Unmarked Police Motorcycles
Discussion
Filtered to the front of a queue on my morning commute once, stopping next to another bike. Bit of a miserable day so I lifted my visor and said morning to the biker. Had a bit of a chat then sat waiting on the lights. A few seconds later the guy said, 'don't race off,' points at his bike, 'unmarked police.' I had to laugh, cold and wet and half asleep, I had no intention of racing anywhere, but it did make me smile.
Caddyshack said:
You would think having no plate would be an almost instant pull. When I used to go to car meets at ACEs cafe the police often turned up…the naughty boys did outnumber the police available and spoiled the venue Imo.
Is there any situation where no plate constitutes attempting to pervert the course of justice?RSstuff said:
Is there any situation where no plate constitutes attempting to pervert the course of justice?
If you have stopped short of a forward facing camera, taken the plate off and gone on your way. I've seen a press item on this scenario.I think if you could pass the red face test of no plate (it fell off officer) you'd be OK, but probably not more than once.
trickywoo said:
RSstuff said:
Is there any situation where no plate constitutes attempting to pervert the course of justice?
If you have stopped short of a forward facing camera, taken the plate off and gone on your way. I've seen a press item on this scenario.I think if you could pass the red face test of no plate (it fell off officer) you'd be OK, but probably not more than once.
People up here are getting really wound up about plod seemingly doing nothing about bike thefts and ignoring scrotes on bikes with no plates, balaclava, 2 or 3 up. But then going out buying top of the line bikes to harass people speeding or small plates etc. Not all my personal views but that’s the general tone and this seems to be PR that’s backfired badly, I haven’t seen a positive comment about it but in fairness bikers are often a grumpy bunch who think the world is against us.
I don’t see this mood changing until plod are actively chasing down scrotes on totally illegal bikes, people are feeling like easy targets / cash cows because 99/100 the legal bikers will stop and take the ticket because they have too much to lose.
I don’t see this mood changing until plod are actively chasing down scrotes on totally illegal bikes, people are feeling like easy targets / cash cows because 99/100 the legal bikers will stop and take the ticket because they have too much to lose.
If the police want to make friends with groups of bikers, then maybe it has failed.
If they want people to be more likely to not ride like a t
t then, based on the comments about being careful near bikes you don’t recognise (I.e. everyone you don’t know), then it has succeeded.
As much as people complain about bike thefts ultimately one stopping one tt from burying themselves in the landscape, or even worse, taking someone else with them, is more of a priority than dozens of stolen bikes. The anger comes a lot from the fact that people see bike thefts and thing “that could happen to me, but they see bike deaths and think “that would never happen to me”. There are some really dangerous riders (and drivers) on the road, but none of them are thinking “I might die doing this” even when everyone around them can see that. We are very bad at assessing our own risk, which is why people feel so aggrieved if they are stopped.
If they want people to be more likely to not ride like a t
t then, based on the comments about being careful near bikes you don’t recognise (I.e. everyone you don’t know), then it has succeeded.As much as people complain about bike thefts ultimately one stopping one t
t from burying themselves in the landscape, or even worse, taking someone else with them, is more of a priority than dozens of stolen bikes. The anger comes a lot from the fact that people see bike thefts and thing “that could happen to me, but they see bike deaths and think “that would never happen to me”. There are some really dangerous riders (and drivers) on the road, but none of them are thinking “I might die doing this” even when everyone around them can see that. We are very bad at assessing our own risk, which is why people feel so aggrieved if they are stopped.Jag_NE said:
People up here are getting really wound up about plod seemingly doing nothing about bike thefts and ignoring scrotes on bikes with no plates, balaclava, 2 or 3 up. But then going out buying top of the line bikes to harass people speeding or small plates etc. Not all my personal views but that’s the general tone and this seems to be PR that’s backfired badly, I haven’t seen a positive comment about it but in fairness bikers are often a grumpy bunch who think the world is against us.
I don’t see this mood changing until plod are actively chasing down scrotes on totally illegal bikes, people are feeling like easy targets / cash cows because 99/100 the legal bikers will stop and take the ticket because they have too much to lose.
Can't say I'd disagree with that view. Ordinary law abiding citizens have become easy targets for fines of all varieties seemingly because they'll actually pay them. Meanwhile it's hard work to actually go out and catch scrotes. I don’t see this mood changing until plod are actively chasing down scrotes on totally illegal bikes, people are feeling like easy targets / cash cows because 99/100 the legal bikers will stop and take the ticket because they have too much to lose.
