my back end.....

[nikfleisch]

My back end............ haha way to look perverts, but seriously what has everyone done for the fenders in the back im looking at possible options.

[adidasguy]

Depends on what YOU want. Browse through the wall of fame photos.
Personally, I like to leave some fender. Not a fan of chopping it all off.
Whatever you do, you can always un-do it. Rear fenders are a dime a dozen on ebay - complete and even already chopped off. I picked up one with all reflectors and turn signals for something like $40! So don't be afraid of screwing it up. You can get another rear fender cheap.
One reason for such a long fender is the size of European license plates. Twice as high as ours.
I'm thinking of cutting off only 1/3 of the fender. Still want the license plate, reflector and a reflectorized "SUZUKI" sticker on the back.

I have removed the reflector bracket and put it directly on the fender. Much cleaner look than having it hang down off the bottom. Also removing the license plate bracket and putting it flat on the fender.

[seamax]

[MysterYvil]

Mrs. was unimpressed by the nigh-unto-useless yet-still-enormous stock fender.  We cut it a bit (with a hacksaw) and relocated the stock reflector.  Kept the stock tag, signals, and reflector, because our local LEOs are pretty assiduous about using non-DOT setups as PC for a traffic stop.

It was easy as pie, took less than 30 minutes and $0.00.  Removed the tag and reflector, marked, cut, drilled, filed & sanded, remounted the tag and reflector, and voila!

[simon79]

Here's what I did - quite similar to MrYvil's.
Featuring said infamous Euro plates.
   

[MysterYvil]

Here's what I did - quite similar to MrYvil's.
Featuring said infamous Euro plates.

Dayum, that thing is HUGE!

[scratch]

I wish I could get an European model's longer rear fender for free to help keep the mud and water that gets drafted onto my back after being flung up by the rear wheel.

[simon79]

I wish I could get an European model's longer rear fender for free to help keep the mud and water that gets drafted onto my back after being flung up by the rear wheel.

I am pretty sure the stock GS fender is the same all around the world.

[adidasguy]

All fenders are the same all over the world for GS500's and same for all models and years - unless you cut it off.

[scratch]

So if someone cuts theirs off, that is local, I could use the boltholes for the reflector to bolt the two 'halves' together.

[adidasguy]

Looking at the design of a stock GS500 from the side, the water from the rear tire can not go onto your back unless you happen to have a really string tail wind or you weigh 500 pounds and your huge body creates a suction. The angle from the rear tire can go straight up. Can't go towards the rider because the fender and tail block it.

[seamax]

Mrs. was unimpressed by the nigh-unto-useless yet-still-enormous stock fender.  We cut it a bit (with a hacksaw) and relocated the stock reflector.  Kept the stock tag, signals, and reflector, because our local LEOs are pretty assiduous about using non-DOT setups as PC for a traffic stop.

It was easy as pie, took less than 30 minutes and $0.00.  Removed the tag and reflector, marked, cut, drilled, filed & sanded, remounted the tag and reflector, and voila!

Is that your bedroom in the garage...cool Total Mancave. Anyways here's my rear..the plates hang under the seat above the shock covering the two tie rods.

[scratch]

You're right, but the passenger seat, and my back, but not my helmet, get covered in muddy droplets every month that I go riding in the rain (I'm a group ride leader for a free riding clinic that teaches safety and technique every month, rain or shine).  Nothing else gets as dirty, 'cept the undercarriage.  Maybe I sit too upright because of higher aftermarket handlebars.  And, I'm only a buck twenty-five.

[MysterYvil]

Is that your bedroom in the garage...cool Total Mancave.

All three, actually (occasional "bed"room, usual garage, and Total ManCave), and Mrs. Bad Example and Ms. Bad Example helped to furnish and set it up.  And...they both ride!  I am a spoiled old man!  

Anyways here's my rear..the plates hang under the seat above the shock covering the two tie rods.

Beautiful mod!  Wish we could get away with that here!

[burning1]

Leave it. Nothing like having my $22,000 BMW K bike peppered with rocks because someone didn't like the look of the stock fender.

[gsJack]

I bought my 97 GS new and the rear fender was never cut for the 80k miles I rode it as shown in the left pic below.  I bought my 02 GS slightly used in the fall of 03 and only rode it until spring of 04 with the fender cut off as shown in center pic and the back of my jacket was covered with muddy splash from riding in the rain that spring.  I would not have cut it off myself.  I put the Givi trunk on in the spring of 04 before trip to Smoky Mtns and it took the road splash after that and my jacket remained clean, problem solved.   

[BoOzZ35]

This is the Targa Kits


check out my thread about this it shows more pics jst search at 2000 gs500e

[sledge]

Looking at the design of a stock GS500 from the side, the water from the rear tire can not go onto your back unless you happen to have a really string tail wind or you weigh 500 pounds and your huge body creates a suction. The angle from the rear tire can go straight up. Can't go towards the rider because the fender and tail block it.

If you chop the rear mudguard you are going to suffer. In heavy rain the tyre flicks water up from the road where it makes contact in the form of spray, The spray is then sucked backwards onto the rear of the bike and the rider at speed.

People who regularly ride in poor weather such as despatch riders who are more concerned about function rather than form are well aware of this phenomenon and will fit mudflaps on the rear mudguard as low as possible to the road to stop themselves getting covered in shyte.

[adidasguy]

Here in wet Seattle I left the stock fender on Suzi. When I got Junior, first thing I did was put back on the original un-cut fender.
I don't get wet.

FYI: Rear red reflector is a DOT requirement. Looks like you removed yours. Ride crazy to get the attention of a cop and you could get a ticket for no rear reflector.

[MysterYvil]

Looking at the design of a stock GS500 from the side, the water from the rear tire can not go onto your back unless you happen to have a really string tail wind or you weigh 500 pounds and your huge body creates a suction. The angle from the rear tire can go straight up. Can't go towards the rider because the fender and tail block it.

If you chop the rear mudguard you are going to suffer. In heavy rain the tyre flicks water up from the road where it makes contact in the form of spray, The spray is then sucked backwards onto the rear of the bike and the rider at speed.

People who regularly ride in poor weather such as despatch riders who are more concerned about function rather than form are well aware of this phenomenon and will fit mudflaps on the rear mudguard as low as possible to the road to stop themselves getting covered in shyte.

I got road-grime on my helmet with the stock fender, and much the same amount after trimming it.

If you want to avoid "suffer(ing)" from weather, I recommend a car.