The whole reason I modified mine was initially to close up the fender gap. I have a Rebel fender on the rear, still looks a bit "off". With the struts, it should be getting a full(er) fender. I just don't like the chopper/bobber standard "bobtail" look. Even my Vulcan 800A is getting a fuller rear fender (stock tail light looks like a baboon's behind).
Fork gaiters (Norton spec) help minimize the rake (visually). Swapping the fenders for fuller coverage ones is easy, and fairly inexpensive. Clubman bars and a bikini fairing would also seriously change the bike's lines, making it look more compact. Heck, toss an 18 inch rear hoop on it, some dual sport tires, a high pipe, Kawasaki W1 or W2-SS fuel tank and make yourself a TT replica. Haven't seen that one done, yet... WW2 R.A.F. BSA 500 tribute bike... Possibilities are endless... 8)
I like a traditional late 1940s to early 1960s look best. Bobber, cafe racer, touring bagger, as long as the front end isn't raked out to some outlandish degree/length. I've been customizing bikes since 1987, thought 1970s "cartoon" caricture choppers were goofy looking then, still do. What do I know though? I'm just a "kid" (at age 34).
-WD