I wanted a bag that I could put my stuff in like keys, wallet,Night glasses etc. I didn't want to use saddle bags because I think it takes away from the look of the Bike. Great thing about this bag is it is out of the way and hopefully that will keep prying hands away.
It is about 1" from the inside edge of the Lic holder and that is about 4" from the disk so I don't think heat will be an issue @ 5".It still allows the lic plate to fold in.
I mounted a cup holder on the back of my license plate. It's black and practically invisible, until I put a 20oz bottle of MDew in it. You are free to initiate flaming.