[Cadrien]

Giving the bike a once over before a ride this weekend I noticed my 3 month old license plate cracking as a result of the stock bracket and what I can only assume is from wind resistance. Has anyone else seen this? I hate the stock bracket but this is just a dumb design flaw.

 

[enzo5000]

Just put a nice chrome or black frame around the plate and that will solve the problem. There are tons of them for under 10 bucks on eBay.

Chrome Motorcycle License Plate Frame for 7 x 4 Motorcycle Plates Chrome Frame eBay

 

[Alpal]

Just put a nice chrome or black frame around the plate and that will solve the problem. There are tons of them for under 10 bucks on eBay.

Chrome Motorcycle License Plate Frame for 7 x 4 Motorcycle Plates Chrome Frame eBay

I have just this weekend made an aluminium backing plate ( made from old road signs) for my New Zealand plate which measures roughly 10" x 4". This strengthens the number plate and provides a smooth flat surface on which I stick my Rego and WOF (warrant of fitness) labels. All my bikes get this treatment after I lost half my plate on a long trip due to vibration years ago.

 

[Cindy]

When I got my bike they gave me a backing plate - didn't use it yet but might think about it before my plate does the same..

 

[2022]

Our Canadian (Ontario) plates are steel or some type of metal. No cracking here. I would like to add a protective holder , however i havent found one yet.

 

[RBinTEX]

When I got my bike they gave me a backing plate - didn't use it yet but might think about it before my plate does the same..

Cindy, I got a black backing plate with mine too, came in the intro pack, I didn't use it because I used a backing plate that had room for my state inspection sticker..

Just as a side to the OP, it looks like a metal plate!
Unless your license plate is made of cheap plastic or cardboard, I would almost think that you were a victim of a vandalism?
Could you have inadvertently hung the plate on something while pulling in your garage? Maybe ran over something in the dark?

I just can not wrap myself around the idea that this was caused by wind drag.
Especially since there doesn't appear to be any damage to the bracket!

Under any of the above circumstances how can you be blaming Indian or the bracket for the problem? <VBG>

 

[Bones]

Happened to me too this weekend, had to add some washers on top off the plate to stop it from flying off.
Or maybe i should just slow down?

 

[SDBobbyt]

Giving the bike a once over before a ride this weekend I noticed my 3 month old license plate cracking as a result of the stock bracket and what I can only assume is from wind resistance. Has anyone else seen this? I hate the stock bracket but this us just a dumb design flaw.

Happened to me too this weekend, had to add some washers on top off the plate to stop it from flying off.
Or maybe i should just slow down?

That's right! Keep it under a buck twenty~!

 

[Scout725]

Got home from a ride this weekend and mine was completely missing. I didn't use the backing plate the first time but will with the new one I picked up at the DMV this morning.

 

[Dirty Nic]

One of the folks at my dealer has a Scout and I noticed that the plate on it was cracked as well. I think the folks here are right in that a backing plate/frame will help. The states have all gone to an inexpensive, thin plate that is more susceptible to cracking.

 

[jimbojr]

Mine came with a backing plate and have had no issues...cant hardly get it to a buck twenty though...damn governors.

 

[Cadrien]

Cindy, I got a black backing plate with mine too, came in the intro pack, I didn't use it because I used a backing plate that had room for my state inspection sticker..

Just as a side to the OP, it looks like a metal plate!
Unless your license plate is made of cheap plastic or cardboard, I would almost think that you were a victim of a vandalism?
Could you have inadvertently hung the plate on something while pulling in your garage? Maybe ran over something in the dark?

I just can not wrap myself around the idea that this was caused by wind drag.
Especially since there doesn't appear to be any damage to the bracket!

Under any of the above circumstances how can you be blaming Indian or the bracket for the problem? <VBG>

To answer your questions, no. No vandalism, I did not hit something, I have not been out in the dark. It is very clear to me this is from wind.

I know I can add a backing plate and take other measures but I really do not think I should have to and if I should have to one should have been provided.

 

[Fuzzy]

Is this a red Scout? I can see this being a red Scout only problem.





They are the fastest.

 

[Alpal]

In my case years ago I knew the plate was buckled but left it. I feel it was the plate flexing back and forth in the wind due to the buckle. Lesson learnt. Put them flat with a backing plate I do.

 

[Fuzzy]

I went and checked mine. Sure enough. Cracked same spot. 430 miles

 

[Cadrien]

@RBinTEX still want to suggest I hit something and didn't realize it or that this is not caused by wind.

 

[RBinTEX]

@RBinTEX still want to suggest I hit something and didn't realize it or that this is not caused by wind.

If it is caused by the wind, why is mine still pristine after over a thousand miles.... and most of it at 80 and above.

Not saying that it isn't happening, I was only suggesting that there might be another reason.

And if it is the wind doing it why are all the cracks on the same side?
Does the wind blow harder on the right side?

I would like to suggest that you could quit whining about it and put a plate back there or go whine to the dealer, maybe he will feel sorry for you and put a plate on yours!

But I won't do that, I don't want to upset you with any more of my frivolous suggestions! <VBG>

 

[Cadrien]

If it is caused by the wind, why is mine still pristine after over a thousand miles.... and most of it at 80 and above.

Not saying that it isn't happening, I was only suggesting that there might be another reason.
And if it is the wind doing it why are all the cracks on the same side?
Does the wind blow harder on the right side?

Didn't you state that you are using a backing plate with room for your inspection sticker?

 

[RBinTEX]

Didn't you state that you are using a backing plate with room for your inspection sticker?

Yes I did, does that make me smarter?

 

[Brian Meyers]

Mine came with a sort of flimsy plastic backing which I used for a template to cut one from heavy gauge aluminum sheet. The aluminum backing was painted black on what can be seen at the back side, (just a bit anal). I then pop riveted the backing to the Scout plate frame and bolted on the license plate.

I agree it's probably caused by wind, vibration. whatever. No big deal an easy fix, so just fix it.