8th Gen Tail Tidy

Discussion in '8th Generation 2014-Present' started by NZCam, Mar 16, 2015.

  1. NZCam

    NZCam New Member

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    So it doesn't look like we're going to get a Gen-8 specific tail tidy any time soon from the usual suppliers, so I'm thinking about doing a small production run myself. Currently I'm working on a design that's similar in principle to the CW VFR-1200 design, but is intended to retain a reflector (albeit a smaller 70 to 85mm x 20mm adhesive-backed reflector). I'd also get my design powder-coated in matte black.

    Some questions for the Gen-8 riders out there;
    • Would you buy a model-specific tail tidy (aka fender eliminator)? I'd like to get an idea of the demand as this can lower the cost of production.
    • Would you prefer it with or without a reflector fitted? If with, above or below the number plate? (without or below would allow the plate to be raised a further 20mm... but without can be a legal/road-worthy issue in some locations)

    VFR Tail Tidy.jpg
     
  2. Allyance

    Allyance Insider

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    I would buy one, with reflector below. Best to make one design that would be legal everywhere.


    Edit: Actually, I went a looked at mine, why not keep reflector above and just re-use stock one? It is held on with a stud and nut.
     
    Last edited: Mar 17, 2015
  3. DriverDave

    DriverDave New Member

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    I would be interested in one! I like the idea of the VFR logo on the reflector....gives it that little extra custom touch.
     
  4. SammichTheStout

    SammichTheStout New Member

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    I would be interested in buying an 8th ten specific tidy tail. What is most important to me is clean design, so I wouldn't be worried about reflectors. I think the most important thing to me in the details is the brightest possible turn signals and lights.
     
  5. DriverDave

    DriverDave New Member

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    This particular tail tidy doesn't affect the stock lights and signals.
     
  6. SammichTheStout

    SammichTheStout New Member

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    Outstanding. Sign me up!
     
  7. vfrfly

    vfrfly New Member

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    What he said...
     
  8. NZCam

    NZCam New Member

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    Prototyping Update. Some further adjustments still needed, but overall I'm happy with the fabrication & design. I'm now just waiting on the new reflectors to confirm that everything fits nicely. Then it's full steam ahead with the production batch, powdercoating, and assembly ready for delivery.

    Question for those who've expressed an interest:- Are you happy to drill your own numberplate-mounting holes? That way you can tailor it to your specific numberplate size. I've had one-size-fits-many tail-tidies in the past, but they never seemed to fit the spacings I wanted to use for my mounting bolts. The material is 2mm aluminium, so a battery drill with a metal or riveting drill-bit will do the trick.

    20150415_160820.jpg

    20150415_165234.jpg

    20150415_165254.jpg
     
  9. vfrfly

    vfrfly New Member

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    Drilling 2 holes to hang the plate is easy enough.
     
    Last edited: Apr 15, 2015
  10. SammichTheStout

    SammichTheStout New Member

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    What do I owe you and how do I pay it?
     
  11. NZCam

    NZCam New Member

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    Loving the enthusiasm, cheers guys. I'm still finalising the design and component suppliers -- if you notice in the picture above, the bolt holes don't match up after the laser-cutting mob used a superseded version of the prototype design.

    Once I have something that I feel is worthy of the VFR community (We're a finnicky bunch, aren't we?!), I'll prepare a production batch of 15-20 and see what the final costs come to. Perhaps the best thing you can do right now is reach out to other 2014 VFR-800 riders and get them interested; the larger the production run, the lower the cost per unit will be. For payment, I can use Paypal although that attracts a 2.6% surcharge, and I'm trying to keep costs down as much as humanly possible.
     
  12. NZCam

    NZCam New Member

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    Update:

    The two Mk.1 prototypes that I made have been sent out for testing by forum members, and already some good feedback has been received for incorporation into a production batch. Overall I'm pretty happy with how they've turned out.

    At special request, I converted the Mk.1s into shorty versions like the one seen below/right. My original plan was to do the production run articles with enough length to support taller plates (i.e. UK), but unless there's demand for the longer version (see bottom left), I might just do the shorties exclusively... What do you guys think?

    If you're keen to order one, now is the time to let me know, and which style you'd prefer. Final price will depend on the style selected and size of the production run.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    More photos of fitted examples to follow. (Ignore the off-center reflector placement in the photo; it hasn't been peeled & stuck on yet)
     

    Attached Files:

  13. Allyance

    Allyance Insider

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    Got your prototype today and installed it:
    [​IMG]
    I have ordered a black plain frame which should make it cleaner looking (for the plate, not your bracket).
     
  14. NZCam

    NZCam New Member

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    Looks Great, glad you like it! I did the same with my plate and fitted a black Altrex protector which neatly hides the plate edge and white outline.
     
  15. vfrfly

    vfrfly New Member

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    I am going to show the gf this thread.
    If she likes it we will want 2 as we have his and hers 2014s.
     
  16. DriverDave

    DriverDave New Member

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    I too am very happy with my Mk.1...
    Here are a couple before and after shots...

    IMG_20150518_120533000.jpg IMG_20150518_120539961.jpg IMG_20150527_160724437.jpg IMG_20150528_182948046.jpg IMG_20150528_183039343_HDR.jpg
     
  17. Allyance

    Allyance Insider

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    When I bought my '03, it came with a simple tidy tail. The rear tire kept hitting it and bending the plate. This one installs simply and slides up from the bottom, and locks in with two existing bolts.
     
  18. Mgsst23

    Mgsst23 New Member

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    I'm in. Let me know how to pay you. Also, what tires are those. My Original Dunlops are getting due and I can't wait to get rid of them!
     
  19. Allyance

    Allyance Insider

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    PR4's on my 2014
     
  20. DriverDave

    DriverDave New Member

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    Hey, let me know how many miles you get out of those PR4's. My rear was at the wear bars at 4k miles. Might have been able to get 4500 out of the rear and maybe 5k out of the front, if I had ran them near bald. Also curious if you find that they really start to lose grip and feel like crap around 25% life left. I know all tires do that to some degree, but the PR3's and 4's seem to be excessive. I decided to go with Roadsmart 2's. They definitely want to "fall over" more in the curves than the PR4's and generally feel similar to the OEM D222's (but should last longer with the dual compound).
     
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