Thread: Motorcycles

Hey Americans,
how about you country's bike regulations? Are they very strict overthere?
Like open pipes for instance?
In Europe they're quite strict about it, especially in Holland and Germany.

Originally Posted by chief

Hey Americans,
how about you country's bike regulations? Are they very strict overthere?
Like open pipes for instance?
In Europe they're quite strict about it, especially in Holland and Germany.

It really depends on where you go and the mood the police officer is in. Loud pipes are completely ignored in most places but in others...well it's a fairly expensive ticket.

Helmet laws are enforced in every place that has them. There are still quite a few states that don't though. And in many states the regulation is vague about what constitutes a helmet. Here in Alabama I can wear a simple beanie style helmet that offers zero protection but it's a helmet. In other places you have to wear a helmet that passes DOT (Department of Transportation) or SNELL standards.

Getting a motorcyle license is really no tougher than getting a regular drivers license.

Each state is different. It's a lot like Europe was before the EU. Each state passes ad enforces their own laws.
-AJ

15 years ago 48 states had helmet laws. Now, 29 states are without universal helmet laws.

so there are less states now?

I can't speak to the history of helmet laws, but 18 states have universal helmet laws (meaning that it applies to everyone without exception), 31 states have limited helmet laws (meaning that the law is qualified for any number of reasons such as age, training, etc.). 2 states do not have any helmet laws.

I'm not a lawyer, but I'm guessing that if there has been a reduction in the amount or scope of helmet laws, it has more to do with court cases than legislation. It just seems that a politician opposing helmet laws would incur a political liability. But, of course, I live in California.

Just curious, but how does it work in the EU? Is it state specific, or EU-wide?

Originally Posted by chief

Hey Americans,
how about you country's bike regulations? Are they very strict overthere?
Like open pipes for instance?
In Europe they're quite strict about it, especially in Holland and Germany.

Like BFMC AJ said, it varies from place to place. In California, there are a host of laws in place; most of which are not enforced. It mainly depends on the officer's mood and the rider's attitude (or lack thereof). If you're riding like an idiot, then there's a good chance you'll get a ticket. If you're not, then you probably won't.

I ride an 06 RoadLiner, my best trip was accross CA farmland and into Oregon.
I do have 2 helmets, one carbon fiber polo style for riding in town and/or short trips, and one 3/4 DOT for longer rides.
I leave in Vegas, rode few times to AZ, which has no helmet laws, and preparing a ride to the Grand Canyon north rim.

Several months ago I picked up a carbon fiber/kevlar helmet from Advanced Carbon Composites. It's not DOT approved but the only test it doesn't pass is the puncture test. Ok, ok...it's still a skid lid and provides almost zero real protection. But it's a lot cooler than a full-face in the summer. Advanced Carbon Composites

Getting ready to head up to Kentucky in a couple of weeks for the All-Harley Drags. I can't wait!!!

Harley Racing

-AJ

Old time rider, looking at getting back on two wheels.. Trying to decide which bike, thinking maybe a blackbird (CBR1100xx) but will be using it for commuting as well as long rides so it's a tossup between the blackbird, a cbr954 (as pictured above, or something in the same class) or something in the 600-750 range with a decent fairing.

Used to ride a kawasaki balius

I have a picture of an exile trike on my computer right now. That would be an awesome ride. I never rode a trike before. That would be interesting.Unfortunately, I am currently between bikes.