tidy tail vs original mudguard , what do you think?

[Wfm333]

So I put the tidy tail back on after roadworthy cert as I purchased bike with tidy tail. I have both options.
Not sure but I think I like the original mudguard better.
What do you guys think?

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[Huzo]

I don’t think the shot with the stock tail shows the bike in it’s best light, but I know what they look like in reality and I like the stock look more.
I think the tail tidy is a bit “try hard” or fixing a problem that wasn’t there.
I’m sure though that you could make that same case for what I’ve done to my V85 and Norge. There’ll be those who’d say I should have left them alone.

[Dirk_S]

Is this a query on aesthetics or function?

Aesthetics—If you’re unsure, just go back and forth. You’ve been gifted with both options, so have fun playing between both.

I always wondered if the tail-tidy mods allowed water/mud/stones to splash up.

Personally, I like a mudguard, but I also feel the stock fender is a bit much in weight and look. I love the abbreviated fender—whether it’s aluminum, carbon fiber, or plastic—that Guzzi came out with a couple years later, which you can also install.

[Kev m]

It pains me to agree but I think tail tidies are a stupid, poserific waste of time.

I generally don't make aesthetic changes that I can't justify with some improvement of function too.

[DoubleGuzzi]

I generally don't make aesthetic changes that I can't justify with some improvement of function too.

Agreed, though the missus insisted on one for the Speed 400 as she thought the standard "sticky out" tail to be an ugly distraction. 
I added a low-level rear hugger to at least stop some dirt/spray. 

[DoubleGuzzi]

Personally, I like a mudguard, but I also feel the stock fender is a bit much in weight and look. I love the abbreviated fender—whether it’s aluminum, carbon fiber, or plastic—that Guzzi came out with a couple years later, which you can also install.

Agreed, though the valanced one is in keeping for a Classic look, IMHumbleO. (Harley ones are kinda OTT ! Again, IMHO.)

[Kev m]

Agreed, though the missus insisted on one for the Speed 400 as she thought the standard "sticky out" tail to be an ugly distraction. 
I added a low-level rear hugger to at least stop some dirt/spray. 

Oh, yeah, it goes without saying everything goes out the window when you bring them into it... 

[Perazzimx14]

I'm usually a fan of tidy tail/fender eliminator kits. A lot of bikes the rear the licensaplate bracket and turnsignal holder looks like an afterthought to get the bike to pass DOT or whatever govenering body you have.

My Griso and V7R were victums of thus as well as most sport bikes.

[Dirk_S]

Agreed, though the valanced one is in keeping for a Classic look, IMHumbleO.

To a point, yes. If we’re talking strictly about the bike that the original 2010s small block V7 Classic and Café copied its aesthetics from—the first Tonti frame V7 Sport—yeah, that had a typically 70s valanced steel fender. It was a different shape, too.

Looks-wise, the small blocks are fairly different from the original Tonti bikes. The Tontis are stretched out and have a lower center of gravity. Personally, the fender looks right on a Tonti, but also, that fender isn’t the same as what’s on the small blocks. The original small block V7 Classic and Cafe were just a Breva/Nevada with that homage tank and seat slapped on. They kept the rear plastic mudguard of the Nevada on, my guess because it was the closest thing they had in the warehouse.

It’s funny. I like soooo many other rear fenders on other classic and modern classic bikes, but I’m admittedly quite critical of Guzzi bikes. Maybe that’s because I once had a couple Honda CX500s and developed some sort of perfectionist traumatic response to the look of the rear.

Anyway, here’s a quickly cobbled collage of the original Tonti V7 Sport, small block V7 Cafe, Nevada, and the Stone Ten. As a commercial artist, we’re taught to pay attention to silhouettes, and I tend to look at silhouettes of motorcycles (why that didn’t stop me from getting a ‘junk in the trunk’ CX500…). For me, it just feels like there’s not enough up front on the small blocks to complement the back:

[cowtownchemist]

I very much prefer the look of the tail tidy.  My bike and yours look pretty similar to each other.  I can confirm that the short fender in the back is not an efficient mud/water guard.  I try not to ride in the rain, but I have done so with the tail tidy and did get a bit of a wet back.  Not as bad as if I had no fender, but definitely more so than if I had the stock one on.

[jcctx]

You want to ride or look at it?????

[John A]

The original would be my choice as well. Especially if I rode through mud or excrement on the road.