What is a motorcycle?

[Mattel]

This months issue of AMA (American Motorcycle Association, you should be a member if you are reading this) has a great artical on what is a motorcycle. It says the government is taking comments on how to define a motorcycle. Go to regulations.gov and click submit a comment, and enter fhwa-2010-0010 in the keyword id box and click search. let them know you think the Stallion is a motorcyle by describing it in terms you like.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Background<br /><br />
<br /><br />
FHWA has collected motorcycle registration data since 1914. In the <br /><br />
last few years, however, the population of motorcycles and related <br /><br />
vehicle types has risen dramatically. Additionally, there has been an <br /><br />
increase in motorcycle crashes due to factors including, but not <br /><br />
limited to, rider inexperience, rider impairment, decreased use of <br /><br />
helmets, and increased motorcycle use.<br /><br />
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's <br /><br />
(NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) \1\ indicates that in <br /><br />
2008, motorcycle rider fatalities increased for the eleventh <br /><br />
consecutive year: From 2,116 in 1997 to 5,290 in 2008, an increase of <br /><br />
150 percent. Other trends include a dramatic rise in motorcycle <br /><br />
ownership and changes in other factors such as motorcycle size and new <br /><br />
designs for these vehicles. However, this increase in fatality data is <br /><br />
disproportionate to reported increases in motorcycle registration and <br /><br />
in reported miles traveled. Due to this disconnect, safety advocates <br /><br />
have encouraged improving the data collection process in order to <br /><br />
better analyze and identify rider exposure and crash causality.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
On October 3, 2007, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) <br /><br />
sent a letter to FHWA containing an NTSB Safety Recommendation H-07-34, <br /><br />
which States:<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Following the 2007 Motorcycle Travel Symposium, develop <br /><br />
guidelines for the States to use to gather accurate motorcycle <br /><br />
registrations and motorcycle vehicle miles of travel data. The <br /><br />
guidelines should include information on the various methods to <br /><br />
collect registrations and vehicle miles traveled data and how these <br /><br />
methods can be put into practice.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
FHWA is committed to improving both sets of data.<br />
<br />
This notice <br /><br />
addresses the NTSB recommendation to gather<br /><br />
<br /><br />
[[Page 13810]]<br /><br />
<br /><br />
more accurate motorcycle registration data.

Specifically, related to <br /><br />
vehicle registrations, FHWA has established an interagency review team <br /><br />
consisting of experts from FHWA's Offices of Safety and Research, and <br /><br />
various NHTSA offices, to assist in the following activities:<br /><br />
1. Review State laws to determine the State of practice for <br /><br />
motorcycle registrations by documenting State laws and practices;<br /><br />
2. Improve the definition of motorcycles in the Guide to Reporting <br /><br />
Highway Statistics;<br /><br />
3. Develop guidelines for the States to use to gather and report <br /><br />
more accurate motorcycle registration data;<br /><br />
4. Include information on the various methods to collect and report <br /><br />
registrations in the guidelines; and<br /><br />
5. Initiate actions to bring the best methods in wider practice.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Current Status<br /><br />
<br /><br />
FHWA's current definition of a motorcycle is two-fold: (1) <br /><br />
motorcycles and (2) motor bicycles and scooters. The current language <br /><br />
for defining motorcycles is provided in FHWA's Guide \2\ as follows:<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Item I.E.2. Motorcycles: This item includes two-wheeled and <br /><br />
three-wheeled motorcycles. Sidecars are not regarded as separate <br /><br />
vehicles--a motorcycle and sidecar are reported as a single unit.<br /><br />
Item I.E.3.<br />
<br />
Motor bicycles and scooters: Mopeds should be <br /><br />
included with motor-driven cycles (motor bicycles) in the States <br /><br />
that require their registration.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
States annually report data to FHWA from their motor vehicle <br /><br />
registration systems. As a result, such data is based on the <br /><br />
definitions developed by States which may or may not approximate FHWA's <br /><br />
definition of motorcycles, motor bicycles, or scooters.<br /><br />
FHWA researched State legislation (including the District of <br /><br />
Columbia, but not Puerto Rico) for definitions of motorcycles and <br /><br />
similar vehicles. We found several characteristics that specifically <br /><br />
differentiated motorcycle-type vehicles from other vehicle types.

