Fazr6 deemed "illegal"

[REO Scorpio]

I have the FAZR6 FE with Scorpions, like many here.

So, I got pulled over a few hours ago. Yes, I was speeding. 24 over coming off the ramp from the highway onto the street I live on.

I'm an adult and can admit when I am wrong, so I will bite the bullet on this one.

However, the officer almost wrote me a second citation for my license plate not being legible. He claimed that he could not read it from behind and that is a "pet-peeve of many [officers]". He asked me if I could read my plate. I just nodded.

He even asked me to bend it down on the side of the road. I told him I had better tools at home. I think if I didn't live a block from where I was pulled over he would have written me the ticket when I rode away.

The part that bugs me is that I have had cops behind me plenty of times and have never once pulled me over for an illegal plate, which they could easily do. So now I am paranoid that my license is in the "system" and every cop is going to be looking to see if I switched my fender. I don't know if I can physically go back to the OEM fender after shaving off the tab, but I am definitely sure I can't aesthetically go back after the FAZR6.

Thoughts or suggestions on this? Do I just leave it as is, go to OEM, or actually try and bend this thing?


Thanks!

Scorp

 

[deeptekkie]

Me personally? I think I would just bend it back. While I do not think you made any kind of "hit list" with leos in general, this one officer will most likely be gunning for you now, (just to see if you did follow-through). (Maybe bending the tag to where it's readible will satisfy any problems about the fender before it gets ugly?) Good luck man.

 

[Dennis in NH]

See if you can bend it. You don't want to be someone they have any excuse to pull over.

I put a new fender eliminator on my R6 and the plate is a bit angled (not much more angled than the fender eliminator on my old FZ6). I got talked to at a stop sign (it was about 10pm and great night to ride, no one around and I was doing 35 in a 30 when I spotted him). He said he could not see my plate ; I think NH law is something like required visibility 50 feet from behind. I never had an issue with the FZ6.

I figured it was because my bike looks sexy and attracted attention . I got home and went back 50 feet and couldn't see it; I bent it. End of discussion; I don't want to draw any more attention than I already do. I don't like the look of the plate like that very much but I don't like getting stopped even more.

At least it was a town cop and seems nice -- he said "nice night for a ride". I responded, "it's gorgeous; have a good night and thank you sir" .

Dennis

 

[REO Scorpio]

Dennis,

Thanks for the insight and experience. How, pray tell, did you actually go about bending your new FE kit?

I just worry that I will break it or somehow bend it too much so that if I bottom out my suspension, it trashes my tire.

Scorpio

 

[CCHOUSEKY]

As to your question about the FE...I've got one too and I've never had any problem with cops telling me it's illegal. But who knows? Every cop and every city is different, so I'd just try and bend it down a little so the plate is a bit more upright. Just make sure you don't bend it too much and have it interfering with the rear tire when the suspension compresses.

One thing I would point out (and I give you credit for taking responsibility for it) is that you would've never had this problem if you weren't acting a fool. Seriously? 24 over??? WTF were you thinking? Hell, you're lucky they didn't impound the bike and haul you in.

Look, we get harassed enough by the police because of other riders (think gixxer-douches) doing stupid crap and giving us all a bad name. Don't contribute to the problem by being one of them.

 

[lonesoldier84]

its not in any system so you can relax regarding that i think. ive been pulled over for some stuff like that and never had it come back again a 2nd time.

 

[REO Scorpio]

As to your question about the FE...I've got one too and I've never had any problem with cops telling me it's illegal. But who knows? Every cop and every city is different, so I'd just try and bend it down a little so the plate is a bit more upright. Just make sure you don't bend it too much and have it interfering with the rear tire when the suspension compresses.

One thing I would point out (and I give you credit for taking responsibility for it) is that you would've never had this problem if you weren't acting a fool. Seriously? 24 over??? WTF were you thinking? Hell, you're lucky they didn't impound the bike and haul you in.

Look, we get harassed enough by the police because of other riders (think gixxer-douches) doing stupid crap and giving us all a bad name. Don't contribute to the problem by being one of them.

And it is a valid point.

I don't regularly speed or ride aggressively. I used to in my early 20s, but then I got nailed by a drunk. This is just the one stretch of road that I feel comfortable with traffic and conditions to get on it in coming out of one corner, just to hear the Scorpions one last time before putting the bike away for the day. The cop was cool about it and said, "I know its a great place to kinda get on it...". He said I was otherwise riding responsibly. But, like I said, it was stupid and I am guilty.


BTW to addend my original post, the officer was quite pleasant and made the point that the reason he had a problem with it was because he has had guys on rockets run from him and if he hadn't gotten the plates they might have escaped a ticket.


Scorp

 

[Kazza]

Try to bend the plate - at least to make the plate visible. I can understand why he pulled you over for that. If he can read it, even with a F.E., you'll probably be fine next time.

BTW, I have a F.E., but my plate is vertical on it - they can read it no problems.

 

[CombatPenguin]

When I got pulled over I asked the cop about mine to, she said they can't read them anyway even with the stock fenders. I would leave it the way it is if you don't give them a reason to stop you they will just ignore it.

