definitions

[DJ123]

RE the tail tidy, i think it depends on your Bike's main use. If it's a toy, you probably will prioritise form over function, and if its a commuter bike the opposite will apply.

I ride my bike (not an SV) in all weathers, and it does/did get used frequently for commuting. The tail tidy/number plate holder prevents a lot of spray being kicked up the rear of the bike. Which not only helps in keeping the mess down, but also in terms of visibility in poor weather/road conditions too.

[Dave20046]

Originally Posted by DJ123

RE the tail tidy, i think it depends on your Bike's main use. If it's a toy, you probably will prioritise form over function, and if its a commuter bike the opposite will apply.

I ride my bike (not an SV) in all weathers, and it does/did get used frequently for commuting. The tail tidy/number plate holder prevents a lot of spray being kicked up the rear of the bike. Which not only helps in keeping the mess down, but also in terms of visibility in poor weather/road conditions too.

I didn't understand what people were talking about form/function/protection - but I get it now it's about spray?

I really don't think a lower numberplate and a few mil of plastic make that much odds - tail tidy or no tail tidy - I'd be fitting a rear hugger.
Your numberplate shovel isn't exactly protecting your shock or linkage from spray is it.

[svenrico]

Originally Posted by Adam Ef

One of the things I liked about my VFR was the amount of protection the back end gave.

Yes, not keen on the look of the exhausts up there though (potential to gas the pillion rider as you wait at traffic lights as well !!!)
ps a bit tongue in cheek .

[Bike27]

Originally Posted by Adam Ef

One of the things I liked about my VFR was the amount of protection the back end gave.

To my distinctly novice eye (never been interested in militaria) those VFR exhaust cans look rather gun like.

I don't suppose you are talking protection Mad Max style?

YOUTUBE LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjS5...l=indicatorRSI

[Adam Ef]

Mine had different pipes that looked more like cannons than guns

[DJ123]

Originally Posted by Dave20046

I didn't understand what people were talking about form/function/protection - but I get it now it's about spray?

I really don't think a lower numberplate and a few mil of plastic make that much odds - tail tidy or no tail tidy - I'd be fitting a rear hugger.
Your numberplate shovel isn't exactly protecting your shock or linkage from spray is it.

For me it is - as it flicks out the back?up the rear of the bike. Not a lot get flung forwards towards the shock.

The issue with a Hugger is that it creates vortices as it sits so close to the wheel/tyre that can make it even dirtier/messy around the swingarm and surrounding areas, then not having one at all . . .

[svenrico]

Originally Posted by DJ123

For me it is - as it flicks out the back?up the rear of the bike. Not a lot get flung forwards towards the shock.

The issue with a Hugger is that it creates vortices as it sits so close to the wheel/tyre that can make it even dirtier/messy around the swingarm and surrounding areas, then not having one at all . . .

Yes, huggers ,as the name implies, sit too close to the tyre and muck tends to fly over the top or out the sides as you suggest. They do protect the shock to some extent though I think.

[svenrico]

Originally Posted by Dave20046

I didn't understand what people were talking about form/function/protection - but I get it now it's about spray?

I really don't think a lower numberplate and a few mil of plastic make that much odds - tail tidy or no tail tidy - I'd be fitting a rear hugger.
Your numberplate shovel isn't exactly protecting your shock or linkage from spray is it.

A hugger is 'supposed ' to have a different purpose ,stopping spray being thrown forwards off the wheel and up under the seat, from the rear mudguard holding the number plate ,which 'should' stop spray being drawn up the back of the bike. I had a 900 Yamaha Diversion which had an extension down below the number plate and when I removed it it made a lot of difference in the amount of muck that was thrown up the back of the bike. I soon put it back on again.

[yokohama]

Someone should tell Yamaha engineers what huggers are supposed to do. The XSR900 has a minimalist one which reaches about halfway between the shock and the top of the tyre. This means the underside of the seat, where in their wisdom they decided to put the seat lock keyhole , gets absolutely covered in crud.

[svenrico]

Originally Posted by yokohama

Someone should tell Yamaha engineers what huggers are supposed to do. The XSR900 has a minimalist one which reaches about halfway between the shock and the top of the tyre. This means the underside of the seat, where in their wisdom they decided to put the seat lock keyhole , gets absolutely covered in crud.

It's the fashion for minimalist appearance with everything that is the problem. Otherwise why stop the front mudguard so short on the current SV650A so that the front of the engine is obviously going to get splattered with muck from the road ! I am sure they could design bikes to provide more protection from road spray and still look good.