older numberplate

[that_impulse_guy]

I'm looking for an older numberplate...not historic.
brief: my bike which I am restoring was made in 1986...the current numberplate is 9x6.5
the 6.5 bit is important, as theres a small slot/recess between brake light (top) and numberplate light (bottom) that the plate slides into before getting its two bolts to hold it in place.

so a smaller plate would work, but not higher than 6.5 inches. Unfortunately, the plate that came with the bike is degraded enough to warrant a replacement.
Ive spent today going over fonts and the law on post-2001 made plates, and I understand that if the plate was made prior to 2001 it is still legal and so on.

So, really, I'm hoping to find a website that just so happens to have my exact combinations of digits in stock (cough cough) in a format used when they made this plate in the mid-80's and for some reason couldnt sell it so its just sitting there waiting for 2023-me to buy it.

cough cough.

I can find car plates like this...but alas...bike plate less likely.
its 7 digits, no 1's...but I would ideally like it to be the size and shape as used in the period it was built, so it fits properly into the recess.

Who's the preferred numberplate site for bikes that isnt doing the new font...that may be able to assist?

(I probably dont want 7x5...I want something like I already have if possible)
____________________
Gone: Yamaha DT50lc, Suzuki DR500, Suzuki A100, Kawasaki z250ltd, RD350YPVS, Suzuki DR Big, Kawasaki AR125, Kawasaki KMX200, Suzuki GS1000S, Katana 1100, GS550M, Suzuki RGV250
Now: Suzuki GSX400X, Suzuki RF900R, NS400R

[BRUN]

we use Hills numberplates at work, and they can make pretty much anything in any size, I would give them a call

[Easy-X]

There are loads of numberplate makers doing all sorts of sizes on eBay e.g. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/174923264017
____________________
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[that_impulse_guy]

thanks Easy-X...I managed to do a self-help thing after posting the thread here, so apologies that it was easier to find than I initially thought. All the ebay sellers wants physical copies of v5 and identity which is clearly a legal thing and probably a good thing, however I'm sitting slightly uncomfortable sending these types of docs to mr unknown...

Its something I'll have to weight up and internalise I think if I can find someone local.
Suprisingly, Halfords do offer a motorcycle plate service so I may pop into the shop and talk it over...on the assumption I can show them the documents there and then and get this 9x6.5" size made up.
____________________
Gone: Yamaha DT50lc, Suzuki DR500, Suzuki A100, Kawasaki z250ltd, RD350YPVS, Suzuki DR Big, Kawasaki AR125, Kawasaki KMX200, Suzuki GS1000S, Katana 1100, GS550M, Suzuki RGV250
Now: Suzuki GSX400X, Suzuki RF900R, NS400R

[Nobby the Bastard]

Halfords are an arse about documents and I'll be surprised if they will do 9*6.5
____________________
trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Sprint ST 1050

[Easy-X]

[BRUN]

ALL places will require docs, its a legal requirement, they will likely take copies of the documents, for inspection without notice by police and/or trading standards, in my 18 years in the motor trade I have had inspections twice

I would be very surprised if Halfords make bike plates on site, they will probably order from somewhere like Hills

[grr666]

Wrong. I buy new number plates regularly, having a couple of vanity registration numbers one of which has been
on several different vehicles over the years. Online sellers do indeed ask for ID documents for UK standard plates but
they have no choice because of the law. If you were to search 'show plates' or indeed "Reflective Outdoor Waterproof
Sign - Personalised" on ebay you'd have no such issue. Send this seller a message before you go to wanky Halfrauds.
I reckon they will be able to make you a personalised reflective outdoor waterproof sign exactly to your specification
and will require no docs to do so, they'll be able to make it exactly like a UK numberplate, BSAU stamp and all if you're
that bothered about such things. Only to suit your size requirements. Message the guy and tell him exactly what you
want with dimensions and I reckon you'll be fine. The rear of these reflective outdoor waterproof signs is black as
well so don't immediately look caked up with a stripe of chain drippings, again if you're bothered by such stuff.

