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Last Update 6/19/08
RT License, Regulations & Insurance Page:
Here's a number of replies that people have made about getting an RT licensed in their State and getting their trike insured. Please send in anything you have to add about your experiences in your State to - david@reversetrike.com
I put Wisconsin first because John made a good logical write-up on licensing in general...
Wisconsin: Each state has a Motor Vehicle Code. And, among everything else having to
do with operating a motor vehicle, the Code contains a definition for what any particular vehicle is. Also, the Code determines what type of
registration a particular type of vehicle has to have. And, the Code also
tells you how to license that vehicle after it is registered. You might say
that 'registration' just labels the vehicle as to which category it falls into,
'titling' just determines who owns that particular type of vehicle and then
'licensing' is where you get the metal tag that shows that you have paid the fees required to operate the vehicle on the road.
The key part of this, relative to this discussion, is where the Motor Vehicle Code determines the definition for what a vehicle is. It does
define, in great detail, exactly what an 'automobile' is, or whatever word your state chooses to use for the description of one. It also defines a
'motorcycle', a 'moped', a 'motor driven cycle', a 'light duty truck', a 'heavy duty
truck' or whatever classes of vehicles your state has.
Now, here comes the difficult part. In Wisconsin, the Motor Vehicle Code
defines an automobile as a vehicle with four or more wheels. There are other
conditions also, but the big one is the number of wheels. It defines a motorcycle as a vehicle with two wheels and an engine organized as "wheel
- engine - wheel along the axis of the vehicle", plus some other considerations. However, it is the number of wheels and their relationship
to the engine that is the key.
Wisconsin has a special third category of vehicles with an entirely different name for "vehicles with three or more
wheels". So, a vehicle with three wheels is not an automobile here and it
is not a motorcycle either. It falls into that third category. Each of
these three categories has its own full definition and they are all different. So, that means that if a person starts with an automobile, a
vehicle with four wheels, and he removes one wheel, he now has a vehicle with three wheels and his original vehicle is no longer an automobile, even
if it still looks like one. It has become whatever that states chooses to
call a vehicle with three or more wheels. See the difference?
My feeling is also that our 50 states probably have Motor Vehicle Codes that are more similar than they are dissimilar. Otherwise we would have total
chaos if we were to drive from one state to another. This makes me think that most states have Codes that are pretty similar to
Wisconsin also. There may be some small differences in the definitions, such as gross weight and
engine size and such, but, generally, my guess is that they are pretty much the same.
So, getting back to the present discussion again, if you take a vehicle that is titled as a car, and you change it so it now fits the definition of that
third category, the one with three wheeled vehicles in it, then your state more than likely will require that you have it
re-titled and reregistered. That may mean re-inspected also so that the state can verify that it fits the
full definition of that new category. That is what the situation is here in
my state.
It doesn't matter if I start with an automobile and remove one
wheel, or if I start from scratch and create a three wheeled thing. In
Wisconsin, if it has three wheels, and weights less than 1500 pounds, and has a recognizable shape, and so on, it must be registered in that third class,
titled as a vehicle in that third class, and registered according to the requirements for that third classification of vehicle. And, before it can
be titled and licenses, it has to be inspected. (Here in Wisconsin, the DMV
has chosen to confuse things a little bit by calling that third class of vehicles "Type 2 Motorcycle". Don't let the words confuse you, it is still
a three wheeled vehicle that weights less than 1500 pounds, etc.)
So, try not to fall into the trap of making assumptions or talking in generalizations about registration, titling and licensing. There is only
one way to know for sure what is what and that is to sit down and read the Motor Vehicle Code for your state.
Luckily, it isn't hard to find. Every public library in every state is required to have a copy, so just ask the
librarian to get it for you. Many states have it online, and you can either
go to the DMV web site and read it or download it and read it at home. It
usually is HUGE, so be sure to dig through it and find the parts that have the definitions in it, and then the parts that state what actions are
required for registration, titling and licensing. Some states even have a
DMV email address where the DMV will answer questions that are submitted. It sometimes takes a while, but you will get an authoritative answer.