Whilst I sympathise the poor policing has been caused by budget cuts it does somewhat boil my blood when you see an article where the police have spent ridiculous amounts of money in the pursuit of catching speeding drivers, such as this Kawasaki or indeed when they go out and spend £15k on a super telephoto lens.
When I worked in London I came across the 'ballied up' scrotes on stolen mopeds regularly and my impression is certainly that not enough is done about it. I once even had the pleasure of being chased by two such chaps through Tooting. Though must admit on the occasion I found it relatively entertaining as their nicked 300cc scooter, 2 up was no match for a 750cc adventure bike across speed bumps on roads I knew very well. Nonetheless did leave me feeling how can they get away with it!? I bet if I took my number plate off I'd be pulled over before I got to the end of my road! Sods law.
Electro1980 said:
If the police want to make friends with groups of bikers, then maybe it has failed.
If they want people to be more likely to not ride like a tt then, based on the comments about being careful near bikes you don’t recognise (I.e. everyone you don’t know), then it has succeeded.
As much as people complain about bike thefts ultimately one stopping one tt from burying themselves in the landscape, or even worse, taking someone else with them, is more of a priority than dozens of stolen bikes. The anger comes a lot from the fact that people see bike thefts and thing “that could happen to me, but they see bike deaths and think “that would never happen to me”. There are some really dangerous riders (and drivers) on the road, but none of them are thinking “I might die doing this” even when everyone around them can see that. We are very bad at assessing our own risk, which is why people feel so aggrieved if they are stopped.
I agree with your first couple of sentences, and it's probably fair to say most risky behaviour on the road comes from people who haven't really considered the risks to themselves or others (or care about others). However I strongly disagree with your last sentence: a lot of riders spend an awful lot of time assessing their own risk, possibly all the time they're riding, as well as during periods before riding, and reflection after. A lot of those riders are going to be very good at assessing their own risk.If they want people to be more likely to not ride like a t
t then, based on the comments about being careful near bikes you don’t recognise (I.e. everyone you don’t know), then it has succeeded.As much as people complain about bike thefts ultimately one stopping one t
t from burying themselves in the landscape, or even worse, taking someone else with them, is more of a priority than dozens of stolen bikes. The anger comes a lot from the fact that people see bike thefts and thing “that could happen to me, but they see bike deaths and think “that would never happen to me”. There are some really dangerous riders (and drivers) on the road, but none of them are thinking “I might die doing this” even when everyone around them can see that. We are very bad at assessing our own risk, which is why people feel so aggrieved if they are stopped.Your opinion of how people feel when stopped suggests you've had risks explained to you at the roadside; we don't all experience or feel the same.
Birky_41 said:
I'm very aware old bill read these posts (I've seen people post only to find themselves in further trouble because of it on PH) however given the magnitude to which people get in trouble for doing 90+ in the twisties/motorways I do wonder why bikers stop. I of course would never condone this and dont speed but it does make me wonder
Only need to ride into London for a bike night ace cafe or similar to see how few of 'dem R1 boyz' dont have plates on...funny that
Bit of a nuclear option if you've got something to lose. Only need to ride into London for a bike night ace cafe or similar to see how few of 'dem R1 boyz' dont have plates on...funny that
You better get away and be fairly confident they don't have your plate already.
Anyone without anything to lose then crack on, probably running a cloned plate anyway.
I got pulled by an unmarked GS last year on the A41 near Chester after leaving a well know (but very sensible) bike meet.
My R6 at the time had a 7x5 plate on (was on it when I got the bike). Yes I know crime of the century.
Anyway he pulled me over, started lecturing me on the importance of having a full sizes plate.
During this time, some less sensible bikers, proceeded to wheelie out of the nearby roundabout while others raced past at well over double the speed limit.
Plod didn't bat and eye. Just carried on writing me my £100 fine.
Left a bitter taste as, yes I know I was in the wrong and didn't argue the case, was nothing but polite. But he couldn't have been less interested in the behaviours of others. "My next victims" he stated as he got his helmet on.
Cool story I know.
My R6 at the time had a 7x5 plate on (was on it when I got the bike). Yes I know crime of the century.
Anyway he pulled me over, started lecturing me on the importance of having a full sizes plate.
During this time, some less sensible bikers, proceeded to wheelie out of the nearby roundabout while others raced past at well over double the speed limit.
Plod didn't bat and eye. Just carried on writing me my £100 fine.
Left a bitter taste as, yes I know I was in the wrong and didn't argue the case, was nothing but polite. But he couldn't have been less interested in the behaviours of others. "My next victims" he stated as he got his helmet on.
