as per this today -
http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/ugly ... 0gzsy.html
Changes to Australian Design Rules benefit manufacturers, consumers.
Ungainly rear mud guard extensions, such as the unit on Yamaha's MT-09, are set to be phased out.
Motorcycle manufacturers are set to save millions, and riders are less likely to be fined for customising their bikes under changes to the Australian Design Rules.
Australia-specific requirements surrounding rear mud guards have been abolished. Until now, new motorcycles had to be retrofitted with large, unsightly mud guards that extended beyond the rear wheel.
Many riders removed them, and some have been fined as a result. Australia-specific motorcycle design rules cost more than $14 million to implement each year.
A joint media statement issued by Assistant Minister for Infrastructure Jamie Briggs and Parliamentary Secretary Josh Frydenberg says the mudguard requirement was "outdated and has no bearing on vehicle safety".
"This change is expected to deliver $14.4 million in industry compliance and manufacturing savings every year, which should lead to lower prices for new motorcycle owners," it says.
"Consumers in Australia will finally have access to motorcycles as originally designed by the manufacturers, bringing Australia into line with other major markets including the European Union and Japan."
.. can i say hooray!