<br /><br />
Several States further defined the difference between motorcycles and <br /><br />
mopeds, or in a few States, motor scooters. The characteristics for <br /><br />
defining motorcycles included vehicles: with two to three wheels in <br /><br />
contact with the ground (48 States), with a seat or saddle for the <br /><br />
passenger(s) (36 States), with a sidecar or trailer (4 States), and <br /><br />
with a steering handlebar (2 States). Additionally, one State defined <br /><br />
motorcycles as having no enclosure on the vehicle for the operator <br /><br />
(driver) or passenger.<br /><br />
The following characteristics were used by some States to define <br /><br />
the difference between motorcycles, mopeds, and in a few cases, motor <br /><br />
scooters: speeds not in excess of 25 to 45 miles per hour (MPH) (3 <br /><br />
States mention 25 MPH, 13 mention 30 MPH, 1 State each mentions 35 or <br /><br />
45 MPH); engine displacement of not greater than 50 to 150 cubic <br /><br />
centimeters (cc) (21 States mention 50 cc, 1 State mentions 55 cc, and <br /><br />
1 State mentions 150 cc). Some States used brake horsepower (HP) <br /><br />
instead of, or in addition to, displacement to identify vehicle power <br /><br />
(4 States mention 1.5 HP, 12 mention 2.0 HP, 1 State mentions 2.7 HP, <br /><br />
and 1 State mentions 5 HP). Wheel diameter for differentiating <br /><br />
motorcycles and mopeds from motor scooters is mentioned by 5 States (2 <br /><br />
States mention wheel diameter greater than 10 inches, 1 State mentions <br /><br />
wheel diameter greater than 14 inches, and 2 States mention wheel <br /><br />
diameter greater than 16 inches); and 4 States mentioned a platform or <br /><br />
deck for a standing driver as a characteristic of a motor scooter.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
The United States uses a compatible but somewhat different <br /><br />
implementation of these ISO standards for domestic use. Title 49, Code <br /><br />
of Federal Regulations, Transportation, Part 565, Vehicle <br /><br />
Identification Number Requirements, 565.15 Content, describes VIN <br /><br />
characteristics as follows: The VIN consists of four sections of <br /><br />
characters which are grouped according to given specifications. The <br /><br />
first section consists of three characters that occupy positions one <br /><br />
through three in the VIN. These numbers uniquely identify the <br /><br />
manufacturer, make, and type of the motor vehicle.<br />
<br />
The second section <br /><br />
consists of five characters, which occupy positions four through eight <br /><br />
in the VIN. This section identifies attributes of the vehicle. For <br /><br />
motorcycles, this would typically include the manufacturer's brand, <br /><br />
model designation, engine type (displacement for liquid fueled <br /><br />
engines), net brake horsepower (less than or greater than 2 HP), and <br /><br />
vehicle weight.

All motorcycles would fall in the grouping of vehicles <br /><br />
weighing less than 3,000 pounds. The placement of characters within <br /><br />
this section is determined by the manufacturer, but the specified <br /><br />
attributes must be decipherable with information supplied by the <br /><br />
manufacturer in accordance with 49 CFR 565.15. In addition, the model <br /><br />
year, in place 10 of the 17 digit VIN code, may also be useful for <br /><br />
motorcycle registration information for identifying vehicle age. The <br /><br />
remaining sections of the VIN would not provide the type of information <br /><br />
needed to identify motorcycle vehicle types.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Reference Material<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
The definitions of motorcycle type vehicles found in 49 CFR 571.3 <br /><br />
state that:<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle with motive power having a seat <br /><br />
or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not <br /><br />
more than three wheels in contact with the ground.<br /><br />
Motor-driven cycle means a motorcycle with a motor that produces <br /><br />
5-brake horsepower or less.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
The Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria (MMUCC) \5\ defines a <br /><br />
motorcycle as a two or three-wheeled motor vehicle designed to <br /><br />
transport one or two people. Included are motor scooters, mini-bikes, <br /><br />
and mopeds.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Discussion of the Proposal<br /><br />
<br /><br />
FHWA is seeking to provide improved registration data to agencies <br /><br />
and the public to assist in the analysis of crash data relating to <br /><br />
these vehicles. For FHWA, the issue is two-fold: FHWA must provide the <br /><br />
States complete and comprehensive instructions on the data FHWA needs <br /><br />
to collect to perform its responsibilities, and FHWA must work with the <br /><br />
States to assure that they are providing accurate data to the extent <br /><br />
that they can in accordance with FHWA instructions. A corollary to both <br /><br />
issues is that FHWA must provide instructions that allow the States to <br /><br />
provide accurate and collectable data.<br /><br />
FHWA proposes to revise its definition of motorcycles and two-and-<br /><br />
three-wheeled vehicles to better differentiate motorcycles, mopeds, and <br /><br />
motor scooters.<br />
<br />
Further, FHWA proposes to build on the various existing <br /><br />
State definitions and to work with the States to build consensus <br /><br />
towards a uniform definition of these types of vehicles. An example of <br /><br />
potential revised definitions include the following:<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Item i.e.2. Motorcycles: This item includes vehicles with the <br /><br />
following characteristics:<br /><br />
<br /><br />
1. Two or three wheels in contact with the ground (excluding <br /><br />
trailers suitable for motorcycle hauling).<br /><br />
2.

