ElectricMotorcycleForum.com

Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2012 and older => Topic started by: NoiseBoy on October 18, 2012, 02:22:55 AM

Title: Tail Tidy
Post by: NoiseBoy on October 18, 2012, 02:22:55 AM
So the standard numberplate hanger is an affront to human decency.  Is there an aftermarket tail tidy available or a decent DIY option?   The metal flange above the brake light looks like it would make a simple platform for mounting to.

I did do a search but nothing came up.
Title: Re: Tail Tidy
Post by: lolachampcar on October 18, 2012, 03:56:28 AM
there was an optional tail light for my S1000RR that added right and left turn indicators to the rather star wars'ish looking LED brake light.  It was a direct swap out for the stock BMW unit.  I ordered another one as it will fit exactly where the rounded part of the upper plastic bit ends.  If I remember correctly, it was an AU company named something like Mokey Products (?).

I'll shoot some pics when I get it installed.
Title: Re: Tail Tidy
Post by: ColoPaul on October 18, 2012, 04:56:59 AM
I whacked about 1/2 of it off with a circular saw.   Looks much better now!   Low cost, too.
Title: Re: Tail Tidy
Post by: manlytom on October 18, 2012, 06:32:18 AM
take off / replace it.

LED taillight is off ebay - australian seller though.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Aluminium-LED-stop-taillight-plate-indicator-mount-/330401316251?pt=AU_Motorcycle_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4ced73fd9b (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Aluminium-LED-stop-taillight-plate-indicator-mount-/330401316251?pt=AU_Motorcycle_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4ced73fd9b)

have to paint the bracket black still... Makes the bike look better w/out the need to cut the rear metal off - the rear bit holds it all kind of together and stable.
Title: Re: Tail Tidy
Post by: Harlan on October 18, 2012, 09:27:13 PM
We have a tail chop kit to clean up the rear.  It includes an LED taillight with integrated turn signals, solid state relay and mounting bracket while using the existing light housing.
Title: Re: Tail Tidy
Post by: lolachampcar on October 19, 2012, 06:02:08 AM
http://www.bikemonkey.com.au/integrated-tail-lights/bmw-en-2/bmw-s1000rr-led-taillight-with-integrated-turnsignals.html (http://www.bikemonkey.com.au/integrated-tail-lights/bmw-en-2/bmw-s1000rr-led-taillight-with-integrated-turnsignals.html)
Title: Re: Tail Tidy
Post by: NoiseBoy on October 19, 2012, 11:44:46 PM
Be good to see the BMW one installed.  Looks like a solid unit.

I just got the bike home today so need to have a proper look at mounting points etc.

Harlan, is that the existing rear light unit moved forward and with some turn signal LED's added inside?
Title: Re: Tail Tidy
Post by: Harlan on October 20, 2012, 02:07:59 AM
Yes, our kit uses the existing tail housing with an LED taillight with integrated turn signals.
Title: Re: Tail Tidy
Post by: trikester on October 21, 2012, 10:14:44 PM
My question is; does shortening that rear area lead to a stip of water or mud on your back in wet conditions? I've been tempted to cut mine off at the bottom of the plate, except for that concern on my part. Just cutting off the excess would improve the looks a lot. 8)

Trikester
Title: Re: Re: Tail Tidy
Post by: CliC on October 21, 2012, 10:30:07 PM
There's not a lot of excess on mine after the inspection sticker was applied below the license plate. And like you Trikester, I don't want to be washing my jacket after every wet-road ride. I know I get the brown vertical stripe from my mountain bike.
Title: Re: Tail Tidy
Post by: NoiseBoy on October 22, 2012, 12:32:38 AM
On previous bikes if you have the plate angled more towards horizontal than usual it catches most of the crap.  But then UK plates are much larger than those across the pond.

