A tail tidy, also called a fender eliminator or fender delete, swaps the long stock rear fender on your dual sport or supermoto for a short, clean tail. It cleans up the look of the bike and gets rid of the part that usually breaks first in a tip-over. Here is how a typical Flexi Fender install goes, start to finish.
Before you start
- Check fitment. Each Flexi Fender kit is made for specific bikes. Read the fitment list on your kit's product page before you begin. For example, the DR-Z4S kit fits the 2025+ DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM, while the DR-Z400 kit is a separate design for aftermarket lights.
- Know your lighting. Some kits reuse your factory tail light, turn signals and plate mount. Others, like the DR-Z400 kit, are built for aftermarket lights such as an Edge 2 style tail light and 8 mm turn signals. Have your lights ready if your kit needs them.
- Tools. Basic hand tools: a socket set or wrenches for your bike's fender bolts, and a screwdriver. No drill, saw or soldering iron needed.
- Work area. Put the bike on a stand or its side stand on flat ground, and give yourself some light at the back of the bike.
Step 1: Remove the seat and any side panels
On most bikes the rear fender bolts and wiring connectors sit under the seat or behind the side panels. Remove what you need to reach the fender mounting points and the tail light wiring.
Step 2: Unplug the lights
Follow the tail light, turn signal and plate light wires back to their connectors and unplug them. Take a quick phone photo first so you remember which plug goes where. There is no need to cut any wires.
Step 3: Unbolt the stock rear fender
Remove the factory fender bolts and slide the stock fender off the subframe. Keep the bolts and any isolation bushings, because a Flexi Fender kit reuses your factory mounting points and hardware. Store the stock fender somewhere safe so you can put it back on later if you want to.
Step 4: Move the lights and plate to the Flexi Fender
Mount your tail light, turn signals and license plate on the Flexi Fender bracket. If your kit reuses the factory lights, they move straight over. If your kit is built for aftermarket lights, mount those now.
Step 5: Bolt the Flexi Fender to the bike
Line the bracket up with the factory mounting points, put the isolation bushings back in place, and thread in the bolts by hand first. Once everything is lined up, snug the bolts down. Do not overtighten. The bushings are there to soak up vibration.
Step 6: Reconnect and test
Plug the lighting connectors back in, route the wires so they will not rub or get pinched, and secure them with zip ties if needed. Turn the key on and check the tail light, brake light, turn signals and plate light before you put the seat back on. If your kit included frame plugs, fit them now to close up the open holes.
Step 7: Reinstall the seat and go ride
Put the side panels and seat back on, check that your plate is visible and legal for your state, and you are done. Because the bracket is made from an industrial grade flexible polymer, it bends when the bike goes down and springs back instead of snapping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a tail tidy install take?
It is a bolt-on job you can do in your own garage with basic hand tools. Take your time on the wiring and the rest goes quickly.
Can I go back to the stock fender?
Yes. The install is fully reversible. Keep your stock fender and reinstall it with the same factory bolts.
Do I have to cut or solder wires?
No. You unplug and replug the factory connectors.
What if it breaks?
Flexi Fender kits are built to bend, not break. If one ever does, send us a photo and cover shipping, and we will send you a new one.
Ready to clean up your tail? Shop Flexi Fender fender eliminator kits and pick the kit for your bike.