Z-Plates

Cowboy Don · Oct 11, 2012

Hey Guys,

On a 71, what is the difference between the l/h & r/h z-plates, aside from the zener diode mount?

OldBalz · Oct 11, 2012

Cowboy Don said:
Hey Guys,

On a 71, what is the difference between the l/h & r/h z-plates, aside from the zener diode mount?

Well, i don't quite understand your question.....but they won't interchange and they are well...side-specific.

hobot · Oct 11, 2012

L & H hand mirror images of each other that could be mounted oppositely/inside out, if Zener hole not used on RH.

daveparry · Oct 11, 2012

I'm not sure whether the insides are polished? so long since I had mine off!

hobot · Oct 11, 2012

After a couple years the insides are as polished as the outsides I find. Hand tedius to get in the tight spots but Oh La La when ya do, for as long as it lasts.

OldBalz · Oct 11, 2012

daveparry said:
I'm not sure whether the insides are polished? so long since I had mine off!

The inside of the Z-Plates on my 1973 850 MK1 are not polished from the factory, and I just had them off less than a month ago...

maylar · Oct 11, 2012

The zener mounting location on the inside of the RH plate is machined flat for optimum heat transfer. It'd look funky if installed on the left, but otherwise I believe they interchange.

hobot said:
After a couple years the insides are as polished as the outsides I find. Hand tedius to get in the tight spots but Oh La La when ya do, for as long as it lasts.

That's why I had mine chromed.

bwolfie · Oct 11, 2012

maylar said:
That's why I had mine chromed.

Sorry but

Chrome is evil and has little to no place on a norton. The aluminum Norton used polishes up very easily. And looks great, even when it starts to get a patina.

Cowboy Don · Oct 11, 2012

Oldbalz,

Sorry, my question is are they interchangeable? I have a couple spare r/h side plates and want to know if I can use one on the l/h of the bike.

DogT · Oct 11, 2012

If you don't mind that flat spot for the zener showing you can use them.

Dave
69S

Cowboy Don · Oct 18, 2012

Cool, thanks DogT. Seeing as they're spares, a bit of experimental drillin 'n' grindin would make them cosmetically identical.

Onder · Oct 18, 2012

Had at mine not too long ago, the inside will need a lot of work
as they are lumpy and not smooth at all. Cheaper and easier to
just get another pair. They are common.
Chrome is for Harley. Endless buffing is for us.
Pick up the cross and carry it mate.