Finally, my word of caution is this: just because you are presently driving vehicle on the road that is improperly titled, licensed or registered, does
not exempt you from the penalties for improper titling, licensing or registration. Your state puts the onus on you to have it done properly.
And, by the way, your insurance company also assumes that it is done properly to the extent that most of them will void all of your coverage if
it is discovered that you have improperly titled or registered your vehicle.
No kidding. You don't want to find that out after you have a problem. I
know, I know, we all know of someone who drove his vehicle for 100 years and was never stopped or bothered. Most of our Motor Vehicle Codes are so
complex that it is hard to expect that the local cop on the beat will even
be aware of all of the fine details of every possible detail in the code.
So, he may go no farther than to see that there is a license plate on a vehicle and let it go at that. Remember, it is not the states responsibility to catch you if you are wrong, it is your responsibility not to be wrong. Your official source for accurate and reliable information is either your State Highway Patrol inspection officer or your Department of Motor Vehicles. John W.
Arizona: 3 wheeler is same as standard motorcycle in all reference. Jack G.
California: 3 wheels or less on the ground; AND, less than 1500lbs. Tony B.
I licensed a Grinnall Scorpion in California.
Here is the proper procedure:
Obtain a certificate of origin from the manufacturer. This is critical and required.
If the trike has already been licensed in another state or is a production vehicle, you should be able to take
existing paperwork to the DMV without all the inspection steps. If you were building a totally home constructed
vehicle I'm not sure how the procedure would vary as you would not have a certificate of origin for the
chassis.
Obtain all relevant receipts for engine, transmission and any other donor components. Go to the DMV and they will have you pay fees. Don’t bring the trike. Bring along some black and white pics showing three wheels on the vehicle. You will use the term “Specially Constructed Motorcycle” whenever you answer questions or describe your vehicle to the clerk. Using the term 'car' will result in problems – I accidentally said car once and the DMV clerk looked up and asked me if I had said the word 'car'.
They will charge you sales tax on the total value of components, charge you for the license fee and give you a temp certificate to drive the “Specially Constructed Motorcycle”.
You will not be given a license plate at this time. Ask for a 4 month certificate.
It could take you that long to obtain the inspections you need, especially the CHP one.
If the clerk wants to send you out for a smog inspection, you need to remind them this is a motorcycle and exempt from inspection.
After you get the temp certificate you will want to obtain insurance and get an appointment at a California Highway Patrol office that does DMV inspections.
This can take a few days or 4-5 months depending on how busy the CHP office is.
You will be required to go to one in your county of residence. Mine in Riverside was backed up 4 months but another one in Temecula (same county) was only backed up a month.
Before the CHP inspection you will go to your local motorcycle shop and have them do the brake and light inspection.
Bring along with you a form 256 -
(http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/reg/reg256.pdf).
In the form under the item G. heading put that the mechanic has inspected the vehicle and has found it to have brakes and lights that are working correctly.
This form must be completed and signed off before you go to CHP inspection.
If the dealership has a rubber stamp to stamp the form with that is good too, but it must be signed by them, as well.
My BMW parts and service dealer was happy to do this for free and enjoyed seeing the car.
Don’t go to an automotive safety inspection station. They will attempt to disassemble your car and measure your rotors and enforce auto standards to your car.
Motorcycle disc rotors will not pass an auto standard (too thin) so you will be in trouble.
At the CHP inspection the officer will want to see the certificate of origin, receipts with serial numbers, etc.
He is mainly tasked with determining that you have not stolen any parts. He will want to verify any serial numbers on the chassis and engine and transmission to be sure they match the paperwork.
If the chassis has no visible ID plate then he may attach one to the chassis.
He is not involved in safety inspecting your vehicle, but it will need to be running or he may doubt the brake and light inspection you have in hand is valid.
Bring and wear your helmet so as to avoid any questions in this area. In any discussions with the officer use the term “Specially Constructed Motorcycle”.
The officer told me that under the California state law this vehicle did indeed fit the definition of a motorcycle, and that is the category he was going to put it in.
If you show up at the CHP inspection missing any forms or anything not in proper order, they will likely make you get another appointment and come back again.
That could result in a serious delay. Be sure you have proof of insurance with you just in case that question comes up.
