fender in,choped shorter and loose the tail light
I disagree. I would add a pillion pad and that will make it look shorter and
provide back support and the same time. I would make it so it overlaps the frame rails and snaps on. It would cover up the wiring etc.,.
You could even make it a zip up pack that you can put things in, that you want to carry.
I like the tail light because it includes the side markers and it is out of the way and all legal. You won't be kicking it every time you get off and on the bike like you would when you make the fender shorter.
Click on photo to enlarge.