TIDY TAIL OR NOT?

[Walrus]

I'm tempted to strip about 10 pounds off the bike by removing the rear fender. The downside is I'll have a stripe of dirt up my back every time I ride in messy situations.
Not sure the weight loss is worth the PITA - and I kind of like the fender look.
Insights from folks who use a tidy tail please.
Thanks.

 

[ferraiolo1]

Yes you will get dirty and wet if you remove it.

 

[American]

When I first got mine the tail tidy was on my list of things to do but after about 6 months I just couldn’t see removing the factory plate holder.

I think the tidy makes the bike look more like a basic sport bike.
In the summer it pretty much rains everyday in the afternoon. Don’t want to have water and dirt all down my back.

 

[Walrus]

Not. Answered my own question with ride today.

 

[mark.lb]

If you want to lose almost 10 lbs - upgrade the battery! (Pics from my Scout build)

 

[Walrus]

Thank you. Routinely replace my batteries with Shorei. Great graphic.

 

[ferraiolo1]

The battery replacement it a good way tho shave pounds. But the tail section is unsprung weight. Which always has the greatest impact on feel when that’s reduced.

 

[Webby]

I did it. The bumper on the FTR is substantial for sure but I like the sportbike look of a clean rear tire. Looking at the angles I think most spray will hit a pillion (of which I dont have one) and not much on me but I can live with it as not a lot of rain in N. TX. I'll look into a hugger if someone makes them as I like to keep bebe clean.

 

[edgelett]

I'll look into a hugger if someone makes them as I like to keep bebe clean.

Powerbronze make a hugger, but it's not very long and does nothing to stop rain/mud going up your back.
it stops a little coming up under the bike but it's really only for looks.

 

[Walrus]

LOOKs nice without the tail, but I'm keeping it don't want the skunk stripe.

 

[Omohundro]

I took mine off probably the first day I had it, 4000 miles later I’m thinking about modifying it and putting it back on.

 

[Max Kool]

I’m vain.

 

[edgelett]

I’m vain.

Same. I ride in the wet so little that it's worth it for me. Gives me an excuse to clean the bike with some TLC.

 

[Omohundro]

A lot cleaner looking without for sure

 

[Mlazarus]

Scraped the fender, kept the plate and hanger. I like the look. For now.

 

[DoingOK]

I have the Powerbronze rear hugger (currently removed) but it won't stop any water/mud from going up your back. I like the tail tidy look and will deal with any future messes.

 

[DoingOK]

.....and yes, the whole back of my jacket was covered in dirt/mud. 😐

 

[Walrus]

Yeah. can't go there anymore.

 

[FTR London]

A lot cleaner looking without for sureView attachment 5863

I love the pillion cowl. Where did you order that from?

 

[spmx43]

I’m vain.

View attachment 5861

What kind of tank bag is that ? I need one for my ezpass and garage door opener. tnks