After the CHP officer signs off on your paperwork you return to the DMV and present all the paperwork from the CHP and the brake/lighting inspection.
Since you will have already paid any fees, they will issue you a motorcycle plate and send you on your way.
Call you insurance broker to give them the plate number. I insured mine with
Grundy (no commuting allowed) and others have used AAA or other carriers. Keep in mind that a motorcycle
designation may allow you access to closer parking spaces and car pool lane access.
California Helmet Law information:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc27803.htm
Vehicle Code Section 27803.f, contains some wording that is used by many three-wheeler owners in California to prove they are exempt from wearing a helmet.
Most three wheeled vehicle owners carry a copy of this in their cars in case a question comes up.
I am not a lawyer and can’t say if this is totally correct or not but you can read the statute yourself and determine its applicability to your vehicle.
Section 27803(f): This section does not apply to a person operating, or riding as a passenger in, a fully enclosed three-wheeled motor vehicle that is not less than seven feet in length and not less than four feet in width, and has an unladen weight of 900 pounds or more, if the vehicle meets or exceeds all of the requirements of this code, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and the rules and regulations adopted by the United States Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Richard L.
Florida: In Fla, you just need ALL the receipts for your parts and the VIN's of the larger ones if from a used vehicle. The laws are mostly the same as the FED MC rules, basically just lights, horn, brakes and can go 40 mph without things falling off. Just a little more details for 4wheelers like wipers, windshield, etc. In Tampa, we just go to the DMV where they inspect them to do the paperwork. Once that's done, come back Friday for the inspection, take those papers to the tag office and get your tags, title sent in the mail. Jerry D.
Iowa: You need DOT to come and inspect it and they will re designate it as a M/C, Trike, Special Reconstruct. He stamps the frame, puts sticker on it, gives you a application for title and you take it to court house and get a title. Simple.
Michigan:
To get an assemblers title cost $10.00 - $17.50 extra for the assigned VIN and normal title charges.
The police safety officer's inspection is free. As long as you adhere to "motorcycles" standards ex. lights, horn, signals and helmet use if applicable, brakes etc. and three weeks before the process is complete you are ok.
The use of the cycle VIN is for proof of ownership of the cycle doner only.
The TM is not given the same VIN as the cycle in any State. They use the Baja Bug as an example for a vehicle not a cycle there is a big difference ex. 5 mph bumpers, seat belts, crash tests and so on, in California EPA pollution testing standards and some other states as well.
It's not a car in any of the fifty states whether you use the original
motorcycle frame or not, the only thing different between states is the use of "laminated"
safety glass on the windshield in Maryland and Virginia and you can get around that by wearing a DOT helmet with a DOT shield or eye protection when driving the TM (don't use hatchback glass it's not
laminated, it explodes in a million pieces instantly like a side window, a simple rock thrown up by the vehicle in front of you could ruin your whole day and blind you as a bonus if you don't wear eye protection. Getting safety glass cut to fit is done by most auto glass shops but, it's flat and can't be reshaped or curved across the pane only the cuts or
edges.)
In Michigan you assign your own Serial number because you are the manufacturer and it must be displayed in plain site from the outside when the trike is static.
There is no inspection in Michigan of the "new" vehicle, only questions ex. does it have stop lights, turn signals or access for hand signals? etc. of course the answer must be yes for all.
If you put two wheels on the back of a Goldwing (a conversion) there are no changes at the DMV other than description 3 wheels instead of 2.
The Tri-Magnum is a complete redesign and the cycle title remains the same so you keep it for your records and proof of ownership.
You can change or upgrade the motorcycle power unit just like a motor in a car.
But, you must keep the title for the new cycle for proof of ownership just like a bill of sale for the motor for a car, to prove it wasn't stolen.
So anyone who is thinking of buying a "Hot" bike cheap to use as a donor better think again.
A police officer can run a check on the VIN of the cycle frame and find out if it's stolen in about 3 to 5 minutes over the radio or in-car computer.
If you eliminate the frame they can check the engine number the same way. So, make sure you have a title, salvage certificate, salvage title or if you are using a motor and tube frame the bill of sale for the motor to keep from being charged for receiving stolen property that is universal in all 50 states.
Keep a photo copy in the vehicle a cop can verify it in the time stated above.
Stay ahead of the officer with all the proofs and your traffic stop will amount to questions like
- 'how long did it take to build?', 'does it handle good?', 'did you design it
yourself?', etc. Dan
Minnesota: Statute 168.011 Definitions are as follows:
(Subd. 26. Motorcycle. 'Motorcycle' means every motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, including motor scooters and bicycles with motor attached, other than those vehicles defined as motorized bicycles in subdivision 27, but excluding a tractor.) So a trike is a motorcycle, and subject to the same laws and licensing. Tim D.
(Subd. 4. Motorcycle. "Motorcycle" means every motor vehicle having a
seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, including motor scooters and
bicycles with motor attached, other than those vehicles defined as motorized
bicycles in subdivision 4a, but excluding a tractor.)
Vehicles that have been reconstructed, or specially assembled, are subject to a motor vehicle inspection.
Vehicle identification numbers must be left on all parts. If an identification number appears to have been tampered
with or has been removed, a title may not be issued.
If you are doing a reconstruction that would require the removal of a vehicle identification number (such as cutting the neckpiece on a motorcycle
for a custom rake), you must contact the Inspection Unit before beginning the reconstruction.
They will provide you with additional assistance.
Required Application Documents:
* Completed application to title and/or register a motor vehicle (form PS2000).
* Completed affidavit of reconstruction (form PS2015). Please be specific about the alterations or reconstruction done to the vehicle.
* Proof of ownership for all major parts used in the reconstruction. Please
note: If minimum proof of ownership for each cab, body, or frame of a car or truck; or for the frame or major components of a motorcycle cannot be
provided, the vehicle is subject to bonding. A statement of facts and an
affidavit of protection must accompany the application for title.
* If the vehicle was inspected prior to making application, an inspection report marked 'passed' and signed by the inspector who conducted the
inspection, must also be submitted, (you would need to submit these items along with the titling/registration
fees). Additional information or documents may be requested after application is reviewed by central office.
Jody/Operator #65 Public Information Center
Nevada: Ape hangers can't be higher than the riders arm pits (there is a limit from the tank to the bars but they generally ignore it). It has to have mirrors, but they can be up, down or bar end. 50cc and below can be ridden without license, or registration (the rider must be licensed and this applies to motorized skateboards and up). All motorcycle licensing is by taking a MSF riders course and passing the written test. The feds say anything with 3 wheels or less is a motorcycle and Nevada agrees. Smog certification is yearly in Las Vegas/ Henderson and Reno/Sparks but most of the rest of the state is not required to follow suit. Up until 1974, when the gas rationing happened, we had a basic speed law on out highways. Outside of the cities (few and far between) it was as fast as it was safe as deemed by the highway patrol. Cruising the interstates was a 90mph plus regular deal, with some finding out just how fast their car really was. Dave A.
Oregon: RT's are registered as an "enclosed motorcycle". The requirements for registration are the same as for a standard motorcycle. The big difference is that they do not require the motorcycle endorsement on the drivers license and they waive the helmet requirement. David G.
Tennessee: A motorcycle is anything over 125cc, 2 or 3 wheels. A motor-driven cycle is anything under 125cc but has the same
restrictions and requirements as a motorcycle. This is mainly for 14-16 year olds.
A motorized bicycle does not have to be registered, no title and no drivers certificate needed.
Requirements of the operation rules/laws.....
Headlight on at all times.
DOT approved Crash helmet
Safety windshield or goggles.
One rearview mirror located on the left side attached to the handle
bars in an upright position. Footrests are required.
Muffler, no straight pipes.
Tail-light with stop light viewable from 100feet.
Handle bar top no more than 15" above seat, no ape hangers. Todd
A: On page 6 it states: "You must ride astride your motorcycle, facing forward with one leg on each side of the motorcycle."
and Second: "No motorcycle or motor-driven cycle shall be operated on a public road with handlebars more than 15 inches higher than the driver's seat. The handlebars commonly called "ape hangers" are illegal."
Also: "All motorcycles or motor-criven cycles must be quipped with a rearview mirror, mounted on the left handlebar in an upright position. They must also be equipped with footrests for the driver and passenger." Sounds like your Tenn DMV rules are similar to those of Texas....basically...a Lo-T3K, a Vortex, a TriMagnum, a Doran or a 3wheeled Morgan, cannot be registered as a motorcycle. BUT, it *can* be registered as a "custom-built vehicle". Tony B.
Texas: "Motorcycle" means a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, that is equipped with a rider's saddle and designed to have when propelled
not more than three wheels on the ground. But when I dig a bit deeper into the issue, I find this:
"Motorcycle" means a motor vehicle designed to propel itself with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, and having a
saddle for the use of the rider. The term does not include a tractor or a three-wheeled vehicle equipped with a cab, seat, and seat belt
and designed to contain the operator in the cab.
So by this definition, the Tri-Magnum seems to not fit the definition of a motorcycle because it has a "cab" and a "seat".
I've contacted our department of public safety and spoke with a couple of people and they couldn't give me a clear path to license
and registration of this vehicle. I've seen a few of these here in Waco, so I know they can be licensed for Texas roads, but finding
the proper definition, and therefore the requirements, is proving to be difficult.
Jason J.
Virginia:
In the Motor Vehicle Code for the State of VA. A motorcycle is defined as:
"Motorcycle" means every motor vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground and is capable of traveling
at speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour. The term "motorcycle" does not include any "electric personal assistive mobility device," "electric
power-assisted bicycle," "farm tractor," "golf cart," "moped," "motorized skateboard or scooter," "utility vehicle" or "wheelchair or
wheelchair conveyance" as defined in this section. VA. Motor Vehicle Code Legislation Section 46.2-100.
Andrea M.
Washington: Although a 3 wheeler is fundamentally considered a motorcycle, they further define 'motorcycle' as a vehicle which the rider/driver straddles the engine and running parts and sits on a saddle.
Bench seat type vehicles are considered automobiles, regardless of number of wheels....
Thus, conventional motorcycle conversions to 'trikes' are still motorcycles, but the 'Morgan' type of approach is a car, so not too much benefit in the 'reverse-trike' configuration, except for the fun of it.
You'd have to start with a donor vehicle which preceded the smog and crash testing aspects and build from there.
Creativity is NOT encouraged in motor vehicles! Dave G.
West Virginia: A 3-wheeler is registered as a Trike. Here, motorcycles have only 2 wheels and trikes have 3. The only restriction that I have found is that the center of the front headlight needs to be a minimum of 24" from the ground. Dan L.
Wisconsin: Rules related to Supplementary reflective surfaces or reflectors:
From - http://www.legis.state.wi.us/Statutes/Stat0347.pdf
347.27 When lighted lamps required on parked vehicles.
(1) No person shall park or leave a vehicle standing,
whether attended or unattended, upon a roadway or the shoulder immediately adjacent thereto during hours of darkness unless:
(a) Such vehicle is parked or standing where there is sufficient artificial light to render it visible from a distance of 500 feet or
is lawfully parked within the corporate limits of a city or village and in either case is equipped with at least one red reflector mounted
on the rear thereof as near as practicable to the side of the vehicle which is closest to passing traffic and otherwise meeting the
mounting and
-----------------------------------
347.18 Mounting of clearance lamps and reflectors.
(1) Whenever s. 347.16 requires any reflector to be displayed
upon a vehicle, each such reflector shall be mounted at a height not less than 16 inches nor more than 60 inches above the ground on
which the vehicle stands. On vehicles which are more than 80 inches wide, the front and rear reflectors shall be mounted so as
to indicate as nearly as possible the extreme width of the vehicle.
Any required red reflector on the rear of a vehicle may be incorporated with the tail lamp but such reflector shall meet all the
other reflector requirements of this chapter.
347.19 Visibility of clearance lamps and reflectors.
(1) Every reflector required by s. 347.16 to be displayed upon a
vehicle shall be of such size and characteristics and so maintained as to be readily visible during the hours of darkness from all
distances within 500 feet to 50 feet from the vehicle when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps.
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General Thoughts:
1. Do your homework. Understand ALL the vehicle rules in your state. Often they are ambiguous or contradictory when it comes to projects like these that fit between the margins. If an inspector sites a specific rule to disallow your vehicle, decide if it is easily fixable, like adding mirrors, and just do it. If it is not easily changed, and you know a countering statute, try showing it to the inspector, in writing, and ASKING their opinion. Do not take a contrary tone! These people eat abuse for breakfast, and you need them, so be nice.
If they won't back down, and you think you have a
case, you can appeal for a hearing to get the ruling overturned. If you have a countering statute that you can site, you have a fighting
chance. Document your compliance with the counter rule with pictures and measurements. Just state the facts, not your opinion. If you
can't site a specific countering rule, you have no argument so don't
waste your time. Also, know what works in your favor. You may not be
able to get a 3 wheeler with enclosed cab registered as a motorcycle, but may be able to get it registered as a car. This
might actually make it easier to insure, so know what works to your favor and when to fight your battles.
2. Understand what the inspector is looking for. The people who do these inspections and provide your insurance DO NOT share your
enthusiasm for unusual homebuilt vehicles. They look at these
projects as a big PITA, so make it easy for them to pass you. If the rules state a motorcycle must have a single headlight, center
mounted, and running lights on all the time, build it that way. Don't fight a guaranteed losing battle. If there are specific points
in the statutes about an enclosed cab, built it as a convertible, and leave the doors at home. The Canadian T-Rex is open for a
reason, Canada requires motorcycles to be open. You can add a side curtain or windshield after the inspection. A patrolman isn't as
likely to sweat the details after you have a valid registration.
3. Educate them on what you're building. Find out who does the inspections, usually it is just 1 or 2 guys who do it part-time.
Then, a couple of months before your ready, go down and talk to them
on their least busy day of the week. Find out what they are looking for, and show them what your building, plans, pictures, whatever you
can. If you can find pictures of completed projects "just like
yours", with tags from your state, do it. These guys are not pioneers, they like to see a precedence. They will also be more
excited to see you later if it is not a big surprise.
Feel them out for the stuff they care about and what they will let slide. They won't be impressed with your 5 point race harnesses if
the headlights are mounted too low or you're missing turn signals. Ask their advise! This greases the wheels, and gets them involved,
so they feel like your working with them, not against them.
4. Make it easy for inspectors to see the vehicle the way you want them to. By statute, it cannot be both a car and a motorcycle. If
you want it qualified as a motorcycle, and you can keep the frame
members with the donor VIN number intact and part of the build, do it. Anything to keep their life simple and boring is better. In both
your verbal and written communications, always refer to the vehicle as what you want it to be, so always call it a motorcycle,
not "hybrid", "blended", or even the neutral term "vehicle", always motorcycle.
File motorcycle registration forms, check the motorcycle
boxes on the forms. Show them your receipts with Yamaha, Kawasaki, or Honda parts first, even if it is just clutch cables and battery.
Leave motorcycle labels and logos visible under the hood, remove car manufacturer logos off any parts you can. Add a "Honda Powered"
sticker under the hood. Carry a helmet and wear leathers if you think it would help.
This goes for the insurance guys too, a registered motorcycle VIN goes a long ways toward getting the
insurance underwriter to see it as just another trike. They may not like them, but at least they are familiar.
I had to do this with my Pinzgauer to get it registered and insured. I never referred to it as a "military troop carrier", too many hot
words there. Mental images of a Deuce-and-a-Half or a Bradley with guns sticking out all over. It was always a "European Jeep" and had
similar dimensions to a "Jeep Cherokee". They could easily get their heads around that because it NOT so unusual. I also found other Pinz
owners in my state, and even one that was an insurance agent for a rival company, so all that helped. Even so, I could not get them to
do collision insurance, because they couldn't establish the replacement cost. This, even though I got a letter from an importer
clearly stating a replacement value. Just too little data for a professional statistician to swallow.
5. Make sure you have receipts for EVERYTHING, they require it and they mean it.
6. Lastly, try to find someone in your state that has done something similar, and follow their example.
Darren F.
Insurance Purchase
Fisher Specialty Insurance out of Scottsdale, Arizona USA, are able to write liability trike insurance in every state and will accept any and all trikes, custom bikes and even off-road vehicles. Tom
Call Marc @ 1.877.537.2555 marc@bikersins.com
Custom Trikes: Fischer Specialty represents A rated carriers that have the most comprehensive and complete insurance products to accurately and easily cover most trikes. Triking an existing motorcycle can often double the value and increase the safety of your cycle. We work with carriers to identify these factors when pricing our insurance to make sure we are catering to one of the safest, and fast growing cycle communities in the world. We know Trikes!
Off Road: At Fischer, we specialize in offering the kind of off-road vehicle coverage that gives you real peace of mind. And the new Fischer off-road vehicle program has been developed to help you enjoy every trip off the beaten path. A specialized off-road insurance policy means that you're covered whether you're out enjoying the trail on your dirt bike, climbing dunes in your dune buggy, off-roading on your ATV or taking a leisurely spin in your golf cart. We can help you protect your investment with important standard and optional off-road vehicle coverages.
Custom Motorcycle: Trying to insure your newly constructed motorcycle can be a challenging and frustrating process. Most major carriers do not want the risk and some agents simply won't write it due to lack of knowledge. If you are having trouble finding reasonable insurance for your custom motorcycle then give Fischer Specialty a call. Typical quoting time for a custom bike is 3-4 minutes and we offer same day binding authority.
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Outside the USA
Canada: I am hearing a rumor that the Canadian federal government has stopped the registration of the T-Rex in all the provinces and that several US states want to follow suit.
A: The Canadians introduced new regulations on three-wheelers that came into force in 2003.
Any chance this is what your 'rumours' were about?
canadagazette.gc.ca
They split the regulations for two different vehicles motor tricycles (TRI) and three-wheelers vehicles (TWV) - the TWV seem to be distinguished from TRI by the TRI having motorcycle-type controls and the TWV having car-type controls.
They do note that TRI were initially going to be 1F2R only (ie, motorcycle-based trikes) but "ollowing comments from industry, the Department broadened the criteria to include vehicles designed with either two wheels at the front or two wheels at the rear" - so that shows Bombardier were thinking about their new Spyder some years ago!
Just above that link is a new section 505 of the CMVSS showing the stability test that all
three - wheelers (TRI or TWV) have to pass, which it says is based on Australian standards.
This seems a very sensible requirement that the centre of gravity height may be no more than 1.5 times the distance to the nearest 'roll axis' (ie, line between wheel centres), so that's roughly a 0.67g lateral acceleration without tipping over.
Sadly they have also include an existing regulation from Quebec that the front wheel or wheels (of any layout) must carry between 25% and 70% of the vehicle weight, so for example a Trihawk would fail with 72% (though that may be unladen and the test appears to be laden).
Rumor has it that this comes from EU complaints about the instability of tadpoles
(2f1r) trikes with rear wheel drive and side-by-side seating.
I have not seen anything about this, but it might be a misunderstanding of the not-very-recent EU regs on quadricycles.
As I understand it this class was introduced in order to allow four wheels to be used where three wheels had been used before.
As long as it's under 15kW (20hp) and 400kg (880lb), it only has to pass the same standards as the tricycle and not the standards for a car.
I believe the stability improvement from using four wheels was used as part of the argument to create the quadricycle class, though I suspect the real reason for wanting four wheels was market
acceptance. Andrew G.
UK: I insure with KGM at Lloyd's through Roadsure. roadsure.ltd.uk. About £150 fully comp for CX500 version RT. Colin
A: I insure through Adrian Flux. It costs me £131.25 per annum, and has done for several years now with no increase. 3000 mile maximum. Agreed value £3000-00. A mileage declaration and all 6 all round condition photos needed each renewal. Insurance placed with NIG Skandia. I don't think there is any 'no claim' bonus attached to this type of policy. John
Helpful Links
tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/menu.htm - Importing a Vehicle into Canada, The Government of Canada's Rules.
nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import - USA Vehicle Importation Regulations
autopedia.com/Export/ImportExportRegs.html
- Import/Export Requirements (all countries)
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