Side License Plate Holder | BMW R18

A side license plate holder is a holder that relocates the license plate to the side of the motorcycle, out of the central axis, instead of positioning it classically above or behind the wheel. Its interest is above all aesthetic: by moving the plate, it entirely frees up the rear section, exposes the wheel and allows the cleanest possible line to be achieved. It is a solution favoured by careful builds, where every bulky element is rethought. A side holder must however remain compliant: the plate must stay visible and legible, lit by an approved plate lighting device, and the motorcycle must keep its reflector. This is what sets a well-designed holder apart from a simple style accessory. Our side license plate holder FCR Original for BMW R18 applies exactly this logic.

A side license plate holder can be road legal provided it meets several regulatory requirements. The plate must stay visible, legible and in a compliant orientation. It must be lit by an approved plate lighting device, and the motorcycle must keep a rear reflector. Relocating the plate to the side is therefore permitted as long as these conditions are met. This is why a well-designed holder directly integrates the approved plate lighting and the reflector, rather than leaving them to the user. Our side license plate holder FCR Original for BMW R18 integrates an approved plate lighting and a reflector in this logic of compliance.

Yes, this side license plate holder is designed for the entire BMW R18 range: R18 Standard, Classic, B, Transcontinental, Roctane and 100 Years. It fixes onto two holes located on the inside of the left rear swingarm. It is not compatible with other BMW families such as the R nineT or the R12, which rely on a different rear architecture. If you have a doubt about your model year or version, our team checks compatibility with you before ordering at 05 49 62 03 26.

The installation is done on the left rear swingarm and requires an electrical connection for the lighting. The holder allows for two configurations. For the installation of the holder alone: 1. Position the holder against the 2 holes on the inside of the left swingarm. 2. Secure it with the 2 M8x15 screws, mounted with threadlocker. 3. Carry out the wiring of the plate lighting following the diagram in the instructions. 4. Secure your plate with the rivets supplied, then test the lighting. For the combined installation with the FCR Original rear mudguard, the lower fixing uses an M8x15 screw, and the upper fixing an M8x40 screw with a spacer and the mudguard support. The complete instructions detail both cases, with wiring diagram. If you are not comfortable with the electrical part, we recommend entrusting this step to a professional.

This holder is designed to accept different license plate formats: the standard approved plate as well as more compact formats. This versatility allows it to be adapted to your configuration and to the format in force in your country. The plate fixes onto the holder using the rivets supplied in the kit. Whatever the format chosen, the holder ensures a solid and secure hold of the plate.

This side license plate holder is offered in two finishes: Noir and Brossé. The Noir finish ensures a discreet and homogeneous integration with the dark elements of the R18, while the Brossé finish reveals the work of the material for a more assertive rendering. Both finishes share the same design, the same approved lighting and the same inspection in our FCR Original workshop; only the visual rendering changes, to choose according to the style of your motorcycle.