250-500cc Hacksaw your tank plastics now and you'll thank me later

After catching the leading edge of my tank plastics on a small tree and cracking out the front bolt hole I decided to experiment by sawing off the front pointed part so it would not catch anymore brush and trees. I have also feared that one day the pointed edge would tuck neatly in my riding boot while cornering and make me crash. Since squaring off the front I discovered an added bonus in that it made it easy to remove the gas tank without the plastics catching on the bars. I had already purchased an extra set of plastics in case I started caring how my bike looked and I can tell you now they will get the bone saw taken to them before their first ride.

Great idea for woods riding. When I bought my bike the P/O had done the same as you. I installed 2010 shrouds on mine and so far have gotten away with out sawing off the horns... knock on wood!

It's not really a problem except if you are riding in a lot of tight trees/brush.

Right, I just cut the tabs off and then drill a hole through the upper and lower shrouds right where they meet at the front edge. Then I put a black zip tie through them both. This helps to eliminate the gap between the shrouds that likes to collect vegetation.

I would always come out of the woods with enough vegetation to feed a goat. PowerKord's zip tie is a good idea

I saw a AA racer use three small rivets to connect the upper and lower shrouds. Only issue I could see is that, with the two pieces rivetted together, you could end up breaking the upper shroud mount tab at the front (well, that seems to happen anyway) whereas, with the current system, there is some give/forgiveness.

I like the zip-tye method better----left just a little loose, the pieces are still connected better than the elementary stock design but there is still some flex between the two.

My dad saw the issue and recommended using tape at the joint---keeps all the crap out and is easily removed/replaced.

Would you happed to have a before and after pic? I'm looking at your profile pic but can't really tell if that's the modded one.

Sorry it took so long to reply. I just recently learned to post pics from my phone. You could probably cut more off, I went easy on this set of plastics to see how it will do over time.