I have been wanting to get rid of the stock rear fender while keeping the stock turn signals but I could not see paying $80+ for the various kits out there. So I happened to get a free FZ8 tail assembly from a mechanic at the local Yamaha dealer and decided to try and make my own. Here is what I did.
First, I removed the tail section and made a mounting plate out of ½” king starboard that I had left over from a boat project. It’s a dense plastic that is really easy to work with, plenty strong, and of course, rustproof.
Here is the mounting plate being test fitted.
Next, I cut most of the original plastic fender leaving only the part where the turn signals mount as well as leaving enough material to remount the original license plate bracket up higher than the stock mounting point as I wanted the license plate as high up as possible. I attached this piece to the mounting plate that I made. I then reused the 4 mounting bolts and used 4 lock nuts to bolt it in place, reattached the stock turn signals and reflectors, and reconnected the wires. I did not have to cut or splice any wires. I have a couple of LED mounting bolt lights on order that will take care of the license plate light. I know, I should probably remove the rectangular reflectors to clean it up but I figured anything to help me and my bike be visible to others is a good thing.
I am pretty happy with the way it turned out especially since it did not cost me a dime and I was able to keep my original tail assembly intact.
