Installing a Fender Eliminator Kit on a Kawasaki PAPIO

By Yoshimura R&D of America, Inc. | Published: 2026-10-21

Category: How-to Guides

Step-by-step guide to installing a fender eliminator kit on a Kawasaki PAPIO SS/CL, including wiring micro turn signals and avoiding common mistakes.

Quick answer

Installing a fender eliminator kit on your Kawasaki PAPIO SS or CL cleans up the rear end in about an hour. This guide walks you through the process, including wiring the included micro turn signals.

Why replace the stock fender?

The stock rear fender on the Kawasaki PAPIO is large and bulky, designed more for regulation than style. A fender eliminator kit removes that plastic shelf and relocates the license plate closer to the tail, giving the bike a sportier, more finished look. The Yoshimura kit for the 2024-2025 PAPIO SS and CL is a direct-fit solution that includes everything you need, including micro turn signals and weather-tight housings.

What to expect from the kit

The kit comes with a new aluminum bracket, micro LED turn signals, shrink solder connectors, and updated light housings. The micro signals are much smaller than stock, so you get a cleaner appearance without losing visibility. The included shrink solder connectors make the wiring connection more reliable than standard crimp connectors, especially in wet conditions.

Step-by-step installation

1. Prepare the bike and remove the stock fender: Park the bike on a level surface and disconnect the battery. Remove the rear seat and any body panels covering the tail section. Unbolt the stock fender (usually 4-6 bolts) and carefully disconnect the stock turn signal and license plate light connectors. Common mistake: Forgetting to disconnect the battery first can cause a short when cutting or splicing wires.
2. Install the new bracket and mount the license plate: Attach the aluminum eliminator bracket to the subframe using the supplied hardware. Hand-tighten first, then torque to spec. Mount the license plate to the bracket using the included rubber isolators to reduce vibration. Checkpoint: Make sure the license plate angle is legal in your state—too steep can get you pulled over.
3. Wire the micro turn signals and license plate light: Use the included shrink solder connectors to splice the micro signals into the stock wiring harness. Match wire colors (usually black to ground, colored to signal). Heat the connectors with a heat gun or lighter until the solder flows and the shrink tube seals. Connect the license plate light the same way. Common mistake: Not heating the shrink solder connectors enough leaves a weak joint. Heat until you see solder flow and the tube shrinks tightly around the wire.
4. Test all lights and secure the wiring: Reconnect the battery and test the brake light, turn signals, and license plate light. Zip-tie any excess wiring to the bracket or subframe to prevent rattling. Reinstall the rear seat and body panels. Checkpoint: If a signal doesn't work, check the wire connection and polarity before assuming a bad component.

Product used in this guide

PAPIO SS/CL 24-25 FENDER ELIMINATOR KIT w/ MICRO TURN SIGNALS: Our Fender Eliminator Kit for the 2024 CFMOTO Papio SS is the perfect way to make this great looking machine look even better. Our renowned FE Kits clean up the rear end of the Papio SS machines, and easy to install. Kits are available as Fender Eliminator Kit or Fender Eliminator Kit including Micro Signals. Both kits incorporate Shrink Solder Connectors, new and improved weather tight light housing, and brighter… The shrink solder connectors and weather-tight housings mean a more reliable installation that resists moisture and vibration, so you won't have to revisit the wiring later.
PAPIO SS/CL 24-25 FENDER ELIMINATOR KIT w/ MICRO TURN SIGNALS