plate to the "new" fender edge.

[greg78gs750]

yeah, not going to do anything this season, for sure. I might try to pick up a spare tail cowl and do some experimentation. By my eye, if you eliminate the fender the tail should be shortened a bit, too, to get the proportions right. Whatever I did, it would be a "bolt on" mod, no cutting of stock parts or anything that couldn't be put back to stock. So far the only PERMANENT changes I have done to this bike is the head work. Well, and the holes in the damper tubes for the emulators. anyhoo, thanks for the input/pics!

[limeex2]

82 Katana signals are shorter and if you use tail light tint they don't stick out like a sore thumb. After market copies are available. I tinted my ZRX and it turned out fine, can be removed if you change your mind and yes, they can be seen just fine. I rode behind it. I wont cut my GS fender, cause imo they look pretty nice, but if you scotch tape it up and use a string and magic marker like a compass, you can visualize what it may look like when cut. I touched up the ZRX like this and a little bit made it look lots nicer, but still looked fairly stock.

[Cipher]

You all do realize that your stylistic machinations are in direct conflict with the purpose of the tail and signal lights?
They are meant to be seen and each jurisdiction has laws regarding the height above ground, seperation in width and intensity of light.
But go ahead make changes its your funeral.

[greg78gs750]

heh, you think anyone sees the signals anyway? good luck with that.

[wacky941]

Last time I took my bike in for the annual safety inspection, one of my turn signals had a problem. I was told that if the turn signals are on the bike they have to work but, if they are not on the bike, no problem. I asked for clarification and was told that in the State of Texas, for motorcycles, you do not need turn signals installed but if they are installed, they must work. The only thing required is a headlight, a tail/license plate light and a brake light, that's all that is required for lights on motorcycles.