a fender eliminator, almost

First a short intro. I've just returned to motorcycle ownership after a 34 year hiatus. Last bike I owned was a new 1981 Virago that was purchased 3 weeks before I was married. Still married to the same woman, Virago long gone.

I picked up a 2013 SV650S a couple of weeks ago and am having a blast, whenever the weather allows. Canada. Nuff said. On non-riding days, I've been tinkering, as I've done all my life. I built a fast sport aircraft some years ago and own too many tools to let languish or rust in the workshop. One of the things that I wasn't so fond of was the droopy, shovel type rear fender. I investigated various products to solve that, but ended up spending nothing and coming up with a solution that I can live with. On close inspection, I discovered two braced, hollow unused mounts under the fender, with an angle that would allow an easy attachment of the plate bracket. I broke out the dremel and with trepidation, cut into my fender. The results...




And if anyone is interested in the process, here's a youtube short.

I abosoltley love the way that looks and still keeps the rain from flicking up I imagine, good work sir!

[ophic]

If you keep the bit you cut off, it's handy for shovelling snow and other such uses

Like the look.

looks good does that!

Originally Posted by ophic

If you keep the bit you cut off, it's handy for shovelling snow and other such uses

I've been using it as a chip/crisp bowl. I can translate English to English

Originally Posted by Corny Gizmo

I abosoltley love the way that looks and still keeps the rain from flicking up I imagine, good work sir!

I've been telling the critics that if it doesn't protect as desired, I'll just ride with my wife when it's inclement.

I'll just ride with my wife when it's inclement.

Thats what I do

Originally Posted by Terry Lee

I've been using it as a chip/crisp bowl. I can translate English to English

I was serious about the snack bowl reincarnation

[NTECUK]

One fender eliminated

Apologies if this has been addressed in the past. I rarely look for "prior art" before wasting time and money.

One item left undone after the fender mod was the license plate light. The stock one is too big and bulky. I found a little LED auto interior light that is less than .25" thick. It comes with batteries and a switch just so you can test it in store. I'd rather not have to pay for all the parts, but I will inventory and reuse at some point. I'm hoping that it will survive continuous duty.


It's very bright.


Since it's not weather hardened, I need to seal it from the elements. A thick o-ring will seal the unit between a piece of poly-carbonate and the bottom of the fender.


I grafted it to the original harness and shrink wrapped it well.


Installed...


...and fired up.