Number plate - period correct

[Luke87]

Hi all. Apologies if this has been covered before, I have searched but couldn't find the exact answer.
I've just had my V5 for my 1976 CB550 import.
If it was a uk bike what plate would it of had in the 70s? Would it of been a pressed aluminium plate, or the type with the separate digits stuck on?
From what I've read I assume a black and silver plate could be displayed, but I'd rather have the type it would of had originally if it was uk registered. Thanks. Luke

[kevski]

Your bike would have had a yellow plate with adhesive numbers and letter just like the modern ones, pre 73 had black and silver, but as from May next year any vehicle that falls into the 40 year old category will be road tax and MOT exempt and qualify for black and silver number plates.

[Johnwebley]

I am 90% sure it would have the yellow/black style.

 checking it seems only vehicles registered pre jan 1975 can use black/silver plates

 check this link

https://www.heritagecarinsurance.co.uk/newsroom/news-and-articles/can-i-display-black-silver-number-plate/

[Luke87]

Yes I would of thought it would of had a yellow plate, but the type of yellow plate I was more unsure of. I'm less keen on a modern reflective plate as it doesn't seem right that a 40 year old bike would have the same type of plate as a brand new bike. I'm swaying towards the type with the raised digits riveted on.

[K2-K6]

I've an old plate from 1975,  black on yellow in aluminium with the letters raised by pressing from the rear.

So integral with the plate all from one sheet of aluminium, but raised profile on display side.

[MrDavo]

At the time, black and white numberplates were illegal on vehicles registered after 31/12/72, as a traffic copper on the M6 pointed out to me after pulling me over for having one on my 1977 Triumph T140V. I don't remember why, I guess I thought it looked cooler  , and my plastic yellow one had broken with vibration (again). He let me off with a bollocking and a promise to change it.

What he hadn't noticed was, as I was recovering my bike to Lancaster after a recent crash in Manchester, I'd nearly gone into the back of his Range Rover when he pulled up on the hard shoulder, due to the lack of a front disc (I'd taken it off because it was broken) plus the forks and front wheel were bent to buggery. Not big or clever I know, but I was a student and couldn't afford to hire a van.

[Bryanj]

Most dealers used yellow plate with stick on numbers for ease, not knowing what the local dvla office would issue BUT a few bigger ones used pressed out plates and the accrilic were just comming in

[kevski]

Ok not exact replica of modern ones, i had a brand new Honda in 1974, it came with a yellow reflective plastic plate and stick on black numbers and letters straight from the dealership, i also remember one of my mates having the pressed alluminuim type it was like a barn door bolted to the back of the bike it were huge.

[kevski]

I am 90% sure it would have the yellow/black style.

 checking it seems only vehicles registered pre jan 1975 can use black/silver plates

 check this link

https://www.heritagecarinsurance.co.uk/newsroom/news-and-articles/can-i-display-black-silver-number-plate/

That's and old item, the black plate is now like the road tax and is on the rolling 40 year of age basis, which will make no difference to me as i will stick to modern plates on both my classics, and i will also keep MOT'ing them.

[Luke87]

Thank you for your informed replies.

[Tomb]

You can still order the ali pressed plates, heres an e.g.

Click