Its not the extra plastic that bothers me its the massive light unit and the way it sticks out nearly a foot past the back of the bike.
Title: Re: Tail Tidy
Post by: dahlheim on November 11, 2012, 07:41:40 AM
my progress so far, using an old tail lens i found.  the LED's are from http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=2317.msg9123#msg9123 (http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=2317.msg9123#msg9123), mounted (adhesive on the strip) to a piece of discarded tupperware made to fit the lens, like so:
(http://ubuntuone.com/2EPtUK96XWox4L9VSgkpo2)
wired it all up to the existing tail light jacks.  the LEDs use too little power for the stock flasher relay, so i swapped it out with one which tolerates the low current.  i included a few led's to illuminate the plate.
(http://ubuntuone.com/5Lfocxmfy5ZMFIWKmkcCk8)
quick video of it working:
http://youtu.be/pwtsiZIpbpU (http://youtu.be/pwtsiZIpbpU)
and final pics:
(http://ubuntuone.com/2BGtUb5vxw5OPQIZrhKVlR)
(http://ubuntuone.com/6GbPBIf39ILl4q3o1vqpLZ)
Title: Re: Tail Tidy
Post by: dubster on March 31, 2013, 07:20:06 PM
here my version
i chose not to use the original taillight but convert it to LED with integrated indicators, very pleased with it 8)
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/klaasmartens/zeroStuning_zpsa1c2a279.jpg)
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/klaasmartens/zeroStaillighttuning_zpsa2e1c006.jpg)
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/klaasmartens/zeroStail_zpsa36a6143.jpg)
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/klaasmartens/zeros2012tuning_zps8af280a3.jpg)
Title: Re: Tail Tidy
Post by: BSDThw on March 31, 2013, 11:27:35 PM
Nice Mod, the light fits in really good!

Is it street legal with out flashlights?

Here; I would run in trouble :'(
Title: Re: Tail Tidy
Post by: dubster on April 01, 2013, 04:23:34 AM
Nice Mod, the light fits in really good!

Is it street legal with out flashlights?

Here; I would run in trouble :'(

zero S 2012 LEd taillight (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H88c85R7jhM#)
It has flashlights integrated
Title: Re: Tail Tidy
Post by: WindRider on April 01, 2013, 08:21:51 AM
I am the only one who probably likes that big old ugly fender:   it keeps the mud and water off my back.
Title: Re: Tail Tidy
Post by: BSDThw on April 01, 2013, 02:37:51 PM
Quote
It has flashlights integrated

Cool, unfortunately here the flashlight has to be 12cm distance from the center/back-light :'(
Title: Re: Tail Tidy
Post by: dahlheim on April 01, 2013, 09:25:00 PM
"greetings from Belgium"

your pics remind me of Brugge.

can't seem to watch your video, but i bet your indicators are more prominent than mine.

Title: Re: Tail Tidy
Post by: dubster on April 01, 2013, 10:52:48 PM
BSDThw: that is a shame, here we can do almost anything with bikes 8) cars can't have ANY modifications
dahlheim: Bruges al the way baby :) ;) i edited the youtube link, now i think it works
Title: Re: Tail Tidy
Post by: dahlheim on April 02, 2013, 01:00:37 AM
BSDThw: that is a shame, here we can do almost anything with bikes 8) cars can't have ANY modifications
dahlheim: Bruges al the way baby :) ;) i edited the youtube link, now i think it works

ha!  no wonder i am reminded of Bruges

very nice job on the light.  i may have to redo mine in the spirit of yours at some point...
Title: Re: Tail Tidy
Post by: manlytom on April 02, 2013, 05:29:29 PM
We don't have the 2013 or even the 2012 models. But at least I chopped of the rear fenders of my 10 and 11. Go to the FB link in signature to see some pics or to an older post one here somewhere.
The Zeros are great to modify. Easy to do and what ever local regs require u can work around it. 

Btw. Always rode tuned and modded bikes in another life while in Germany.  :) :)