Rear huggers - necessary or not?

[macca]

Hi all,

My bike doesn't have a rear hugger. I like the way it looks - kind of 'open' between the wheel and seat. 

Question: Are rear huggers necessary, and if so, why?

If they are necessary, are there any nice minimal/basic ones that look awesome? I've only really seen big ones that also incorporate a chain guard and it makes the whole rear end look fat and heavy (not my style).

Thanks!
Macca

[binny]

Nah they are personal taste thing. Most people fit them for the looks.
They can help keep crud off your shock and undertail a bit but they still get dirty.

[vtrstormer]

Aug 30, 2014 16:39:27 GMT 10 macca said:

Hi all,

My bike doesn't have a rear hugger. I like the way it looks - kind of 'open' between the wheel and seat. 

Question: Are rear huggers necessary, and if so, why?

If they are necessary, are there any nice minimal/basic ones that look awesome? I've only really seen big ones that also incorporate a chain guard and it makes the whole rear end look fat and heavy (not my style).

Thanks!
Macca

Definitely a personal thing. You can get the hungers that are just that without the chain guards and I think pyramid sell them. The ones with the chain guard are a little chunky and clumsy looking to me as well but again personal choice.

[kenmoore]

Yes they do help keep crap of the inside rear guard and some look cheesy.

I braced my swingarm and fitted a modded 2004 R1 hugger more for looks than practicality.

I like it because it finishes the bikes rear end nicely in my opinion.



I made up spacers so that it is at the same angle as the rear seat panel.

All finished and on the bike!



I still have to make up the 2 chain guards but I will get around to it one day.

[griffo]

If you live in NSW your sweet , Qld its illegal to have a short rear end ( although the laws are changing in February to say all new bikes dont have to have one , how that affects the old I dont know ) up here you have to have something from the rear of your bike down to 45 degrees from the rear axle and a red reflector down there as well , otherwise if you get pulled up its a defect / fine ( a couple of hundred bux ) and 2 points off your licence and they have a real bug up their arse about it too ,some guys have made full wheel huggers or little ones on the top like the new MVs or Diavels have got only too be told they aren't legal unless it was brought out on the bike, more ridiculous revenue raising up here .

[griffo]

Here's a bit more info for Queensland guys on the new changes to the mudguard laws up here , take note of the fact it says they recommend if you have a bike pre these laws that you leave the 45 degree mudguard , it doesn't say you must leave it as Ive heard some say .

-If you have a motorcycle that was built to meet the previous version ADR, Transport and Main Roads
recommends that you do not modify the mudguards or remove the mudguard extension fitted, as this
configuration will still comply with all the current requirements.
However, if it can be determined that the mudguard extension was only fitted to your motorcycle so that it met
the 45° angle requirement, it may be removed. If the extension is removed, there are a few simple rules you
have to follow to make sure your motorcycle stays compliant:
• Only the mudguard extension may be removed. No other part of the body or mudguard may be removed
from the vehicle.
• Any lights or reflectors that are mounted to the mudguard extension must be re-installed on the
motorcycle in a way that meets the vehicle standards.


www.mraqld.org/uploads/ADR/VSIM4motorcyclemudguards.pdf

[jimmi]

The R1 Hugger looks awesome. My 05 came with the close Tyre hugger with chain guard, I like the PHATNESS of it ..... stops the flick ups nicely .

[vtrstormer]

I have just fitted one to mine and like the way it looks now. Have always liked them but they cost a fortune but found this bargain

Attachments:

[macca]

Vtrstormer if you don't mind me asking, how much did it set you back?

[vtrstormer]

These are $230 new but eBay wreckers special $140 posted. I still cannot believe I got it for this price as its brand new....

[steve400]

Vtrstormer Is that the pyramid hugger? Im gravitating towards the pyramid lower as I think it's shape suits the bike better than the powerbronze I was originally chasing, and if pyramid make that rear hugger you've got I might as well throw it on the same order.

My rear shock cops an absolute flogging on the rainy days of my rain/hail/shine daily commute. I really should throw the cover on the storm and take the cheaper cb400 to work in the shit weather, but nothing makes me smile like flogging that v twin in to work every morning...

[vtrstormer]

Hi mate from memory I think it is a pyramid item. Great quality and well worth the money in my eyes.

[vtrstormer]

Steve400 I have been home to check on that rear hugger and it's a coerce brand sorry for the mistake

[steve400]

No worries, appreciate it. Will keep my eyes peeled for a bargain, thanks

[ae29]

which of these huggers are more 'enveloping'? I am after one that has most coverage along with a chainguard but at loss which one to choose cos i can't possibly afford to buy them all to compare lol

[vtrstormer]

Mate the coerce branded hugger I have encloses nicely and includes the chain guard but isn't too big to look ugly.... I think they are on eBay for around $180 which isn't too bad at all for a quality product

[kenmoore]

Coerce make good stuff for our bikes.

Hard to go past!

[griffo]

Mine doesn't have one but I like the look