Why do motorcyclists flip their plates

Let's face it, traffic cops and cops on a traffic beat have a tough task when it comes to catching motorcyclists. Even law-abiding citizens that behave like the calmest of gentlemen while driving their cars all of a sudden seem to transform into speed demons when atop motorcycles. There's something about the open road and riding on two wheels that gets the heart racing. In fact, once you do get on a fast bike, cars just might not cut it anymore. Riding a mean machine is addictive, and once a biker, well, always a biker.

Motorcycles are much simpler than cars, which is why many bikers love to personalize their motorcycles as much as they can. And oftentimes, this means modding it above and beyond the legal limit. The thing is, an experienced biker knows his mods and can get away with a few illegal ones because he has the wisdom to recognize which mod will attract the eyeballs of the law, and which won't.

A new biker may end up attracting more tickets because he may not even know which illegal mods he could actually get away with. Though frankly speaking, there's a reason why the mods on this list are all illegal, and that's because they can become a disaster on the road for both the rider and other drivers or pedestrians around. Sticking to legal mods is a far better idea...but even outlaw riders everywhere should heed our tips - these are the 10 illegal mods most cops let go and the 10 they will definitely ticket!

20/20 Cops Let Go: A Mongrel Motorcycle

Via autoevolution.com

This is perhaps the best way to get away from the black boots of the traffic cops, even if you are riding on one of the most-illegal custom motorcycle creation. Like a mongrel, a cross of different breeds, this stunning motorcycle mod is capable of hiding everything under its wraps.

This unique project is a fruitful fusion of two well-known motorcycle legends – Ducati and BMW.

And together, they get shaped into a stand-out, man-made machine that looks far better than anything else on planet Earth. However, their marriage may falter if its power plant goes wonky, especially in terms of its mechanical and functional viability.

19/20 Cops Let Go: One Too Many Headlamps

Via clearwaterlights.com

This one tends to go mostly unnoticed, doesn’t matter when and where you might be riding. Particularly, the credit goes to continuous advancement of the lighting technology within the automobile sector. From conventional headlamps to HIDs and now LEDs, it is difficult to distinguish legal from illegal. Some bike riders remove their original headlamps and get multiple headlamps fixed to make their bikes look exceptional and otherworldly. But, the modifications can actually look bizarre and are totally illegal. It is written in the law that a motorcycle cannot have more than two headlamps as it can prove to be a deathtrap for the incoming traffic.

18/20 Cops Let Go: A Bike Turned Trike

Via wikipedia.com

Turning a motorcycle into a three-wheeler is a perfect case study in foolishness. And to make matter worse, it’s not possible to amend your motorcycle license papers into a three-wheeled car-cycle.

So, when you have an extra wheel on your modified motorcycle just for fun, you are more likely to get a ticket from the cops.

With this custom mod, you will be the patrol cop’s steady customer. But on the brighter side, if one can convince the patrol cops that it’s meant to carry a challenged member of the family and is still in its experimental stage, the cops might let just it go. Especially if you smile winningly at them.

17/20 Cops Let Go: Look Ma, No Fenders

Via vagabondmotorsports.com

A lot of today’s biking enthusiasts make use of a fender eliminator kit to modify their dream machines. They do it to showcase the beauty of the rear tires and add glamour to their bike’s persona. At times, however, the process removes the rear license plate which in turn could draw the attention of patrol cops easily. Plus, this could lead to a possible warning and issuance of a ticket. However, there is a trick to get away from this situation. Always carry the license plate along and flash it whenever the traffic cops ask you to show. Since it’s actually not a public hazard, cops usually let it go. Usually, anyways...

16/20 Cops Let Go: Monstrous Rear Wheels

via zeeldesign.com

This modification turns any motorcycle into a beast. Swapping the rear tire with a monstrous tire can completely change the character of a motorcycle. And sometimes, the character of its rider too! But, in some cases, it may also ruin the aesthetics of the bike, especially if the rear tire’s size is not in proportion with the front one.

It also completely changes the riding experience of the motorcyclist, especially in the handling department.

And one could end up hitting any unlucky pedestrian or a motorist on the road, like a moving comet that is waiting to smash anybody in its path. One can get away from cops only if he or she becomes an expert rider on these mods before hitting the roadway.

15/20 Cops Let Go: I Don’t Need No Stinking Mirrors

Via wikia.com

This is a very common practice worldwide. In an effort to make the motorcycle look distinctive and fine-looking, riders remove the side mirrors. This modification may reduce drag but it certainly can handicap riders from viewing blind spots on the roadways. They will have to turn their heads back while riding to figure out which way to navigate. And more, the action could result in some severe injuries or even fatality. This obviously is quite dangerous and is the reason why this alteration on the motorcycle is utterly illegal. Most of the owners of this mod fix a blind-sight bar-end mirror close to the clutch as an excuse to earn a pardon from cops.