 

[lonesoldier84]

As to your question about the FE...I've got one too and I've never had any problem with cops telling me it's illegal. But who knows? Every cop and every city is different, so I'd just try and bend it down a little so the plate is a bit more upright. Just make sure you don't bend it too much and have it interfering with the rear tire when the suspension compresses.

One thing I would point out (and I give you credit for taking responsibility for it) is that you would've never had this problem if you weren't acting a fool. Seriously? 24 over??? WTF were you thinking? Hell, you're lucky they didn't impound the bike and haul you in.

Look, we get harassed enough by the police because of other riders (think gixxer-douches) doing stupid crap and giving us all a bad name. Don't contribute to the problem by being one of them.

Really? Speed limits are silly. With proper attention and good brakes, 24 over is nothing.

NOTHING.

The same speed limit is the maximum safe limit for a 70 year old man driving a 40 year old pickup truck as it is for a 25 year old driving a high performance vehicle of a current generation?

Give me a break.

 

[CCHOUSEKY]

Really? Speed limits are silly. With proper attention and good brakes, 24 over is nothing.

NOTHING.

The same speed limit is the maximum safe limit for a 70 year old man driving a 40 year old pickup truck as it is for a 25 year old driving a high performance vehicle of a current generation?

Give me a break.

Did he not say he was coming off a highway onto a city street? 24 over on a highway is one thing...24 over on a city street is a completely different thing. But alas, REO, if I offended you with my post, I do apologize. I wasn't trying to insinuate that you were one of those riders that gives everyone a bad name...just trying to make a point. But I am sorry if I offended you.

Lone, here in the US, on city streets, 24 over the posted speed limit is ludicrous. You're just asking to get nailed. Here in Kentucky, if you're doing 26 over you will be charged (yes, charged...so yes, you'll be arrested) with Reckless Driving. Under our laws, you can have your license suspended for 90 days for 26+ over.

Speed limits are silly, huh? I'll tell you what. For the next week, drive or ride everywhere you're going at 24 over the posted limit and then come back and tell us all how it worked out. I'm thinking you'll have a few new pieces of paper in your pocket and a few less dollars.

 

[REO Scorpio]

No worries. I know the type you're talking about, they come in various versions. I saw three at a light opposite me earlier in the day. All liter rockets, 2 in shorts. 2 of the 3 also wearing sandals. No helmets.

The post was never supposed to be the about the ticket or speed limits and their worth. The FAZR6 looks and fits well, I just don't want to screw it up by bending it. Was just looking for some insight.

And Lone, I get where you're coming from as well. Btw, just saw your sig video on youtube. Hilarious. That is the absolute best song to make a motorcycle video to. Beautiful choice, man.

Scorp

 

[CCHOUSEKY]

REO, I was thinking about your FE problem and it occurred to me...I wonder if you might be able to use longer bolts on the top holes of the license plate and put some sort of spacer between the plate and the FE? I'm not near my bike right now so I can't take a look at my FE, but instead of bending it, maybe this would be an option?

This would make the angle of the plate more upright while keeping the FE where it is. Hmm...I'm not sure what you could use, but maybe some sort of tubing slipped over the bolts, behind the license plate and in front of the FE? The only thing I'd worry about would be the plate rattling against the bottom of the FE (unless you could still bolt it at the bottom too).

This might look a little funky, but it might work. :thumbup:

 

[REO Scorpio]

That's what I started thinking as well. Doesn't the OEM, if I recall correctly, use some bracket that adjusts the angle? Can't remember. If so, maybe I can reuse that piece. If not, playing with bolt length could work.

But, yes, that may be a better route.

 

[lonesoldier84]

lol, thanks reo. love that song. btw your avatar rocks. that was a hilarious episode.

and @ CCHOUSEKY I am not advocating going and maintaining 24 over in every single scenario i am talking about picking a speed based on:

1) visibility

2) traffic conditions

3) pedestrian considerations

4) weather and road conditions

5) mechanical limitations of vehicle

Very often you can go much higher than the posted speed limit....yes even on a city street. There are many times i go LESS than the posted limit, and many times i am right at the limit. But if you think speed limits are actually meaningful in any way i advise you to check how traffic accidents actually went up in countries that recently started getting very serious about enforcing them like up in some european countries.

they are signs and numbers made by people sitting at big oak tables who signed some paper then some guy who gets paid by the city went and put the signs up.

in my view they are recommended limits on a regular day with regular traffic and pedestrian considerations. the fact that you can be arrested for going 24 over is not something that supports your defense of the speed limits. the fact you can be arrested shows how backwards, draconian, and poorly thought out our system is.

when in doubt....over-regulate. thats the motto of the west.

