posted January 02, 2004 11:48 PM
Pro's and con's of a custom license plate I am debating the pro's and con's of having the Department of Licensing allowing me to register a custom license plate for my motorcycle. I am curious to hear everyone else's opinion on the matter.
By having a custom plate, I figure those are the easy license plates that people remember when calling you in or if your ever seen where your not suppose to be, etc.
Not only that, but at least in WA, it is an additional $40 on top of the registration the first year, and an additional $30 EVERY YEAR you have to pay on top of your tabs. At $37 for registration and another $30, that's $67 @ year just to have a custom plate.
The pro's...well, it is custom, another thing to do to a bike I suppose.
What does everyone else think? And how many people have done that to their motorcycles? (I wasnt referring to other vehicles)
Needs a life
living life, and loving it.
Posts: 7981
posted January 03, 2004 05:51 AM
a motorcycle plate is so small that if he is close enough to read it and you run your screwed anyway....I have a custom plate on mine, and think its knda cool. But I will never run from the cops (coughs hard) so they are gonna get the tag number anyway,
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When in doubt, lean farther and go faster....
posted January 03, 2004 07:07 AM
Just get something like "WVMWVW" on your plate, imposible to read unless you're right up on it.
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2002ZX12R
posted January 03, 2004 07:47 AM
I agree that if running from the cops, or being easily identified is a concern for you, then this is not a good idea. I had a friend years ago whose personal plate was spotted outside the apartment of one girlfriend by another girlfriend... it does not make sense to put anything on your bike to make it specific if you are worried about being identified!
However, if your life is stable and you are not in the habit of baiting the police, a personal plate is a small detail that you will see on very few bikes. The money goes for the feeding and care of non-game wildlife in the state, (or at least it used to - not sure about now) so you can feel a little better about the funds.
I have a CBSBC plate on my ZX12R for the Cycle Barn Sport Bike Club, and I like it. I have not had any negative experiences with it.
posted January 03, 2004 09:44 AM
Edited By: KZ2ZX on 3 Jan 2004 09:47
I bought my CBR with the plate the previous owner had - we simply transferred the plates (and title, and I transferred some $$ for sales tax).
O260N3
Yes, that's "O" the letter, not "0" the number, at the front. I didn't even notice it, until One Day I got pulled over and the cop wanted to arrest me because the plate didn't exist (he thought...) I asked him to pull up every vehicle I had registered, and then he got it. He was pissed, spent some time looking at the VIN and all - I told him I simply had the plate transferred, and I hadn't planned it that way at all. He remained pissed when I told him (seeing as he was giving me a $100 ticket) there was no way I was spending an extra dime to get a different plate though!
Allan Hannen, if you're out there, you owe me for that one.
posted January 03, 2004 01:29 PM
What anything is worth is always a personal choice.
Here's another way - when I bought my ZRX I spent some time thinking up various combinations of letters and numbers for a vanity plate - and my wife hated all of them. While still pondering, the real plates came in.... 612007. Now, when I was a kid growing up in Minnesota the mosquito repellant used by everyone was called 612. In fact, I get a memory smell every time I type or say those numbers. Put that together with James Bond, and I have a ZRX "licensed to kill bugs" - which seems appropriate. Thus, a "vanity plate" at no cost , even if nobody gets it but me! Maybe your new bike will come with a similar plate.
posted January 03, 2004 06:48 PM
Edited By: 1bad12r on 3 Jan 2004 18:50
Mine says "1bad12" , if I'm gonna run fuck it, I'm gonna run !
I think it makes your bike stand out alot ! I know it does at the track, almost like a bulls eye. When them busa's read mine they come a running for that ass whoop'n !
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768 Ryderz
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posted January 04, 2004 08:42 AM
Doug's is a great one, but may not be what the average traffic cop wants to see!
Of course, being a responsible person, Doug would never speed.
Quote from Doug at the Tech Talk at Sportbike Northwest last fall. "I never use a radar detector - if you are cruising at much over 100, it will do you no good anyway."
posted January 04, 2004 03:37 PM
I used to wear a plain white and then a plain Black Helmet! Now all of the Helmets are many colors so I wear a Green, Silver & Black one. The Police do not need to be close enough to see your plate completely and youi do not need to be running from the police for it to be a problem. My thinking is, If you are enjoying your ride and see the police going the other way and then tell their friends a short description with "Some type of Vanity tag" a lot easier to identify you. I try to blend in and not be noticed another reason for the quiet pipe. if you fool around and someone says I saw you, how do you deny it with the "Tag"! These are the Cons!
If someone just steals your bike, the tag will help them spot the bike. WIll save you tickets because you are bound to be more careful when everyone can identify your tag.
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Made History @ Daytona and still one fast old man!!
posted January 05, 2004 07:46 AM
HDL, On Labusas, there is a Frenchman "Full zx12R" You and he should compare notes on Chain Lube! Please do not say it is rusty because of sitting around, that is what chain lube keeps it from doing! A well lubed chain also gets a few more HP!
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Made History @ Daytona and still one fast old man!!
posted January 05, 2004 10:55 AM
Here is one for you corvette owners(I am going to try and get it on my 12 too) Corvette owners never think this is funny.
posted January 05, 2004 06:21 PM
Con: makes it easy for the off duty deputy you passed on a double yellow in another state because he was doing 20 under the F'n limit to send you a ticket in the mail since he didn't have anything to write with at the time.
Vanity PL8 - $15 extra per yr
Illegal Passing citation - $175
Insurance rate increase on 2 cars, truck and 3 bikes - Priceless
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"Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional."
When I was there, ordered "1BADH2" for my H2 - they sent me the big car plates! I did later get the correct motorcyle plate. I thought that I was making fun of certain "1BADxxx" plates.
Grinder
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I am designing a 3749.551cc 60* V-12 engine.
Needs a life
living life, and loving it.
Posts: 7981
posted January 22, 2004 01:30 PM
you know actually Vinnie, that chain is in fine shape. I dont know why it looks liek that in the pic. Anyone that say my bike at DGVI will tell ya, I am not a stickler to it being clean. But it will be mechanically right. I lube regularly. I usually use PJ1 in the blue can...couldnt get it last time and got a can of chain wax.. gave it away at the track, and went back to the PJ.
* you made me go out to the trailer in my slippers to see it...lol*
Painted it Josh....now I wish I hadnt....I have to get it redone, looks like crap.
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When in doubt, lean farther and go faster....
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posted January 02, 2004 11:48 PM
posted January 03, 2004 04:52 AM
Edited By: 
Please do not say it is rusty because of sitting around, that is what chain lube keeps it from doing! A well lubed chain also gets a few more HP!
