If you ride a sportbike, you may not be entirely satisfied with its stock look. You can boost the style of the bike by modifying the area at the tail end that features the license plate mount, brake light, and turn signals. One way to do this is by installing a fender eliminator.
Also known as a tail tidy, a fender eliminator minimizes some of the bulky plastic on the back of the bike so it looks a little cleaner. Check out some of the best fender eliminators currently available.
The Best Fender Eliminators
The Vagabond Motorsports VM kit replaces the factory license plate mount on 2017 and newer Kawasaki Z650 & Ninja 650 motorcycles. It is made of lightweight aluminum and features a UV-resistant black powder-coat finish. It works in conjunction with the factory license plate light and turn signals. The product is manufactured in California.
This is a heavy-duty, solid, and high-quality product. The kit is easy to install, and the fit and finish are top-notch. The company uses a laser scan and CAD technology to make sure all the components fit precisely. Installation is plug-and-play, and instructions are included.
- Lightweight aluminum
- UV-resistant powder-coat finish
- Manufactured in California
- Plug-and-play installation
- Brand Vagabond Motorsports
- Model VM-KZ610
- Weight 8.8 ounces
Uses all stock hardware, wiring, and lights
Installation is easy
Heavy duty and solid
Plate may hit back tire with passenger’s weight
Only fits on 2017 and newer models
Wiring and mounting requires some patience
This kit fits a Kawasaki Ninja 400, model years 2018 and 2019. No modification is required because the kit is a direct replacement for the original license plate bracket. Users can install the original turn signals on the bracket holder. It also features a unique side design that can be used in conjunction with aftermarket or universal LED turn signals.
The kit is easy to install, is a great fit, and it looks good. Simply take the lights off the stock fender, and move them to the new one. It takes very little time to get all the wiring correct, and it produces a clean, high-quality look. All the hardware and installation instructions are included.
- Direct replacement for original license plate bracket
- Use your original turn signals
- Unique side design
- Hardware and instructions included
- Brand Kemimoto
- Model N/A
- Weight 8.3 ounces
Easy to install
Fits well
Produces a clean, high-quality look
May require washers or Loctite
Welds could be stronger
Aftermarket lights may not fit perfectly
Motodynamic’s fender eliminator kit is designed for the Yamaha FZ-07 and MT-07, model years 2015-19. It bolts directly onto your bike and doesn’t require any modifications. The kit includes all wiring and stainless hardware. It features plug-and-play installation and a white LED plate light. The laser-cut kit is stainless steel and powder-coated matte black.
This fender eliminator looks much better than the factory fender and license plate holder. It is compatible with U.S. and international license plates. It covers the hole beneath the tail light that’s caused when you remove the factory fender. It’s compatible with aftermarket signals that use 10mm hole mounts but also features optional adapters for factory turn signals.
- Bolts onto the bike
- Wiring and hardware included
- Plug-and-play installation
- Stainless steel and powder-coated
- Brand Motodynamic
- Model FE-Y15FZ07
- Weight 2 pounds
No modification required
Covers hole left by factory fender
Compatible with aftermarket signals
Pricey
May be difficult to install
LED on plate isn’t the greatest
This DIY, bolt-on fender eliminator works on 2017 and newer Yamaha R6 bikes. It’s made in America and comes with LED turn signals, a license plate bracket, and an LED license plate light. The kit is black and powder-coated to resist corrosion. It is sold with all the required hardware for plug-and-play installation as well as OEM connectors.
The installation is very straightforward. The bracket and lights are both very good and high-quality. All connectors, including the turn signals and license plate light, take only seconds to route and hookup. Overall, it’s a nice clean setup and finish, and the turn signals are visible from the side, which is a bonus.
- Made in America
- Includes LED turn signals and light
- Black and powder-coated
- Includes OEM connectors
- Brand New Rage Cycles
- Model R6-FE
- Weight 1 pound
Straightforward installation
High-quality bracket and lights
Turn signals are visible from the side
Included hardware is poor quality
Separate nuts and bolts may be required
Pricey
This fender eliminator plate bracket fits the Suzuki GSXR 600 and 750, model years 2006-18. The 4-ounce bracket secures a license plate without adding any extra weight to the bike. It comes with all the necessary hardware as well as step-by-step instructions for installation. No cutting or drilling is required.
The bracket is made of laser-cut alloy steel for extra reinforcement and to create a simple and sleek design. It fits great, makes your bike look real clean, and is easy to install. It takes as little as 10 minutes to install, and the metal bracket feels solid. After hundreds of miles, it stays tight and doesn’t vibrate.
