Cheap-Ass Fenderectomy (added to GStwins Wiki today!)
by Patrick Bureau (pbureau69)
After looking at what others did, and being the cheap-ass I am, I decided to create another variation on the fenderectomy,
I did mine this way because I am using the single LED tailight with integrated turn signals in it. First thing I did was to remove the reflectors (more on this option later) from the rear fender. removed the license oem plate bracket, and like above I cut the render close to the body, but leaving the "box" that hold the toolkit intact. I reused the oem bracket, I simply drilled 2 holes into the black body part below the tailing, and reattached the lilcense plate, it ends up being right up 1 mm against the taillight. I spent no monies to do this modification and reused all the oem parts.
(http://longcoeur.com/gs500mods/fenderectomy/S5000717.JPG)
(http://longcoeur.com/gs500mods/fenderectomy/S5000718.JPG)
(http://longcoeur.com/gs500mods/fenderectomy/S5000716.JPG)
(http://longcoeur.com/gs500mods/fenderectomy/S5000715.JPG)
Now the reflector part is of course optional, being strong on visibility I decided to relocate the oem reflectors to create a more cosmeticaly apealing look (and practical)on a side view of the gs500 First I cut the oem bracket so only the 90' angle remains and then (see mounting picture) to make sure it did not interfere with the body kit mounting screws, I measure the hole so the reflector plate once mounted straddled the oem moounting point. To mount it I suggest removing the rear body kit from the frame and flip it over so you can access the area, using the oem reflector hardware I mount it in place.
(http://longcoeur.com/gs500mods/fenderectomy/S5000719.JPG)
(http://longcoeur.com/gs500mods/fenderectomy/S5000721.JPG)
Finallyl after reinstalling the bodykit in place... it looks like this... the fender that was showing on the previous pictures now seems to have dissapeared..
(http://longcoeur.com/gs500mods/fenderectomy/S5000722.JPG)
Looks really good, nice work. :thumb:
That's similar to what I did, I have a '96 and had a hard time getting my signals up higher and the plate like you have it. It angles in towards the rear tire. So if your gs is an E model be prepared to do a little extra 'fabrication.' It's harder to do on an E than on an F.
Hmm..
I was just wondering about performing a fenderectomy on my GS-E today...think I'll do it tomorrow...but first I gotta buy the pseudo-dremel tool I've already spotted in a shop :icon_mrgreen:
...I don't think I'll be as radical as all the people I've seen here hehehe... :icon_mrgreen: I'll prolly cut the rear fender no shorter than half its original size (Kawi ER5 style maybe?), I don't think I'd like it too short, the bike license plate (UK size, more or less) will be longer than it anyways...Also think I'll cut away a stripe (where the dealer's name and phone are written) from the plate-holding aftermarket frame...quite cheesy :icon_mrgreen:
Hope I won't make too much of a mess!! :icon_mrgreen: :laugh:
And I'm still waiting for my f@£%ing air filter to arrive...my GS's still in "failsafe mode"... :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:
Quote from: simon79 on May 17, 2007, 02:52:48 PM
I was just wondering about performing a fenderectomy on my GS-E today...think I'll do it tomorrow...but first I gotta buy the pseudo-dremel tool I've already spotted in a shop :icon_mrgreen:
I used a sheetrock knife, made a light mark using a ruler, then passed over it once or twice, it is soft plastic, easy to cut away.
post a pic up when your done ...
Yeah,I do have several tools at home like small saws etc.,but I feel I'd do a cleaner job with a dremel... :icon_mrgreen:
Luckily I've got a tall&wide numberplate,so if I make a mess it'd be hardly noticed...but I'll try my best :laugh: :thumb:
Regards! :thumb:
simon
HA HA i did the same thing but mounted the tag to that it was farther down (a lame atempt to for a little mud flap)
Mine looks similar. I chopped the plastic but the plate is attached in the exact same place. If you take the metal piece that connects the plate the the fender, flip it over, and attach it to the bottom of the plate (like OP), that raises the plate about 4 inches. Looks good :thumb:
Why cut off the fender all the way and then install a plate that hangs lower? Defeats the purpose. Just trim it at the bottom of the plate. This will keep all the crap that will get slung up from hitting the back of the plate, which eventually messes up the plate.
Quote from: dgyver on May 17, 2007, 06:09:43 PM
Why cut off the fender all the way and then install a plate that hangs lower? Defeats the purpose. Just trim it at the bottom of the plate. This will keep all the crap that will get slung up from hitting the back of the plate, which eventually messes up the plate.
simple if I cut it the way you mention, I would have a black plastic with 2 holes on the side making it look goofy, this way... its not there anymore.
As for crap collecting behind the plate, I live in the country side of dallas texas, I have put 15K miles on my scooter last year and I never found ANY crap on the fender, so I doubt I will be doing any motorcross with it, so chances are crap aint flying anywhwere into the license plate any time soon (grin), rest assure if any crap or manure collects behind my llicense plate, I have horses therefore I know how to handle crap just fine, nothing a little soap aint gotten out from under the finger nails before y'know? (grin)
ee pictures below
before & after
(http://longcoeur.com/various/gs500/Reflective%20tape%20gallery/images/S5000647.jpg) (http://longcoeur.com/gs500mods/fenderectomy/S5000716.JPG)
again before and after
(http://longcoeur.com/various/gs500/Reflective%20tape%20gallery/images/S5000648.JPG) (http://longcoeur.com/gs500mods/fenderectomy/S5000722.JPG)
Quote from: pbureau69 on May 17, 2007, 06:32:54 PM
Quote from: dgyver on May 17, 2007, 06:09:43 PM
Why cut off the fender all the way and then install a plate that hangs lower? Defeats the purpose. Just trim it at the bottom of the plate. This will keep all the crap that will get slung up from hitting the back of the plate, which eventually messes up the plate.
simple if I cut it the way you mention, I would have a black plastic with 2 holes on the side making it look goofy, this way... its not there anymore.
