2WheelJunkie.com SV650 Undertray Review
by Kevin Williams 12/15/2002

Aerodynamics exudes a style and personality defined by a human mechanical need but limited and sometimes inspired by the rules of good ole Mother Nature. I don't know about you but I've always viewed aerodynamics as one of the longest lasting cooperative efforts between humans and the air they breathe. It's a relationship to be treated with respect. That's why bricks aren't allowed to fly. That's also why the first thing I said to my friend while admiring the flowing lines of my new 2001 SV650S was "That freaking fender has got to go, Edgar. What do you think? There's got to be a better humanitarian use for all that plastic."

I've been running an undertail on my bike from a 2WJ competitor for over a year now. There weren't many to choose from at the time so I ordered and waited. Aside from the fact that I had to measure and drill all the holes for mounting It took even longer because once installed I found out it needed some extra support due to the thin layer (1.5mm) of fiberglass in it's construction. After several trips to the hardware store, some zip tying, some more drilling and some more bolting I started to wonder whether I was building Frankenstein's monster or enhancing my motorcycle.

All that's in the past now thanks to my new undertail by 2WheelJunkie.com. Once received, I yanked the existing piece out of my bike and laid them side-by-side. The differences were significant.

The 2WJ undertail is constructed with a much thicker layer (4mm overall) of fiberglass than the competition. This thickness is only absent in areas where tapering is needed like under the tail light assembly to create a nice merge. You also get a couple of bolts for use in the pre-drilled mounting holes that match perfectly with the stock holes in the sub frame. There's another hole provided where the drain for the battery box matches up.

One of the things you have to be aware of with an aftermarket undertail is how they hang inside your existing tail section unbolted. Generally there are little tabs of varying width along the edge of the undertail that allow it to sit inside and be cradled by the tailpiece assembly.

As we all know, plastic tends to flex. If those undertail hanger tabs are too narrow and you just stuffed your lunch and a spare set of thermal underwear under the pillion then you run the risk of popping the undertail out under the extra stress. Not so with the 2WJ undertail. With hanger tabs molded in that are about 13mm (0.5in) overall and taper off where needed you don't have to worry about launching a pair of long johns and a happy meal James Bond style at an unwary follower.

Overall the install went smoothly thanks to the instructions that can be had via-web at 2WheelJunkie.com. The fit and accuracy of the piece to the stock bike was excellent. I only had to drill four holes and that was for remounting the ECU box and the license plate frame. All these things combined demonstrate 2WheellJunkie.com's attention to detail and the extra materials and sturdy mounting method will assure that this undertail lasts a good long time.

Now about that extra plastic....Hmmm...."Moto-Recycling" or "How to Make a Super Duper Pooper Scooper Out of a Stock SV650 Fender Assembly"