Number plate

Thinking of putting a small number plate on the rear, what is the best, 9x2 or 9x3?
Also anyone used A1Show plates?
Thanks

I went 7'x5' if memory serves me right. I have used the people ( MY SHOWPLATES ) many time over the years. They are quick and I am always happy with the results.

Had a 9"x2" plate on my R1, I got nicked 2nd time out :aghh:

I think 9'x2' is a Police magnet, I know some people seem to get away with it but why take that much of a chance. 7'x5' is smaller than the bloody big wind sail that is standard but its not a copper magnet and looks exceptable in size, mine doesn't even need to get changed for MOTs. I was chatting to a copper one day and he said mine was fine as the lettering was clearly visible and they & the machines will not have a problem reading it.

2' inch plates draw attention

 We all push the boundaries a little but 9' x 2' or 3' is rubbing their nose in it   ,    on my showplates, good quality and service.

I could read it ok (from about 3"s away)   

I find 7' x 5.5' is a good size, I've also got a bit of a fancy font which is superb for speed camera's, I think I'll be getting a ticket sooner than later   

Thanks Guys, really aware of being a fuzz magnet! Thought 2 or 3 may be an advert " come get me".
Guess I'll go for 7x5 don't want to rub anyone up the wrong way so soon!
Thanks again, will post when I have it
G

Good on you George, wise decision. 7x5 will give you a reasonable look at the back rather than the bloody silly size of the stock one and will be enough for you to be left alone.  

I agree with Dave the 7" x 5" is a good compromise.  I too have this size and have never had any issues with the law. The size of the lettering is almost the legal size but it takes up more of the plate which looks so much better. At my last MOT no mention was made about the plate at all.

That sounds like 'common sense' prevails .... if it looks 'about right' (Like a 7" x 5" does) then you are unlikely to incur Mr Plod's displeasure ...... but the 9" x 2"or3" plate looks so skinny it is rather asking for it ! 

I like how Sim's plate is tucked away neatly under the nearside pannier/saddle bag ... that looks like your concerns of getting a 'tug' are materialising ..... but I suppose it is how long will it take for you to be 'seen' by a traffic officer as there are not that many about - & the regular plod would probably not notice, or couldn't be bothered as they have another 'target' to follow.

Probably a bit late after the fact on this one but I'll chuck my bit in anyway.  I have occasions when I need to work with several forces RPUs (Road Policing Unit) & I tend to ask their opinion if there's something I'm not sure about - it's OK to push your luck a little, but there's no point bringing trouble down on yourself. 

I asked their advice when I wanted to fit the side-mount as I could find no clear wording on it.  I also asked about sizing.  Please don't take this as gospel, as it's a subjective point of view & is dependant on the copper on the day.  The average traffic cop isn't particularly bothered about a slightly smaller plate, as long as it's legible - 7 x 5 is a good size, I run a 7.5 x 6.5 as it looked right on the bike.  

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However, mess around with the font, fit it at an angle or go too small & you're asking for it.  I'm assuming that the 9 x 2 or 9 x 3 would be a single line plate - that's a definite no no & is a real plod magnet.  Few years ago I was riding with a mate who was sporting a single line plate & we got pulled just outside of Skegness.  I felt pretty confident as my plate had the correct size characters, but was cut around the border.  So I made the mistake of getting a bit lippy - got nicked not only for the plate size, an alteration of the style of lettering (made the "7" look like a "1") but also because it "bore a background image" - a picture of Tigger !!.  What was also pointed out to me was that as I has a personal plate on the bike, if I got nicked three times for plate offences I could have the authorisation to display the plate removed.  What I didn't know at the time is that if you have a private plate, you don't actually own the number - all you have is the right to display that registration, which can be removed by the DLA at any time - something to bear in mind if you've spent a few hundred on a decent number.

At the end of the day, the average traffic cop has more important things to do than nick bikers.  And cruisers by nature, tend to attract less attention than the full racing leather boys on race-reps.  But I was told by my police motorcycle instructor back in the early eighties when I was learning to ride that any traffic cop worth his salt, would be able to find at least five things wrong with any bike, whether it it be the position of your tax disc holder, the size of your reflector or the slack in your chain.

 Wise words from Dave R .....    

 your plate looks about right Dave R,and not a blatant plod puller.