14/20 Cops Let Go: An Unusual License Plate Place

Via hdforums.com

Some diehard motorcycle devotees believe that they must do something bizarre the very same day they bring home their dream machine. It doesn’t matter what, as long as that well-designed, brand-new product is turned into a parody of sorts. It is primarily done to attract a lot of praise and eyeballs.

In a bid to clear the cluster off the rear mudguard, some riders shift the license plate and the rear light to either side.

It definitely looks different but the way cops are going to look at the riders is rather difficult to handle. That’s because the cops behind can’t see the license number and plate. Or, he might also let you go thinking that it’s an unregistered new motorcycle as long as you keep it shiny new!

13/20 Cops Let Go: Ridiculous Ape Hangers

Via magicbike.net

While this unusual mod might look abnormal, it makes a solid statement when on the move. The ordinary-looking regular handlebar is lifted high above the head of the rider, sufficient enough for an easy maneuverability. Dubbed as an Ape Hanger, this absurd modification can prove to be an exasperating and agonizing experience for its owners. It’s like an excessive arm workout that can turn the rider’s hands and biceps raw on long drives. On a lighter note, the biker’s default surrender position is a lifesaver when cops are following behind. Plus, a baddie image of the rider on this mod is something no one would want to mess up with.

12/20 Cops Let Go: When Going Matte, Go All The Way

Via hdforums.com

In an ambitious quest for making their motorcycle have an extra sporty feel, some power bike fans remove its rear reflectors. In fact, the reflectors on the motorcycle act as an additional safety measure, particularly while prowling at night.

Also, it helps increase the visibility of the motorbike during the day.

It is illegal to remove them and might very well earn the rider a ticket if the patrol cops spot it, except perhaps during the daytime when there is enough light and is difficult for cops to notice reflectors. So, better ride during the day if you are taking on this erred mod.

11/20 Cops Let Go: Faux Menace & Weaponry

Via youtube.com

This unique motorcycle modification is branded as fake personal protection. Perhaps that’s why one is able to get away from a cop’s ticket, mentioning the modification as a necessary precaution. With this mod, the bike gets a weapon-like thingy hanging out from both the ends of the handlebar. The mod may distract other people on the roadway but is otherwise harmless. Unlike other popular motorcycle mods that are cop magnets and can land its riders in striped dungarees, this mod just looks sinister and scary. So most cops just let go of this harmless mod with a warning. Just don't get caught twice by the same cop.

10/20 Ticketed: Attaching The Front, To The Rear

Via youtube.com

Well, this is a rather serious mod as it can get the motorcycle as well as the motorcyclists behind bars. Attaching a “get back whip” to the handlebar is something that doesn’t go down with the patrol cops.

Some of the owners of these mods say it’s a symbol of their club’s color.

And some fool around by stating that it is meant for safety as other motorists can notice them easily and maintain an appropriate distance. However, the cops consider this insane motorcycle modification as purposeless and distractible. There is no way one can avoid getting the ticket if the cops spot the whip on the motorcycle.

9/20 Ticketed: Them Rumbling Clouds!

via best-motorcycle.com

These rumbling motorcycle exhausts are usually worn to attract more eyeballs. But they eventually attract peoples' frowns and the cops' attention effortlessly. These high-decibel mods are absolutely illegal in any and all parts of the world. And they are outlawed not just for the noise pollution they create but for the harmful emissions that spoil the environment further.  Plus they can be deadly to an unsuspecting pedestrian standing in the line of fire... It is best to use legitimate free-flow exhausts that are good for the environs and come in peace.

8/20 Ticketed: Rainbow Lights On The Road

Via flickr.com

We use three colors for traffic safety reasons – red, yellow and green. The red color travels faster than any other shade of light that’s why it is used for brake lamps on the automobiles across the globe. Plus, red is portrayed as a universal of distress or warning. Also, a red color on the traffic lamps denotes a “stop” signal.

The yellow color is used worldwide for headlamps as our eyes are accustomed to the sunlight.

And, the yellow makes perfect sense for a “hurry up” signal on the traffic lights. The green color is calming and is the reason for the “go ahead” sign. Using these colors or rather any other color as a modification on the motorcycle to make it look trendy can make streets less visible and prone to accidents. This illegal mod can’t escape being caught.

