To use or not to use...
 

So I just purchased a 2013 Triumph Tiger 800 XC which I LOOOOOOOVE. I want to add a rear mud guard to protect the rear shock as well as control all the mud slinging on my rear end. I exchanged the stock Pirelli tires for the Heidenaus.

a): I don't see ANY bikes with them on and was wondering why
b): Does anyone have opinion on these two products:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130701255603...84.m1423.l2649

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/r-g-r...iger-800-xc-11

c): Anybody have any MUST HAVE advice for my new toy??

Much obliged,

Dirt Addict

I have a 1050 Tiger, and installed fender extenders . . . . .i've not seen another (in the flesh) with them installed, but my advice to you is, if you wish to reduce the amount of spooge you get on you, use them.

Welcome to the asylum noob. Try asking for hugger feedback in the Tiger thread over in Beasts here. Also, check out the Tiger800 Forum:
http://www.tiger800.co.uk/index.php?...5&action=forum

Though there are a few exceptions, general consensus among the T800 crowd is that there isn't quite enough room to use a hugger. The inner hugger can contact the inner fender and subframe, and break. A lot of people are happy adding a dirtbike style mudflap hanging off the battery tray in front of the rear wheel. Acerbis offers a universal one that will fit with a little trimming. I believe one fellow made his own from a cut up truck mudflap.

Based on this comment, it sounds like the wheel travel is long enough to put the hugger into the bottom of the bike. I would think the R&G hugger from Twisted Throttle would be less likely to break because it looks more flexible. It also seems to have a slight upturn on the tip that may help it avoid catching the tire when pinched against the frame. Plus, it just looks less bulky.

I just poked around a bit, and there seems to be more happy hugger owners than the last time I researched the subject, and some of the companies have redesigned their products. I still feel its a gamble.

I personally prefer this solution:
http://www.tiger800.co.uk/index.php?topic=2045.0

http://www.tiger800.co.uk/index.php/topic,2592.0.html