Trim the sides back as well.
Seems the Australian bike has its number plater mounted higher up as stock.
I am a fan of the stock indicators as IMO I think that having wider spaced indicators signals your intention clearer.
So for me I detatched the blicker wires under my seat, cut the cable ties
removed my fender / wheel arch piece.
removed my rear reflector and number plate. (left the number plate bracket).
moved my reflector up as high as possible till it hit the number plate bracket
drew where I needed to drill my new holes to secure the bracket and where to cut the fender
cut the fender with a coping saw
drilled the 2 holes for the reflector
re-attached the reflector and number plate
re-fitted the fender wheel arch to the bike
rejoined the blinker wires
added new cable ties to hold the wires in place
Result
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k248/galahs/gs500f/gs500F_rear.jpg)
I also added 4 new small reflectors for increased visibility directly under the tail light.
...Done!!
it came out exactly as I had planned it to be, that is a rear fender trimmed "à la Kawasaki ER5". :)
Bought the dremel, got back home, and after an hour or so (I take things slow&easy... ;))voilà!!
Now I don't seem to have a garbage truck flap back there anymore... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
No pics by the moment,sorry about that...maybe I'll put'em in as soon as I catch my lifelong laziness off its guard :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Have a nice weekend everybody!! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
simon.
Edit:voilà the pics! :icon_mrgreen:
(http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb174/rizz9000/DSCN0489.jpg)
(http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb174/rizz9000/DSCN0488.jpg)
(http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb174/rizz9000/DSCN0487_mod.jpg)
Geez simon79, you blokes have big number plates over there!
Quote from: galahs on May 18, 2007, 08:01:18 PM
Geez simon79, you blokes have big number plates over there!
Auyeah,as you can see our plates act as mudflaps themselves... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Please address to Italian Civil Motoring & Road Transportation Dept. for complaints! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
:thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
I like how this was done, im gonna start mine today. As for rear turn signals, i opted for tag bolt mount, mini signals from J&P Cycles.
I post a pic as soon as its done. :2guns:
Quote from: simon79 on May 19, 2007, 03:14:02 AM
Please address to Italian Civil Motoring & Road Transportation Dept. for complaints!
italian cops in those small windsheild fiats with coke bottle glasses, need big signs to see the GS500 plate as it zoooooms away from they even slower cop car :) ahahahahahahaha
cheers mate..
Quote from: pbureau69 on May 20, 2007, 05:52:56 AM
Quote from: simon79 on May 19, 2007, 03:14:02 AM
Please address to Italian Civil Motoring & Road Transportation Dept. for complaints!
italian cops in those small windsheild fiats with coke bottle glasses, need big signs to see the GS500 plate as it zoooooms away from they even slower cop car :) ahahahahahahaha
cheers mate..
ROTFLMAO :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Hope I always meet cops in Fiat Punto's...other than that, if I happen to cross the path of a Highway Police patrol on an Alfa Romeo 159,chances are I'm f@£ked...
not to mention if the infamous Lambo Gallardo is on duty... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
...oops...now I recall that I have 2 Punto's actually..... :oops: :oops: :oops: :icon_mrgreen: :icon_mrgreen: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
:thumb:
I did it today, looks very good.
Quote from: roosterbike on May 22, 2007, 06:05:12 PM
:thumb:
I did it today, looks very good.
piiiiictures mon...
Ill get the pics up ASAP. I used LP turn signals that mount to your tag bolts.
Quote from: bucks1605 on May 17, 2007, 01:49:45 PM
Looks really good, nice work. :thumb:
That's similar to what I did, I have a '96 and had a hard time getting my signals up higher and the plate like you have it. It angles in towards the rear tire. So if your gs is an E model be prepared to do a little extra 'fabrication.' It's harder to do on an E than on an F.
i was wondering if any of you removed the fender completely and installed a piece of sheet metal
instead like an undertail, (stainless steel could do the trick)
so the whole fender goes bye bye and then install a plate bracket?
i had a kawi 750 and thats the way it was done :cookoo:
Quote from: roosterbike on May 23, 2007, 05:54:24 AM
Ill get the pics up ASAP. I used LP turn signals that mount to your tag bolts.
Whoa .. where'd you get those?
Quote from: pester on May 28, 2007, 12:40:02 PM
i was wondering if any of you removed the fender completely and installed a piece of sheet metal
instead like an undertail, (stainless steel could do the trick)
so the whole fender goes bye bye and then install a plate bracket?
I guess you could, but then the rear shock would get crap into it.. otherwize a fender eliminator kit doesnt exist (that I am aware) for the GS, but you could make one I guess...
Quote from: pbureau69 on May 29, 2007, 08:56:16 AM
Quote from: pester on May 28, 2007, 12:40:02 PM
i was wondering if any of you removed the fender completely and installed a piece of sheet metal
instead like an undertail, (stainless steel could do the trick)
so the whole fender goes bye bye and then install a plate bracket?
I guess you could, but then the rear shock would get crap into it.. otherwize a fender eliminator kit doesnt exist (that I am aware) for the GS, but you could make one I guess...
Then u get a bandit Rear Hugger. And Sorted :thumb: