when can we put rear numbers on belly pan like wera?

[tzracer]

Oh forget it, your obviously stuck in a certain mind set.   I just find it interesting that whenever this subject comes up you're the first to chime in with "put a number plate on it".  Like it's the answer to the world's problems. 

So finally I had to ask....do you really like number plates?  I guess the answer is yes  ::)

Actually now that I think about it, I kinda like it.  I think I'm going to experiment for the next week.  Anytime someone comes to me with a problem I'm going to tell them "put a number plate on it" 

I'll let ya know how it goes 

LOL

Bikes used to have no place to put numbers, we added number plates.

Bikes then evolved bodywork that replicated race bikes at the time. This bodywork had plenty of room for 8" tall 3 digit numbers.

Current trends are to have bodywork for no room for numbers.

Solutions:
1) Put on bodywork that has space for numbers, if the rules allow. I built my own subframe for my SV to run bodywork that had room for 8" numbers. Unfortunately most people have neither the skills nor the equipment to design and build their own subframe (mine dropped 7.5 lbs from the bike). ISTR that CCS will allow you to run any bodywork.

2) Put on some sort of number plates. Liking or not liking is irrelevant. No. I don't really like them, but it is one solution.

3) Get the manufacturers to make bodywork to fit numbers again.

The 'problem' is not going to be solved on the CCS Fan Forum.

My solution to everything is not number plates, but it is fun to to see the reactions of the people who think they are too ugly to put on their bike. Playing devils advocate can be fun, although it can get to be boring when it is like shooting fish in a barrel. You need to get a thicker skin and realize when you are being played. Smit away, ouch it hurts so much.

GP bikes have room for numbers because they are designed for racing. The 125s and 250s (which drag is a significant problem) have larger tail sections. I can put 3 6" numbers on my 125 tail. For pure top speed, a tail like the XBRR (http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/photos/26507ATL_8318.jpg) would work best. However there can be problems with handling in cross winds and during rapid transitions. Also such tails would probably not be hot sellers for street riders. For street bikes, form does not always follow function.

[tzracer]

Good thing for us is that bolt on number plates would also be altering the supersport condition of the fairings even though they would technically make the bike less aerodynamic and be a detriment to performance. But of course...those are AMA supersport rules not CCS.

But if I'm ever asked to bolt a performance robbing apparatus onto my motorcycle other than myself, I'm sure I'll respectfully decline...

One thing about aerodynamics - looks can be deceiving. Adding number plates may or may not have a significant affect on performance. Without a wind tunnel or proper track testing, just looking at it does not give the answer. You might be able to add plates and make your motorcycle more aerodynamic. Motorcycles are actually quite poor shapes aerodynamically. You have to be concerned with not just air moving around, but also through the motorcycle - radiators being one problem.

[kl3640]

Buell XB series have pretty much a non-existant tail. But theres no reason that the aftermarket bodywork companies couldnt 'finesse' their replacement tails with more number space.

I was looking at pictures of the XB bikes, and in stock trim the tail is actually the 2-up seat, but for race trim wouldn't the tail basically cover that area?  Even the optional rear seat cowls (that either cover the rear of the seat or work in conjunction with a solo seat) that I've seen for them seem to provide enough surface area for even 3-4" numbers, which we know that CCS will allow.

I still haven't seen a newer bike (in race trim) that doesn't have room for at least small numbers on the tail.

But TZRACER is correct - if no room, then # plates, and if they're not legal because the stock tail shape must be used then that's an issue for the sanctioning organization (kind of like all the model specific rules they make now, such as case armour, airbox mods, etc.).

[Team_Serpent]

Smit away, ouch it hurts so much.

While in the past I have smtied someone once or twice I don't think I smited you.  I haven't been paying attention to the whole Karma/Smite thing because there are some real winner's on here who get a big kick out of smiting people.

No. I don't really like them, but it is one solution.

There it is!  I knew it!  Thank god, because if you really did like number plates I probably would have written you off and never read your posts again.  

[tzracer]

There it is!  I knew it!  Thank god, because if you really did like number plates I probably would have written you off and never read your posts again.  

Not liking them has never stopped me from using them. Really didn't have much choice 20 years ago.

What if using number plates was the difference between racing or not racing?

[ekraft84]

tz, you're quite a character.  :D

[Team_Serpent]

Actually now that I think about it, I kinda like it.  I think I'm going to experiment for the next week.  Anytime someone comes to me with a problem I'm going to tell them "put a number plate on it" 

I'll let ya know how it goes 

Well it's been a little more than a week and while I've been getting a kick out of this most are left confussed.

The two biggest responces at the office are -

"Do what?"

or

"Where do we keep those?" 

[Mongo]

Where do we keep those?  That's fantastic!

[Team_Serpent]

Where do we keep those?  That's fantastic!

Yeah, the first time I got that response I busted a gut big time, it was just as funny the second time