Short Tail Kit and Wet Riding

[Raux]

So i've been thinking about the short tail kit for the new 696, but I may be commuting in the rain or go on trips with the wife. Does the short kit block spray or do you give up the protection from the rooster tail and the ever present stripe up your back?

[gearhead]

 I would guess it won't block the spray from getting the passanger much.

[Rob Hilding]

Just make sure you have the wife on the back if it's raining

[LA]

I have a full stock fender/tail section with the tag on my bike and still get hosed down on the back side in the rain.

LA

[corey]

if it rains, you're getting wet. plain and simple right?
whats a little more up your backside.

[remy]

if it rains, you're getting wet. plain and simple right?
whats a little more up your backside.

Exactly.

[jsluvb]

So i've been thinking about the short tail kit for the new 696, but I may be commuting in the rain or go on trips with the wife. Does the short kit block spray or do you give up the protection from the rooster tail and the ever present stripe up your back?

I thought the short tail kit is not available until Sep??  btw, on my 600RR with tail chopped, you will get wet no matter what.....

[Raux]

I guess what i meant was a wet road after a rain. you know commuting to work and showing up with a mud streak on my back would be hard to clean. But yes understand the "you're gonna get wet anyway in the rain"

[bigtime]

The best benefit of any tail chop is the rooster tail!  I call it my tailgate eliminator, when it's raining I don't have a car within 50 yards of my tail.  That is a huge comfort in wet conditions!

I can't speak for the 696, but I have the cookie kit on my S2R and I have the licence plate at about 60 degree angle and it blocks most of the wrap around spray.  YRWV depending on the bike and chop.

[55Spy]

You will be more apt to get the stripe yes.

You will get  a bit more road stripe from light water crossings too ( gutters, driveway ends. etc.)

[Raux]

Thanks all, I think this still is going to be a mod i'm doing. Just make sure i'll avoid the water puddles!

[monsterista]

I've always had stock bikes, no mods or very little.....

What's the procedure and $$ for tail-chopping on the 696?  Anyone? 

Thanks in advance!

[Jarvicious]

I can't imagine the tail chop getting you any more wet than the standard tail does in the rain as it is.  It seems as though I hit anything above 20mph and I get the top of my pants a good washing.  I say lop thing off and don't look back, though maybe the geometry is different enough on the new one to make a dif.  As previously mentioned though:  It's raining.  You're gonna get wet.  You may as well look good at the same time

[Le Pirate]

you might get a little with the stock tail.


you get a LOT with the chop. Big ole' muddy stripe. Also happens if someone is watering their yard and it runs across the yard. I like the way it looks, but sometimes I wish I had left the tail on.

[slyfox]

Just make sure you have the wife on the back if it's raining

I have the same answer ........  .... hmmmm, wise man thinks alike huh.....