Smallest I’ll display is 7x5, however it’s the size of the letters/numbers their stroke width and font that count not the actual plate size. It’s just that if you have a full 7 digit registration number you’d need a full size plate for such. I’ve not ever had bother for plates, failing to stop for Police was the most they’ve gotten upset with me for. Unless you count the time I was stopped and breathalyser tested……..which turned out negative but was a nice game of being obtuse with them and them trying to find something on/in my car that they could charge me with. They never did manage to take my licence from me despite the assurance by them that they would……
Lincs police did a purge in April around a well known biker spot, close to cadwell park and number plates were a big thing for them, no second chances from what I heard, ticket issued no questions asked. Made a few people round here revert to the standard size for sure. I dont use small plates or fit them in "stealth" positions for the same reason I dont ride in big groups or fit stubby cans, its asking for attention and less chance of a friendly chat when you do get noticed Dark visors however, thats a whole another thread which was there other gripe, been pulled twice and after a chat usually OK in the end.
Was advised a few years back that Lincs Police are lady bits…… My understanding was 50% tint is permissible were they blanket ticketing all tinted visors or those that were illegal.
They often do these puges to simply break up the gathering. Did the same around here years ago at Avebury, they'd turn up every week with speed guns and tape measures until no one bothered coming anymore.
Rule 1 - dont go to bike gatherings Rule 2 - be polite and charming to Plod Rule 3 - accept fine with good grace Rule 4 - Pay fine and carry on
I used to run small plates years ago, but also dark visor, loud pipes all the usual stuff. The plate was the thing that you may get pulled for then they've go to town on the visor and not for road use exhaust.... Last few bikes I've had I've gone for the smallest legal sized plate you can get, even then I've ended up trimming around the edge as the gap was bigger than what was legally allowed. It doesn't look too bad and more than anything I don't have to worry about getting stopped for it, and the visor and so on.
Never had plod comment on my exhausts ever. My 916 has a full 50, my old 1198 had full 70 and my 1299 has full ti akra.
I have had 8 x 6” for years with digits all The correct size and spacing. Never had an issue. Standard is 9 x 7”. doesn’t sound like it’s a lot smaller but it’s 48” square not 63” square which amounts to circa 24% reduction.
I ran a 7 x 5 as well. Never had any issues with Wiltshire Police, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire traffic were bunch of fucktards with serious personality disorders, probably stemming from erectile dysfunction issues. IMHO of course...
I got stopped a few years ago. Smaller than standard, but still legal size, plate, correct size lettering, correct spacing - got a £60 fine for the lettering being italic - "not standard lettering, sir...". It had been through three MoT's and had never even been commented on. The real pain is that it was the wife's bike, not even mine... With so few plod actually on the roads these days my guess is you'll get stopped, and probably fined, for anything that they think ANPR can't read easily. I have come to look at it this way - if your bike gets knicked by some thieving scumbag, the best chance of getting it back is if it trips an ANPR camera because the chance of an actual copper spotting it is nil. I'll stick to legal plates, thanks...
Well, ill be running the gauntlet on thursday....gotta take the RsV4 back up to AP for a literal full engine strip...game on.
£100 fine for 7x5 plate, took his ruler out, took a picture of it, my tag line is"have a nice day asshole"