 

[krid80]

lol, thanks reo. love that song. btw your avatar rocks. that was a hilarious episode.

and @ CCHOUSEKY I am not advocating going and maintaining 24 over in every single scenario i am talking about picking a speed based on:

1) visibility

2) traffic conditions

3) pedestrian considerations

4) weather and road conditions

5) mechanical limitations of vehicle

Very often you can go much higher than the posted speed limit....yes even on a city street. There are many times i go LESS than the posted limit, and many times i am right at the limit. But if you think speed limits are actually meaningful in any way i advise you to check how traffic accidents actually went up in countries that recently started getting very serious about enforcing them like up in some european countries.

they are signs and numbers made by people sitting at big oak tables who signed some paper then some guy who gets paid by the city went and put the signs up.

in my view they are recommended limits on a regular day with regular traffic and pedestrian considerations. the fact that you can be arrested for going 24 over is not something that supports your defense of the speed limits. the fact you can be arrested shows how backwards, draconian, and poorly thought out our system is.

when in doubt....over-regulate. thats the motto of the west.

I don't think it is possible for me to agree more. However a lack of a speed limit would allow neanderthalic rednecks in jacked up 4x4's to feel they can rightfully run flat out on the interstate. It is hard to enforce your stipulations on speed so they blanket it with a number. An often ridiculous number.

allowing people to get arrested for speeding is STUPID! I am glad that you have to be going warp 7 to get arrested here in MO. In Illinois, 30mph over is just a $95 fine. In Montana it is like $15.

Kentucky SUCKS!

 

[REO Scorpio]

As this has clearly gone awry, I will clarify in means of hoping to put this somewhat to rest.

I have to concur with Lone on this one that arbitrary limits do not cover all motorists equally. Conditions and the individual skill and attention of the motorist need to be considered when traveling. There are times when I go over, times when I go under the limit. It all depends on what I "see".

As for my specific situation, I need to be more specific. it was not on a "city" street. I would never speed, let alone go that fast, through any typical city street. Where I was pulled over was a 4 lane road that opens from a forest preserve and about a mile south becomes a main road that connects a few suburbs. The part where I was speeding was the 4 lane section that has perfect visibility as the road goes down in front, meaning I was on the "high road". It was Sunday around dinner, so there were absolutely no cars on the road with me.

But again, more concerned with the FAZR6 fe kit. It seems like if it were truly a problem, more people would have had an issue by now. But as someone suggested, being pulled over by the same officer would be bad

Scorpio

 

[Mancolt]

Scorp, I came into this thread to read about your FE kit. But I'll admit, I got a little sidetracked and became more interested in the speeding debate. Sorry for hijacking, but I'd like to throw my opinion out there as well.

I'm with Lone and Krid. As Lone already pointed out, speed limits are just numbers voted on by local governments, I would assume just following past precedence on what other cities/municipalities use for their roads.

IIRC, alot of major U.S. highways are 55mph because that was (maybe still is) the most fuel efficient speed. They were set during the 1973 oil crisis by Nixon in order to reduce gasoline consumption...nothing about safety. You can look at the German Autobahn for an example that speed limits have little to do with safety:

A 2005 study by the German Federal Interior Ministry (Bundesministerium des Innern) indicated that Autobahn sections with unrestricted speed have the same crash record as sections with speed limits.

- Autobahn - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I also recall reading awhile ago something about a race car driver speeding in excess of 100mph on a highway. He was pulled over and decided to fight the ticket. The ticket was eventually dropped because it was determined that he possessed the requisite skill to drive in excess of 100mph safely. I'm not saying that any of us are that skilled, but it does show that some people are safely capable of driving in excess of the speed limit.

 

[REO Scorpio]

Scorp, I came into this thread to read about your FE kit. But I'll admit, I got a little sidetracked and became more interested in the speeding debate. Sorry for hijacking, but I'd like to throw my opinion out there as well.

I'm with Lone and Krid. As Lone already pointed out, speed limits are just numbers voted on by local governments, I would assume just following past precedence on what other cities/municipalities use for their roads.

IIRC, alot of major U.S. highways are 55mph because that was (maybe still is) the most fuel efficient speed. They were set during the 1973 oil crisis by Nixon in order to reduce gasoline consumption...nothing about safety. You can look at the German Autobahn for an example that speed limits have little to do with safety: - Autobahn - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I also recall reading awhile ago something about a race car driver speeding in excess of 100mph on a highway. He was pulled over and decided to fight the ticket. The ticket was eventually dropped because it was determined that he possessed the requisite skill to drive in excess of 100mph safely. I'm not saying that any of us are that skilled, but it does show that some people are safely capable of driving in excess of the speed limit.

Mancolt,

I was going to bring that up as well. You're dead on: The 55mph was enacted by congress based on EPA estimates on fuel efficiency and conservation. The statutory speed had nothing to do with safety.

Either way, let the thread be what it may.

Though I'd still like insight from any FAZR6 owners on how I might bend it.


Scorp

 

[jrevans]

My two cents

With regards to the non-readable angle of the license plate, you should have just told the officer that it's that way so he can read your plate when you're doing a wheelie.

Look, we all speed at one time or another. Personally, I try to not speed in residential areas, but open roads with good visibility and favorable traffic conditions are a different story. Heck, I'll even fess up to some passing over double yellow lines when I'm stuck behind slow annoying vehicles. In my mind, passing zones are different for motorcycles versus other vehicles. :Flash: