You may be able to make it work with just a couple inches, but like you say who knows if the plate would be strong enough if not moved far enough back to clear the orig hole. If you only need a couple inches and don't want to do fiberglass modifications, check out Rox Bar Risers. They come in lengths of 2, 3, or 5". They should fit most any bar brackets, and can allow for a 7/8 or 1 1/8 bars. I Moved my steering back 5", plus 3" bar risers. Makes the ride comfortable and easy to ride. I love it the Risers Don't slip around. You can ride all day and not get tired. The Trim I will post more pictures of, but I just ran a bicycle cable through stock hole in transom. Then used an L bracket which I welded my self, because the ones at ACE would bend I found. The 60" Cable fit perrfect but I did cut 3" off the back. I eliminated the stock trim adjust under the handle bars. Then you need to flip the trim nozzle over so that the it pulls from the top right side now, instead of the bottom left of the the impeller housing. Cut out the trim nozzle to allow for more throw. I will post more pics of this and foot straps, gas tank, ect.