Bikes are usually well-designed and stylish but the one area that often lets them down is around the rear numberplate and mudguard, where clumsy fenders and overlarge hangers often clutter up the otherwise sleek lines of a bike’s rear end.
A relatively easy way to fix that is with what’s commonly known as a ‘tail tidy’ which replaces those bulky items with a minimalist alternative, but one that still retains all the vital components.
But what’s currently available? How much do they cost? And what do you get for your money? Here’s our current pick of some of the best...
J-Tech Yamaha MT-07 Tail Tidy
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This British-made tail tidy is by J-Tech and is purpose-made for Yamahau2019s popular MT-07 roadster (although a large range of other fitments is also available) has a durable and stylish matt black powder coating finish and comes with a triple micro-LED number-plate lights. It promises easy fitting with no need to cut any wiring and accommodates the original indicators.
Pros:
Model-specific for perfect fit
Easy to fit
Good value
Cons:
Retains standard indicators
Bike It Numberplate Bracket
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Not specifically a u2018tail tidyu2019; this is more a lightweight, more minimal replacement for the existing numberplate hanger, so as such does much of the same job. Itu2019s a universal fit, although that can make it a little trickier to get correctly lined up, has a lightweight aluminium construction, a hinged numberplate bracket and adjustable indicator mounts.
Pros:
Universal fitment
Good price
Neat design
Cons:
Can be tricky to fit
R&G Tail Tidy
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Another quality, British-made tail tidy, this time by leading, highly-respected brand R&G. This oneu2019s specific to the 2012 Honda Fireblade but, again, R&G does specific designs for most leading models. Itu2019s high-quality, sturdy, pleasingly minimalist yet retains the original indicators for convenience.
Pros:
High quality
Classy design
Easy to fit
Cons:
More expensive than many
Gear Gremlin Numberplate Holder
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Another simple and cheap way of improving the look of the back end of your bike without going to the expense and complexity of a tail tidy including repositioned indicators etc. This replacement is in light alloy and is compatible with the undertrays of most bikes. The holder also has mounting points suitable for indicators and is adjustable to fit all sizes of numberplate.
Pros:
Good price
Universal fit
Simple design
Cons:
Less ‘bespoke’ than a bike-specific tail tidy
Evotech Performance Tail Tidy
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Evotech is the Rolls-Royce of tail tidies with bespoke, ultra-lightweight and minimalist, CNC-machined aluminium designs u2013 this one for Yamahau2019s XSR700 retro roadster but again, a wide variety of designs and fitments are available.
Fitting is easy and takes just 45 minutes; it has a black, powder-coated finish and even comes with a 12-month warranty for complete peace of mind.
Pros:
High quality
Low weight
12-month warranty
Cons:
Pricier than most
YouBuy RacingMoto Universal Tail Tidy
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Most tail tidies are model specific but this multi-adjustable, CNC aluminium version fits most motorcycles, although, by being so, some minor modifications may be required to your machine during fitting.
It’s also great value and available in eight different anodised colours. On the downside, fit is obviously less exact and it’s a little more cumbersome being so adjustable.
Pros:
Universal fit
Good value
Eight different colours
Cons:
Less easy to get a good fit
R&G Racing Tail Tidy
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Another example of a quality, R&G Racing tail tidy, this time for a Suzuki GSX-R600 or 750 and this time, from Sportsbikeshop. As before, itu2019s a quality item from a respected brand, is quick and easy to install and has a built-in numberplate light.
Pros:
Quality construction
Reputable brand
Easy to fit
Cons:
Not as cheap as some
Xitomer Tail Tidy
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Another of the more affordable but bespoke tail-tidy options is this example for Yamahau2019s MT-07 u2013 again, a wide range of fitments is available u2013 by more budget brand Xitomer. Itu2019s made from 3mm aluminium with a black powder-coated finish, again uses the original indicators and comes complete with an LED numberplate light.
Pros:
Easy to fit
Good value
simple, clean design
Cons:
Less well-known brand