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So. I bought my 07 Sportster kind of on a lark. Came in a package with another bike that I REALLY wanted, and I thought Id just flip the Sportster. Turns out I get way more of a kick out of riding the Sporty than the other bike, lol.
But heres the thing. Aesthetically, I hate the back end of the Sportster. Im thinking maybe side mount the license plate and do something with the rear fender. I want the bike as a two-up, so Im leaving the stock beaver tail seat on it. I dont want a super short rear fender. Was thinking about a factory bob rear fender, but dont want the headache and expense of paint matching, etc.
Im not the creative type. I see other peoples custom stuff and am envious. If youve changed up the rear end on your bike, can you post a pic or two to give me some ideas please? I LOVE the idea of a huge rear tire, but am not inclined to spend that kind of money, plus my rear tire is practically new.
Anyway, thanks in advance for the replies. Ill try and add a pic of the back end of my bike today.
Here's what I did to the back of mine. Mostly stock with cosmetic bolt-ons. Sissy bar and fender bib (to hide the scratches from the previous owner's rear seat). Sissy bar slopes back a lot, its not really functional, but then again I always ride solo and got it for the cosmetics. Removed the bar light that was under the fender to make the rear less busy (plus it was rubbing on the new tires I put on), and then smoked out the lenses on the rear brake/signal lights. You can do a lot without cutting and grinding. Just depends on what look you're going for.
Thanks guys- I like what you’ve both done. My fender already has that chrome trim, so I’m definitely considering trimming the fender.
I’m realizing that the cross emblem means more holes to deal with- which isn’t what I really wanted, but oh well. I just REALLY dislike all the junk on my back end, and how low the fender appears to hang with the plate and light on it. Definitely going with a vertical, illuminated side plate mount and a fender trim. No two ways about it.
Here’s a side view of the whole bike so you can get a sense of the overall style of it. I’m a total logical thinker with zero creative flair, so I can use any help that’s offered, lol.
Definitely going with a vertical, illuminated side plate mount and a fender trim.
Make sure you look up your local laws regarding vertical mounted license plates. I know most places, regardless of the law, will not give you a hard time about it, but its just a CYA thing. And good luck actually getting a straight answer on whether or not it is legal.
Florida for example, I believe the law is you can only have a vertical mounted plate if you put in a special request and have the letters vertical, as in you cannot just rotate your plate 90 degrees. I've never heard of the vertical lettering before, never even seen it before and the DMV guy had no idea what I was talking about when I asked him about it. Everyone just rotates it and the only time I heard of someone getting a ticket for it was because they were driving recklessly and the cop decided to throw that on top of everything else.
If it is legal by you to just rotate your plate, check with your toll authority as well. I heard in Florida the toll by plate system can read a rotated plate but they will not recognize it in their system as legitimate so you end up getting tickets for unpaid tolls.
I think the same mod HOTLAP has done would really clean up the rear. That chop completely changes the look of the bike. Congrats on the purchase, looks like a nice bike you've scooped up, FLXSporty!
Here are a few pics of things we have done with the tail end of some Sportys...some will not accommodate your two up seat, but may give you some ideas.
This is a stock fender, that will take a two-up seat. It has an LED Run-Brake-Turn setup (LINK) at the fenders underside edge. The plate relo (LINK) is vertical in this photo, but can also be horizontal if you're in a state that does not like vertical.
Here's a nice Horizontal Plate Relo (LINK) with a Model A style run/brake light that is legal in all 50 States.
There are a lot more photos of rear treatments at these LINK1 and LINK2
This is the tail end of my daily rider, solo seat only, so not what you want, but might give you some ideas.
Make sure you look up your local laws regarding vertical mounted license plates. I know most places, regardless of the law, will not give you a hard time about it, but its just a CYA thing. And good luck actually getting a straight answer on whether or not it is legal.
Good call. So I looked and found a resource online that says in NY state, plates CAN be mounted vertically. I cant cover the plate with a film or anything, and it must be illuminated to the point of being visible from 50 feet away.
Originally Posted by bgillen35
If it is legal by you to just rotate your plate, check with your toll authority as well. I heard in Florida the toll by plate system can read a rotated plate but they will not recognize it in their system as legitimate so you end up getting tickets for unpaid tolls.
Another good consideration. I have toll transponders for my two vehicles, but cant find any info about this issue. I will say that I detest 75 mph riding, and with literally thousands of miles of country highways here in the Finger Lakes region where I live, I really cant see myself getting on the Interstate, thank goodness. Plus I cant stand paying the leeches MORE money to ride on an already federally-funded roadway. 😡. (I MIGHT be from out West where there are virtually no toll roads, lol...)
A little birdie told me as long as you stay to the extreme left of the lane while going through a toll, the camera cannot read your plate anyway.
I have a sunpass (EZPass as its known up north) but I may or may not try and stay to the left anyway and the booth cameras and sensors may or may not be able to pick up my plate and pass... worst case, my sunpass gets charged, best case, I may or may not have saved $5 riding on the toll roads everyday.
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Rear End cosmetic mods- show yours?
