Topic: Rear Fender Elimination - Give me some input?

[stereosilence]

So, I am about to embark on building a custom seat and reworking the tail section. My plan is to grind off the helmet hooks, hinges, and anything else that sticks up off the frame. Then I plan to make a flat fiberglass seat pan and have a low profile seat that can accommodate two (seat pan should sit at the red line in picture #1).

I want to put minimalist tail lights on. I really want to get integrated signal/taillights and bolt them to the frame where the fender was bolted (see photo #2). So far, the only ones I have found are  these. I will also bolt some brackets through those holes to hold my plate. Does anyone have any better suggestions? I don't have metal fabricating or welding capabilities to build a cool custom rear.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Custom-LED-Brake-Tail-Turn-Signal-Motorcycle-Lights-/260968228825?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cc2eb27d9&vxp=mtr#ht_1940wt_1396.

My next problem is that once I remove my fender, nothing will protect the bottom of my seat (and any wires that go under there) from flying road crap/moisture. I could keep the black anterior portion of the fender, but it protrudes into my precious triangle that I want to clear out oh-so badly (I'm getting ambitious I know), as seen in picture #3 (to the left of the battery). I think this leaves me at wanting panels to protect the underside that follow the lines of the frame.

Any ideas, suggestions, or words of wisdom are welcome.

[octagon]

get some better shocks

[stereosilence]

get some better shocks

What is wrong with the ones I have?

[octagon]

well it's your bike and do what you want. but those shocks look pretty beat - probably have no dampening - anyway they're stock and were never great, even when new.
if you want to make a visual statement, a set of good shocks says more than a custom fender. also the bike will handle so much better.

[Bob Wessner]

Any ideas, suggestions, or words of wisdom are welcome.

Avoid riding in the rain. 

[stereosilence]

So, what shocks are good to get if the stock ones suck?

[Duke McDukiedook]

Koni, YSS, Works, Hagon, just about anything is better than the stock pogos you have on there.
Rebuildable shocks is something I looked for.

[camelman]

Hagons work well and are around $200. Good value really.

Check out this fender. http://www.bikeexif.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/honda-cb750.jpg

[singedebile]

many of my friends that I ride with in philly have removed their rear fender...   and they kinda regret it whenever the weather is slightly less then perfect.

I'd recommend maybe cutting it shorter and maybe if you want using the license plate to extend the fender a little... maybe even paint it black. That way you get most of the minimal look, without the brown striped mess up your back when you ride through a puddle (cant imagine what it would be like through a rainstorm)

[wildcatmahone]

My advice to you is to keep the fender you'll regret it if your caught out in the rain. If your looking to do a minimalist look just chop the fender in the back and move it up in the frame. The seat hinges on the frame come in handy you should think twice before removing them. One thing do not remove the rear frame brace it is vital to prevent the frame from twisting under load.