Good info Dave   You have a nice 'rear end' by the way  

simbo wrote:

Good info Dave   You have a nice 'rear end' by the way  

I bet you say to all the boys !!!

That looks really good  

Thanks Dave wise words always taken on board
G

Thanks for all the support and advice finally got plate from A1 plates. Know all said don't muck with font but couldn't help myself..


 Thanks G

That looks cool!  

The font isn't too radical & the characters are a good sizd as is the plate - can't see you having any problems on the road. May be worth putting your old one on for the MOT - depends how friendly your tester is. Looks good!!

Like the Flanders script   .... maybe that may promote leniency from the Plod ... if they know where Flanders is ... or the significance !

You would need a real jobs worth to have a problem with that plate.   

Old man yam, thought it all went quite well, long term looking for a paint job to go with it, long long term!

Flat black - white pin striping . Understated !!

My 7x5 plate has just arrived. "Bugger" it looks small up to the original. It should look better.

Good on ya Peter, that will look so much better than that bloody great big thing on there at the moment 

Nice one Pete.

Number plate now fitted. Looks much better, it no longer overpowers her rear end.

Thats good to read the standard one is like a sail at least the one you have is not a cop magnet and the arse end flows so much better

Nice job Pete, So much better looking than the standard size 

oldtom says beware boys and girls. UK police are targeting number plates that do not conform to the standard for size, design, and font. This is all down to NPR cameras that now police Road tax, MOT and insurance. Now that "tax discs" will not need to be displayed from 1st October. 
Recent police visit to a Sunday morning bike haunt netted 30 non conforming plates. They just sat there and waited to offenders to roll in.

Thanks for the info Tom,  should be interesting to see what sort of crackdown they have.

Maybe they will get a bit supid and go after everything that doesnt conform but that will be in a specific area not all over the country. The local plod seem to say as long as the writing isnt to small or distorted by unusual writing then they aint to fussed. They seem to say that if aint to small or unclear then their computers can read it. The problems seem to get exaggerated by the dicks on the sport bikes with tiny reg plates bringing unwanted attention to everyone

Unfortunately ..... It only takes one plod to piss on your parade !

.... & in these days of 'numbers driven enforcement' to mask the under-resourcing of the Police force, the periodic hammering of 'soft targets' is an easy way for them to 'balance the books' .... sad fact of life in all branches of public service.

Rant over !

7x5 plate arrived today.  Wow didn't realise it was that small.
Had to replace it anyway,  as the wind sail I got from
Halfords fell of. I used them bloody M3 sticky brackets
So I wouldn't have to drill the plate. Load of shite. Well they
Were for me. Glad it did fall of though or I wouldn't of got a new one. Good shout Dave on the show plates. Nice job.

I've had loud pipes but not bigger plate. When the cops stop you like they did me a few weeks ago it's often rider related. Of course if they want to make something stick a visual advert is a gift for them. Just in case my riding gets out of hand  I'll stick with my barn doors for the moment but your small plates do look nice guys 

They had a bit of a purge on number plates and helmet visors back in the summer up around the Brecon area, I remember being warned about it at the time. It seems it was just a one day; one off thing though and bad luck if you were out that day.

You are probably OK on a cruiser but it's the sports bikes tend to cop it - any excuse!

Bluesman wrote:

You are probably OK on a cruiser but it's the sports bikes tend to cop it - any excuse!

Bloody Hooligans they are! Flying around on their crotch rockets with tiny reg plates bent at an angle so no one can see them. 

I'm glad this thread has surfaced again? I'll order a new plate from the link above   a nice little 4"x3" with a fancy font 

Glad you used showplates, there work is always good. As long as the plate has descent writing on it you will be fine, its only the silly small plates and fancy writing ones that I find have an issue.

I used the Bikers text, which is more or less the same as standard, so i hope i shouldnt have any probs.

That what I have always used.

I don,t think the font on the plate should upset anyone as it is still very legible, Sim, I get the feeling that your bike is looking at us, very impressive,  :shock: :shock:

Doc Cox wrote:

I don,t think the font on the plate should upset anyone as it is still very legible, Sim, I get the feeling that your bike is looking at us, very impressive,  :shock: :shock:

Ordered a 7x5 with 'Bikers Text' yesterday   , I must be getting old!    , Where's my   Attitude going? 

Good one Sim.
Your   attitude went missing with you last few birthday presents.