Minor Tail Chop On A 5th Gen

I decided that I just couldn't take the long rear fender on my 5th gen but I didn't want to risk a ticket or look like a squid by taking the whole fender off and jamming the plate up and over the back wheel.

The solution: On ebay I got some little LED lights, that are also bolts to retain the license plate (about $20US) and then with the help of my OCD friend (actually he did pretty much everything) did the chop.

We sketched out the the part of the plate that we wanted to cut with a silver Sharpie, used a Dremel to do the cutting, sanded the rough edges and soldered the new lights on. It looks good, is legal and completed in an hour.

Now, I just have to clean my dirty chain and wheels!


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Looks good! fing02.gif
Even easier (don't have to source LED-bolts) is to use the OEM licence plate light, it will mount where the red reflector is above the plate. (it's real easy)
There's threads here on it.

Don't mind the rear end offset (this machine has been replaced), only pic I had of the plate mount area.
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17.Aug.06 2000 VFR-A 007small.JPG

I was wondering if I could use the stock light but I opted for the bolts. Of course I didn't have any small connectors around when we did the job so I need to put them in if I want to change the tag.

Wow, that was one twisted rear. Glad that your bike has been updated.

that looks good. I cut mine even with the tail section fairing for an even tighter fit. installed white LEDs over the plate and done deal.

RE-Agent, Aug 27 2008, 02:26 PMI was wondering if I could use the stock light but I opted for the bolts.

On my 2000 I cut off everything except just enough to mount the plate, then cut a small window box(or drill holes) in the underside of the tail light to allow enough of light to hit the tag and be legal. Then glued or silicon a clear piece of plastic over the hole! fing02.gif
The lights (tail/brake) are already there you just need to let some clear light hit the plate. rolleyes.gif

I did something similar. I removed more of the fender and re-mounted the plate light where the reflector is. Some minor drilling is required but easy to do.

Baileyrock, Aug 27 2008, 05:48 PM

RE-Agent, Aug 27 2008, 02:26 PMI was wondering if I could use the stock light but I opted for the bolts.

On my 2000 I cut off everything except just enough to mount the plate, then cut a small window box(or drill holes) in the underside of the tail light to allow enough of light to hit the tag and be legal. Then glued or silicon a clear piece of plastic over the hole! fing02.gif
The lights (tail/brake) are already there you just need to let some clear light hit the plate. rolleyes.gif

Sweet idea BR. And as an added safety your tag gets bright under braking too. fing02.gif