Matty boy: Yes, its drilled all the way through in the four corners, then traced between in marker. The trace is then ground out using a dremmel and cutting disk. I dont' have the tools to do a partial cut, and am limited by the need to use minimum 2 layers of carbon so you dont' see the aluminium through it and the shear thinness of the plate.
(edit-)er...I just tested the bond

by placing the carbon against the corner of my fireplace and pushing on the metal plate. It took everything I could give it! I don't think theres a problem with it holding against normal -or heavy!- abuse. :D
Matt110874648290298386138249273142

: I actually wanted it to look more Honda-wing-like, and was rather disappointed it didn't in the end. I was just going to continue with this design,

but your question has spurred me on to attempt a better likeness. Ta for the interest! (Can anyone find a good, but simplified, image of the honda wings for me? post here)
Superlite: Much admiration for your tasty looking rearsets! But did you mean the CARBON wears easily or your ALUMINIUM wears? It wasn't clear. I wanted to have the carbon slightly pushed out from the face of the plate, just for aesthetic reasons, but if what you say of the carbon is true I may have to try keeping it recessed slightly. If I do manage a likeness of the honda wings, the spaces between the carbon areas should stop my boots comming into contact with it.