Cool story I know.
EVOTECH3BELL said:
I got pulled by an unmarked GS last year on the A41 near Chester after leaving a well know (but very sensible) bike meet.
My R6 at the time had a 7x5 plate on (was on it when I got the bike). Yes I know crime of the century.
Anyway he pulled me over, started lecturing me on the importance of having a full sizes plate.
During this time, some less sensible bikers, proceeded to wheelie out of the nearby roundabout while others raced past at well over double the speed limit.
Plod didn't bat and eye. Just carried on writing me my £100 fine.
Left a bitter taste as, yes I know I was in the wrong and didn't argue the case, was nothing but polite. But he couldn't have been less interested in the behaviours of others. "My next victims" he stated as he got his helmet on.
Cool story I know.
Makes you wonder if a marked bike would have dissuaded the activity in the first place whilst not upsetting people. I get an unmarked bike but I do not get when they egg on other riders by riding quickly with them and then pulling them over. I have seen vids where plod quite naturally enjoy a spirited ride first….after all, I imagine they would love a little chase to use their training.My R6 at the time had a 7x5 plate on (was on it when I got the bike). Yes I know crime of the century.
Anyway he pulled me over, started lecturing me on the importance of having a full sizes plate.
During this time, some less sensible bikers, proceeded to wheelie out of the nearby roundabout while others raced past at well over double the speed limit.
Plod didn't bat and eye. Just carried on writing me my £100 fine.
Left a bitter taste as, yes I know I was in the wrong and didn't argue the case, was nothing but polite. But he couldn't have been less interested in the behaviours of others. "My next victims" he stated as he got his helmet on.
Cool story I know.
I know a local copper and she passed me at a lot of leptons when I was in my e55 AMG…when I next saw her she said "I thought you would give chase and have a bit of a burn up?" She used to drive a modded scooby.
EVOTECH3BELL said:
I got pulled by an unmarked GS last year on the A41 near Chester after leaving a well know (but very sensible) bike meet.
My R6 at the time had a 7x5 plate on (was on it when I got the bike). Yes I know crime of the century.
Anyway he pulled me over, started lecturing me on the importance of having a full sizes plate.
During this time, some less sensible bikers, proceeded to wheelie out of the nearby roundabout while others raced past at well over double the speed limit.
Plod didn't bat and eye. Just carried on writing me my £100 fine.
Left a bitter taste as, yes I know I was in the wrong and didn't argue the case, was nothing but polite. But he couldn't have been less interested in the behaviours of others. "My next victims" he stated as he got his helmet on.
Cool story I know.
Thread diversion. To rehash old ground. It’s not the size of the plate that makes it illegal it’s the size and spacing of the digits. 7x5 is usually too small to squeeze a normal eg 7 digit plate. But a 9x6.5 would allow correct sizing. 5 or even 6 digit registration and you can get legal 7x6.5 with all the correct markings of supplier and BS AU 145 My R6 at the time had a 7x5 plate on (was on it when I got the bike). Yes I know crime of the century.
Anyway he pulled me over, started lecturing me on the importance of having a full sizes plate.
During this time, some less sensible bikers, proceeded to wheelie out of the nearby roundabout while others raced past at well over double the speed limit.
Plod didn't bat and eye. Just carried on writing me my £100 fine.
Left a bitter taste as, yes I know I was in the wrong and didn't argue the case, was nothing but polite. But he couldn't have been less interested in the behaviours of others. "My next victims" he stated as he got his helmet on.
Cool story I know.
Mind you, if you get a jobsworth you’re probably going to fail the attitude test explaining that
Edited by Mr Dendrite on Saturday 25th March 09:17
ChocolateFrog said:
It's amazing how much compliance I see following cars on my grey VFR in a black and yellow jacket.
Wondered what was going on at first.
Just need “Polite’ on your jacket lol.Wondered what was going on at first.
My mad next door neighbour likes to reverse in to his drive, he has bought a torch with blue and red flashing lights in it, he puts it on to stop the traffic….I have explained the legality of this but he is 80 yrs old and known as the village nutter. He was arrested not too long ago for knocking out a 40 yr old who he disagreed with.
EVOTECH3BELL said:
I got pulled by an unmarked GS last year on the A41 near Chester after leaving a well know (but very sensible) bike meet.
My R6 at the time had a 7x5 plate on (was on it when I got the bike). Yes I know crime of the century.
Anyway he pulled me over, started lecturing me on the importance of having a full sizes plate.
During this time, some less sensible bikers, proceeded to wheelie out of the nearby roundabout while others raced past at well over double the speed limit.