I have had plates made at Halfords in the past and they did indeed have self adhesive letters to stick to blank
plates and made you one while you waited using some gizmo to space the letters. But after paying about £40 for
a pair for a souped up Skoda I had years ago, took him about 30 minutes to make the pair and the letters were
still a bit wonky. I sought out better quality manufactured personalised reflective outdoor waterproof signs instead which
worked out less expensive than Halfords, were straight, black backed (which always look better on a bike) and
even came with some handy black and yellow nuts and bolts for hanging your personalised reflective outdoor
waterproof signs on a wall, door or possibly motor vehicle.
____________________
Currently enjoying products from Ford, Mazda and Yamaha
Ste wrote: Avatars are fine, it's signatures that need turning off.

[BRUN]

[grr666]

Who said anything about actual number plates? These are reflective outdoor waterproof signs. I know they aren't
strictly legit but can be easily manufactured to look exactly like the legit ones do. If you ask for a BSAU stamp he'll do
one, it's only a sign after all. If you specify a motto to go under your reg number instead of "Suzuki POWAAAAAAAR"
"Old School Cool" or similar I recommend "Halfords.co.uk BSAU 145d" as your motto. Sufficient to shut up 99.9%
of old bill if you're bothered by them. I have had *cough* signs *cough* made up with all the MOT passable
markings which are indistinguishable from a real UK standard number plate but without any of that pesky documents
nonsense. Normally arrive in a couple of days too. Bought at least a half dozen times off of this bloke over the years.
____________________
Currently enjoying products from Ford, Mazda and Yamaha
Ste wrote: Avatars are fine, it's signatures that need turning off.

[xX-Alex-Xx]

[grr666]

That's good to know. I can have "Shed Queen" as my motto again.
____________________
Currently enjoying products from Ford, Mazda and Yamaha
Ste wrote: Avatars are fine, it's signatures that need turning off.

[Polarbear]

[stinkwheel]

[grr666]

[MCN]

[stinkwheel]

Unless it's police Scotland who I have personally seen stopping every motorbike that went past and measuring its numberplate before today.

They also gave my mate a ticket because his plate was "too small" but it's actually one of the older A 123 BCD format ones that had both two rather than three digits and narrow letters/numbers (some digits are narrower than others and his has a J and a 1 in it). The size of the plate is actually determined by the spaces between and around the letters, not the outside dimensions of the plate.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Easy-X]

Yes, the letters are a regulation size but not the actual plate dimensions.
____________________
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[stinkwheel]

If you're made of money and get a plate that's got a single letter and a single number, it only has to be about 3" wide.

I think the smallest legal plate would be J1.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[A100man]

Interesting ..

I've got some shonky old plates that were on my XJ (1984 reg) and GT (1976 reg) bikes when I got them. NO clue if they are legit or not.

Is there a guide to Age vs plate size anywhere thsta and easy-ish read?
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Now: A100, GT250A, XJ598, FZ750

Then: Fizz, RS200, KL250, XJ550, Laverda Alpina, XJ600, FZS600

[grr666]

I have a 6 digit reg on my bike, that knocks a couple of inches off of the plate size by default and you can still
have full size letters and spacings. The 4 character line of a standard vehicle reg on the top half is what makes it
have to be so wide.
____________________
Currently enjoying products from Ford, Mazda and Yamaha
Ste wrote: Avatars are fine, it's signatures that need turning off.

[A100man]

[that_impulse_guy]

small update: path of least resistance chosen.
I've worked out I can fit 9 x7 legal numberplate by moving the rear reflector onto a lowering bracket. Keeps plod happy, makes me happy.
If Mr Anorak notices my rear reflector is 0.5inch lower than OEM then I will just shake my head.
____________________
Gone: Yamaha DT50lc, Suzuki DR500, Suzuki A100, Kawasaki z250ltd, RD350YPVS, Suzuki DR Big, Kawasaki AR125, Kawasaki KMX200, Suzuki GS1000S, Katana 1100, GS550M, Suzuki RGV250
Now: Suzuki GSX400X, Suzuki RF900R, NS400R

[MCN]

[that_impulse_guy]

my reflective sign came in the post today and it fits really well...so happy. Thanks all.

I'm trying to book in an MOT for next week or the one after, hashtag excited
____________________
Gone: Yamaha DT50lc, Suzuki DR500, Suzuki A100, Kawasaki z250ltd, RD350YPVS, Suzuki DR Big, Kawasaki AR125, Kawasaki KMX200, Suzuki GS1000S, Katana 1100, GS550M, Suzuki RGV250
Now: Suzuki GSX400X, Suzuki RF900R, NS400R