7/20 Ticketed: This

Via pinterest.com

One more noise polluter that is easily spotted and chased by the patrol cops. Once caught and ticketed, this Gatling exhaust-armed mod is also capable of earning you striped overalls. This Uzi-like, blaring exhaust is obviously illegal. To make things worse, once spotted it is difficult to escape as it leaves behind a noisy trail that makes the cop’s chase look cool and the rider look like a dunce. While this mod’s rider might feel like Rambo initially, the truth is he’ll be behind bars in no time. In a way, it sets a perfect precedent for the many more budding Rambos of the future.

6/20 Ticketed: Look, Dude, No Brakes

Via bikeexif.com

Well, it sounds a little masochistic when you remove the front brakes of your motorcycle in a bid to give it a modification. It is a universal fact that the front brakes are far more effective than the rear brakes.

About two-thirds of the braking power of any motorcycle is gained from its front brakes.

Plus, the motorcycle’s weight transfer is more critical due to its wheelbase that is relative to its center of mass height. These specific mods should best be dropped at all cost not just for its life-threatening modification but for its propensity to attract cop tickets or a serious lawsuit.

5/20 Ticketed: Noise Pollution

Via youtube.com

Well, this modification may not be as bad as the Uzi-like tail gunners or a high-decibel rumbling exhaust but it certainly can irritate the patience out of other motorists and pedestrians around. The addition of pressure horns as a means of modification can cause serious damage to someone’s eardrums. Apart from being illegal, it can also result in a permanent loss of hearing. Once caught, the owner can not only lose his driving license but is likely to lose the motorcycle as well. To curb the use of these pressure horns, many governments have allowed the use of dual horns that are less noisy and more effective.

4/20 Ticketed: For Sound, Get A Car

Via youngchoppers.com

A good-looking sound system with speakers on a cool and speedy motorcycle may sound like music to your ears, but in many ways can prove to be a bad modification idea. Most of the motorbikes have their own showy sound that comes out of its power plant.

Adding more to it via speakers may not make any sense especially to the rider who is wearing a helmet.

It may not even entertain other motorists around but can, in fact, endanger their lives. This particular music-on-wheels mod looks abusive on public roadways. And last but not the least it can earn a hefty fine with the mods being seized by the cops.

3/20 Ticketed: Why Should You See My Plate?

Via zx6r.com

Why would one want to hide the number plate of his or her motorcycle? I mean, what kind of modification is this and what for? A license plate is the identification of the motorcycle and that is the first thing any patrol cop would look for if something goes wrong. And if it is hidden, even if the rider has done nothing wrong, this modification is good enough reason to put him behind bars. The only reason why anyone would opt for this kind of mod is if someone wants to ride recklessly and wishes to get away without anyone noticing the license plate and reporting it to cops.

2/20 Ticketed: A Black Market Heart Transplant

via ddmotorsystems.com

Swapping engines often proves to be a damp squib. A powerful engine is like the heart of the motorcycle and the chassis of the motorcycle is designed in such a way that it can carry the burden of the engine, its power, and other things.

The brakes, suspension, tires, and wheels are tweaked for certain speeds and to give maximum output.

Any variation or modification can also alter the whole dynamics of the motorcycle at any given point. Plus, it is a sure fire way to get your modified dream machine seized by the traffic cops. It is better to resuscitate the engine and revive the vintage motorcycle than to risk swapping it with another engine.

1/20 Ticketed: Oh My Eyes, My Eyes!

Via badweatherbikers.com

The auto bazaar is flooded with numerous options of modifying your esteemed ride. It doesn’t matter whether its legal or illegal, mods exist for the takers. And they are throbbing like never before regardless of their prohibited status. Nowadays a lot of vehicles come fitted with the HID or High-Intensity Discharge headlamps as they are very powerful and more effective than the conventional ones. Company-fitted HID lamps include mandatory projector lens that helps focus the beam of the light. Otherwise, the HID lamp’s massive power can blind the oncoming traffic. Any HID modification without the projector lens can land the riders in trouble with the patrol cops.

What is a flip plate?

Our flipping licensed plate device allows two license plates, with a push of a button, will rotate 180 degree, changing one number into another within 1.2 seconds. Stop looking around, you won't find this unique 180 degrees flippers selling anywhere else in America.

Why do bikers put their hand down?

This is a way of expressing respect towards the other motorcyclist. It's our way of saying, “Hello! Keep the rubber side down, keep both wheels on the ground”. It signifies that the rider is wishing the fellow rider to stay safe and ride safe.

Why do motorcycle racers lean?

In short, leaning the bike allows there to be a gravitational torque to balance the torque from the fake force. Leaning prevents you from falling over.