Plod didn't bat and eye. Just carried on writing me my £100 fine.
Left a bitter taste as, yes I know I was in the wrong and didn't argue the case, was nothing but polite. But he couldn't have been less interested in the behaviours of others. "My next victims" he stated as he got his helmet on.
Cool story I know.
I have shared your bitter taste, albeit with a slightly undersized front car numberplate purchased so that it fitted in a central space on the front bumper, a ruler was required to clarify my grossly unlawful behaviour - You could read it from a very hearty distance. £100.00 poorer, it was a waste of everyone’s time . My R6 at the time had a 7x5 plate on (was on it when I got the bike). Yes I know crime of the century.
Anyway he pulled me over, started lecturing me on the importance of having a full sizes plate.
During this time, some less sensible bikers, proceeded to wheelie out of the nearby roundabout while others raced past at well over double the speed limit.
Plod didn't bat and eye. Just carried on writing me my £100 fine.
Left a bitter taste as, yes I know I was in the wrong and didn't argue the case, was nothing but polite. But he couldn't have been less interested in the behaviours of others. "My next victims" he stated as he got his helmet on.
Cool story I know.
Some tolerance and judgement is thankfully assumed by much of the Police, but the cop speed shows where self opinionated officers are called ‘Bigsy’ or ‘Trapper’ indicate the moronic types that often gravitate towards traffic duties.
Jag_NE said:
People up here are getting really wound up about plod seemingly doing nothing about bike thefts and ignoring scrotes on bikes with no plates, balaclava, 2 or 3 up. But then going out buying top of the line bikes to harass people speeding or small plates etc. Not all my personal views but that’s the general tone and this seems to be PR that’s backfired badly, I haven’t seen a positive comment about it but in fairness bikers are often a grumpy bunch who think the world is against us.
I don’t see this mood changing until plod are actively chasing down scrotes on totally illegal bikes, people are feeling like easy targets / cash cows because 99/100 the legal bikers will stop and take the ticket because they have too much to lose.
Not everywhere some places have squads for itI don’t see this mood changing until plod are actively chasing down scrotes on totally illegal bikes, people are feeling like easy targets / cash cows because 99/100 the legal bikers will stop and take the ticket because they have too much to lose.
Mr Dendrite said:
EVOTECH3BELL said:
I got pulled by an unmarked GS last year on the A41 near Chester after leaving a well know (but very sensible) bike meet.
My R6 at the time had a 7x5 plate on (was on it when I got the bike). Yes I know crime of the century.
Anyway he pulled me over, started lecturing me on the importance of having a full sizes plate.
During this time, some less sensible bikers, proceeded to wheelie out of the nearby roundabout while others raced past at well over double the speed limit.
Plod didn't bat and eye. Just carried on writing me my £100 fine.
Left a bitter taste as, yes I know I was in the wrong and didn't argue the case, was nothing but polite. But he couldn't have been less interested in the behaviours of others. "My next victims" he stated as he got his helmet on.
Cool story I know.
Thread diversion. To rehash old ground. It’s not the size of the plate that makes it illegal it’s the size and spacing of the digits. 7x5 is usually too small to squeeze a normal eg 7 digit plate. But a 9x6.5 would allow correct sizing. 5 or even 6 digit registration and you can get legal 7x6.5 with all the correct markings of supplier and BS AU 145 My R6 at the time had a 7x5 plate on (was on it when I got the bike). Yes I know crime of the century.
Anyway he pulled me over, started lecturing me on the importance of having a full sizes plate.
During this time, some less sensible bikers, proceeded to wheelie out of the nearby roundabout while others raced past at well over double the speed limit.
Plod didn't bat and eye. Just carried on writing me my £100 fine.
Left a bitter taste as, yes I know I was in the wrong and didn't argue the case, was nothing but polite. But he couldn't have been less interested in the behaviours of others. "My next victims" he stated as he got his helmet on.
Cool story I know.
Mind you, if you get a jobsworth you’re probably going to fail the attitude test explaining that
Edited by Mr Dendrite on Saturday 25th March 09:17
My dad pulled in behind with the same sized plate and got away with it.
Ah well
gareth_r said:
Under the current rules, the minimum, indeed only, height of a legal motorcycle plate is 163mm/6.417 inches.
If you're rich, it could be 66mm/2.598 inches wide, though.
2B or not 2B If you're rich, it could be 66mm/2.598 inches wide, though.
Edited by gareth_r on Saturday 25th March 17:27
You are clearly as sad as me, 11+64+13+64+11
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