Side Mounted Number Plate

Discussion in 'Thunderbird' started by Bucky, Feb 15, 2022.

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  1. Bucky

    Bucky Senior Member

    Jul 26, 2014
    112
    293
    Hi all,.
    Anyone did this ?, quite like the look they give.
     
  2. Sandi T

    Sandi T It's ride o'clock somewhere!
    Subscriber

    Dec 3, 2018
    21,752
    1,000
    Tucson Arizona
    #2 Sandi T, Feb 15, 2022
    Last edited: Feb 16, 2022
    @Bucky

    I did this on my 2017 H-D Low Rider S. It already came with a side mount plate and I just turned it to vertical. I'm doing the same with my 2021 H-D Fat Boy, too, but will use the Kuryakyn vertical side mount plate frame/mount for a more "finished" look.

    I've heard some comments about the legality of this but our Arizona regs are a bit unclear. It seems that the key is that the plate number remains readable. So far I've gotten no flack for it. And I like the look of it, too, for certain bikes. But when the bike comes stock with a side mount plate holder that's horizontal, I've gotta change it to vertical. It's just too "sticky-outy" to be functional and always there to be bumped into.

    Unfortunately, thanks to "supply chain" issues, that Kuryakyn part is on back order until June (and hopefully June of 2022).

    IMG_6653.JPG

    Screen Shot 2022-02-15 at 12.19.12 PM.png
     
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  3. Golgotha

    Golgotha Guest

    I had one on my HD, horizontal. I prefer vertical. Vertical's illegal in my home state, Class 2 Misdemeanor, but rarely if ever enforced in my county. I see them all the time. Imo they look pretty sharp with nice, slick looking holder and frame.

    (stock photo)

    maxresdefault.jpg

    I though about it very briefly for my Speed Twin. I like my tail tidy much better.
     
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  4. Sandi T

    Sandi T It's ride o'clock somewhere!
    Subscriber

    Dec 3, 2018
    21,752
    1,000
    Tucson Arizona
    I agree that they look pretty sharp and slick. This is a stock photo of the one I ordered for my Fat Boy. I think it'll be a nice improvement from the plain jane horizontal frameless one on there now.
    Screen Shot 2022-02-15 at 10.07.36 PM.png

    I also think a tail tidy suits the style of the Speed Twin more so than a side mount plate frame.
     
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  5. Pegscraper

    Pegscraper Elite Member

    Jun 12, 2020
    3,013
    800
    Yorkshire
    It must be nice to have legal "options" regarding number plates. Over here in good old Blighty the plod are a bit more stuck up about number plates. So long as it's illuminated at night and it's the right size and shape I don't think there' there's any rules on position. o_O
     
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  6. Octoberon

    Octoberon Crème de la Crème

    Jul 2, 2020
    2,256
    1,000
    Peak District, Yorkshire
    There have been times at the roadside when I've been very clear on where I would like my number plate positioned...
     
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  7. Mike G

    Mike G New Member

    Jan 7, 2023
    1
    3
    Maidstone
    Does anyone have any recommendations on which side mount is best for the tbird? There's a lot around, but most of the good ones are not UK specific. The ones which are nice cost an arm and leg.
     
  8. garethr

    garethr Well-Known Member

    Sep 18, 2015
    152
    93
    BRISTOL UK
    There is no side mount that is best..... or even good.

    Registration plates and rear lamps should be on the rear mudguard as God, nature, and the MOT test manual intended. :)
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  9. CraigHew

    CraigHew Member

    Jul 25, 2021
    44
    18
    Whitchurch, Shropshire
    Each to their own i guess.
    Ive just fitted the Triumph (A9750730) side mount plate with a very small, but legal plate from JDM Plates.
    Ive ditched the rear light and opted for a pair of multi-function lights (A9700589).

    This has given me the "clean look" on the rear of my Speedmaster ive been striving for.

    The oem rear light, plate and reflector was shocking imho, i tried a Maund Speed Tail Tidy that helped a little by raising the plate up a bit but I wasn't entirely happy with the result.
     
  10. Mike G

    Mike G New Member

    Jan 7, 2023
    1
    3
    Maidstone

    Thanks for the reply I've been going and back and fourth trying to decide on the right bracket, I'll look into this one.

    I was hoping to find one which held the standard uk plate any ideas or suggestions?
     
  11. CraigHew

    CraigHew Member

    Jul 25, 2021
    44
    18
    Whitchurch, Shropshire
    The "Free Spirits" one looks the nicest to me but I couldn't justify their price.....
     
  12. Glenn2926

    Glenn2926 Senior Member
    Subscriber

    Dec 21, 2021
    604
    243
    Yorkshire
    As has been said, it is personal preference but to me the none central number plates look awful. The rear just looks all lopsided. I much prefer them central and they also help keep the back of the bike clean.
     
  13. Mike G

    Mike G New Member

    Jan 7, 2023
    1
    3
    Maidstone






























































































































    feel the sa





























































    It's a fair point and like you say it's personal preference. Modifying for me is about making sutle yet powerful tweaks to make it my own, and moving the license plate over to reveal a better view of the back end ticks the boxes. I've been searching so long to get the right bracket at a reasonably good price but keep coming up short, I may just learn how to fabricate haha
     
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