- Lightweight
- Includes hardware and instructions
- No drilling or cutting required
- Laser-cut alloy steel
- Brand TST Industries
- Model GSXR671KFE
- Weight 4 ounces
Simple and sleek design
Easy to install
Solid and doesn’t vibrate
May be illegal, depending on how it’s tilted
Installs angled on some bikes, making it hard to see the license plate
This fender eliminator plate bracket is intended for use on 2003-17 Honda CBR600RR bikes and 2004-07 Honda CBR1000RR bikes. It comes with a license plate bracket, installation instructions, and hardware. The bracket is designed to eliminate the bulky rear fender on your bike.
It’s made of durable, high-grade, CNC laser-cut alloy steel. This high-quality kit is easy to install, and TST Industries makes a very detailed installation video if you need assistance. The bracket fits perfectly on your bike, looks great, and is very sturdy.
- Comes with required hardware
- Made of laser-cut alloy steel
- Taillight and license plate light not included
- Brand TST Industries
- Model H61KFE
- Weight 4 ounces
Easy to install
Fits perfectly
Sturdy and good-looking
Servo cover can crack during install
May require drilling at an awkward angle
This tail tidy/license plate holder from R&G Racing is designed for 13-15 Honda CBR500R bikes. It’s made of a powder-coated stainless steel plate, powder-coated aluminum, and ABS plastic for long-lasting enjoyment. The fender eliminator features a high-quality finish and comes with a license plate light.
All the holes in the bracket are pre-drilled, and it’s compatible with OEM indicators. Overall, it’s a very good product that makes your bike look much better than it does with the stock fender; it really cleans up the tail end nicely. The instructions for installation are easy to follow, and everything you need, besides the tools, comes in the packaging.
- Powder-coated stainless steel and aluminum
- Includes license plate light
- Holes are pre-drilled
- Compatible with OEM indicators
- Brand R&G Racing
- Model LP0151BK
- Weight 1.75 pounds
Greatly improves the style of your bike
Easy-to-follow instructions
Hardware is included
May need to bend bracket for it to fit
Not easy to install
Pricey
Best Fender Eliminator Buying Guide & FAQs
Not all fender eliminators are the same or work on all makes and models of motorcycles. For example, the fender eliminator for a Honda Grom will not work on a BMW S 1000 RR. If you’re new to the world of fender eliminators, there are some things you should know before buying one for your bike.
In the buying guide below, we will detail the benefits of fender eliminators as well as the most common types available. There are several features you should consider before making a purchase. To make sure you get what you pay for, we include some tips so decision-making is as stress-free as possible.
The Advantages of Owning a Fender Eliminator
If you ride a sportbike, you love its handling, speed, and horsepower. While these machines are designed to reach high speeds, they should also look good from behind when you’re passing people on the highway. Many motorcycles come stock with bulky rear fenders that are not very stylish or attractive. That’s where a fender eliminator comes into play.
They are ideal if you want to redesign the tail section of your bike. They can transform the look of your bike in as little as a few minutes, depending on the brand. Many are very cost-effective (less than $30) and easy to install. They don’t require a lot of work on the rider’s end to improve the lines of a bike.
Let’s face it—factory tag holders can be unsightly and downright ugly. You can clean up the rear end with a tail tidy, which securely holds the license plate and turn signals. It is one of the first mods that many bikers do when they purchase a new machine because they make bikes look more streamlined and sporty. Here are some benefits of fender eliminators:
- Get rid of the big, unsightly, and bulky plastic license plate holder.
- Transform your street bike into a stylish and race-like machine.
- This subtle makeover is cheap and easy to achieve.
Types of Fender Eliminators
At this point, it’s likely that you have decided to make your bike look awesome using a simple mod: installing a fender eliminator. These devices vary slightly in their design but all have the same aim, which is to replace the large plastic license plate mount that hangs over your bike’s back wheel and make it look a lot more slick.
- No-Cut Fender Eliminator
Many fender eliminators do not require any modification and are relatively easy to install. If you’re uncomfortable cutting into the bike’s subframe in order to install the tail tidy, look for products that bolt on and don’t require such alteration. Several brands provide plug-and-play installation to connect the license plate and turn signals.
Some products work perfectly with your stock signals and license plate light, while others are designed to work with aftermarket LED lights as well. It’s a personal preference. You may be happy with your factory lighting, or you may want to mix it up a little, which means you need a fender eliminator that is more versatile.
- Cut Fender Eliminator
Some brands of fender eliminators feature a “cut” version. This means you will need to cut into your bike’s frame with a hacksaw or other tool in order to get the fender eliminator to fit properly. This type of modification should not affect the rigidity of the bike as long as you follow the instructions and properly install the tail tidy.
Not everyone wants to cut away part of the frame on their bikes to install this type of kit. Plus, it requires some precise measurements. If you’re not sure how to do it, you may want to consult a professional to avoid a potential costly mistake.
What to Consider When Buying Fender Eliminators
The worst thing you can do is buy the first fender eliminator you come across. First, it may not fit. Second, it may be harder to install than some competing products. Make sure to do your research before you buy a tail tidy. It will save you a lot of time and money. The following are some of the most important features to consider before you open your wallet.
- Bike Compatibility
The most important feature you need to consider before purchasing a fender eliminator is its compatibility with your motorcycle. Fender eliminator kits are designed to work with specific makes and models of motorcycles. If you buy the wrong kit, it’s not going to fit properly on your bike.
For example, a Honda fender eliminator probably won’t work with a Yamaha, Suzuki, or Kawasaki bikes. While you may be able to modify a kit to make it work, it’s better and much easier if you purchase a product that’s specially designed for your particular bike.
- License Plate and Signal Compatibility
In order for the fender eliminator kit to work properly, you need to ensure that it is compatible with your bike’s specific license plate and turn signals. Some of the best eliminators come with integrated turn signals, but not all of them do. As a result, you need to make sure the kit you purchase works with your current lighting system.
In addition, check that the fender eliminator is compatible with the license plate that comes with the bike. As long as the turn signals and license plate match the kit, it will be much easier to install.
- Installation
The best fender eliminator kits come with installation instructions that are easy to follow. To see if detailed instructions are included, check with the manufacturer or read reviews about the product. Keep in mind that some kits are easier to install than others, so this may affect your purchasing decision. A few brands even post video tutorials for their products.
Also, look for kits that include the hardware that is required to affix the fender eliminator to the motorcycle. It’s much easier to use the hardware that comes in the package than to purchase it separately. Otherwise, you may have to visit a local hardware store to get what you need for the installation.
- Overall Construction
It’s important that the kit is made to last. Look for high-quality construction, including the types of material the kit includes. Some kits are more durable than others due to the craftsmanship that’s put into the design of the product. Cheaper materials are more likely to break over a shorter period of time.
Some kits feature powder coating, which helps prevent rust and corrosion. If you ride your bike in the rain, this is a must-have feature. If the fender eliminator can’t handle moisture, it will rapidly degrade over time. This can also be unsightly, which will adversely affect the aesthetics of your motorcycle.
Tips for Buying and Using Fender Eliminators
There’s a reason why manufacturers install those bulky fenders on sportbikes. They act as shields on the back wheels. When you ride on wet or dirty roads, the tread can throw up a lot of debris into the air and onto you.
If you don’t like getting wet and dirty when you ride, you may want to reconsider getting a fender eliminator. However, if you avoid rainy-day rides or only use your bike for racing, a fender eliminator won’t make much of a difference.
When it comes to installing a fender eliminator, you need to make sure that the license plate is easily visible to other drivers as well as law enforcement. The mount is often tucked under the tailpiece, so make sure it has a license plate light and that the turn signals are visible. Also, check the angle of the plate to ensure that it doesn’t reflect light into other drivers’ eyes.
- If you ride a lot in the rain and don’t like getting wet, a fender eliminator may not be a good idea.
- The device needs to be visible to law enforcement.
- Make sure to angle the plate so it doesn’t reflect into the eyes of other drivers.
Best Fender Eliminator FAQs
By now, you know fender eliminators are a simple way to increase your street cred. But as you’re hunting for the ultimate fender eliminator, you may still have some questions about its use. For example, did you know that they may not be 100 percent legal for road use? Check out some frequently asked questions below.
That depends on the brand and the type of kit you install. Many take as little as 30 minutes or up to an hour or two from start to finish. Some brands are easier to set up than others, so do your research before making a purchase.
In general, yes. However, it depends on where you live since some states, such as Oregon, require fenders on all wheels. Also, the license plate needs to be clearly visible and well-illuminated so authorities can easily see it. You may be ticketed if it’s improperly installed.
The standard size for U.S. motorcycle license plates is 7 by 4 inches. Many fender eliminators work on both American and international plates, but it’s important to check the specs of a particular product to make sure.
Our Top Pick
Our pick for the best fender eliminator is the Vagabond Motorsports Fender Eliminator Kit, which is compatible with 2017 and newer Kawasaki Z650s and Ninja 650s. It’s designed to work with the factory license plate light and turn signals and is made of aluminum that’s powder-coated for durability. The American-made product is high-quality and easy to install.