A seat or saddle for rider (operator) and passengers (if any).<br /><br />
3. A steering handle bar.<br /><br />
4. Motor capacity exceeding 5 Horsepower.<br /><br />
5. Wheel rim diameters exceeding 10 inches.<br /><br />
6. Do not include a full enclosure for the rider (operator) or <br /><br />
passengers.<br /><br />
7. Sidecars and trailers are not regarded as separate vehicles--a <br /><br />
motorcycle and sidecar or trailer is reported as a single unit.<br /><br />
Item i.e.3.<br />
<br />
Mopeds or motor bicycles: this item includes <br /><br />
vehicles with the following characteristics:<br /><br />
<br /><br />
1. Two wheels in contact with the ground.<br /><br />
2. A seat or saddle for rider (operator) and passengers (if any).<br /><br />
3. A steering handle bar.<br /><br />
4. Pedals for operation without motor assistance.<br /><br />
5.

Do not include a full enclosure for the rider (operator) or <br /><br />
passengers.<br /><br />
6. Have a brake horsepower not exceeding 5 Horsepower.<br /><br />
Item i.e.4 Motor scooters: this item includes vehicles with the <br /><br />
following characteristics:<br /><br />
<br /><br />
1. Two wheels in contact with the ground.<br /><br />
2. Has a platform or deck for the use of a standing rider <br /><br />
(operator).<br /><br />
3. A steering handle bar.<br /><br />
4.<br />
<br />
Do not include a full enclosure for the rider (operator) or <br /><br />
passengers (if any).<br /><br />
5. Have a brake horsepower not exceeding 5 Horsepower.<br /><br />
6. Have a direct drive energy transmission from the engine to the <br /><br />
drive wheel(s) (no transmission).<br /><br />
<br /><br />
In addition, FHWA seeks comments on the issues of identifying <br /><br />
vehicles with the following characteristics:<br /><br />
<br /><br />
1. Two or three wheels in contact with the ground (excluding <br /><br />
trailers suitable for motorcycle hauling).<br /><br />
2. A seat for driver and passengers.<br /><br />
3. Wheel diameters exceeding 10 inches.<br /><br />
4.

An enclosure for the driver or passengers.<br /><br />
5. Sidecars and trailers are not regarded as separate vehicles--a <br /><br />
motorcycle and sidecar or trailer is reported as a single unit.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
FHWA also seeks comment regarding the types of three-wheeled vehicles <br /><br />
that are small and lightweight, with a minimal chassis and body that <br /><br />
may or may not be fully enclosed by doors and/or windows. Examples <br /><br />
include commercial vehicles such as the Zapcar and T-Rex. FHWA seeks <br /><br />
comments on all revised definitions above and on any other definitions <br /><br />
that would provide value.<br /><br />
Another approach would be for FHWA to request the States to report <br /><br />
additional information on the relevant sections of the VIN of every <br /><br />
motorcycle type vehicle registered with the States.<br />
<br />
FHWA could request <br /><br />
States to report the relevant digits of the VIN of the registered <br /><br />
motorcycle to gather additional details on the motorcycle <br /><br />
characteristics and avoid digits that indicate a specific vehicle. By <br /><br />
only asking for the characteristic-relevant digits, FHWA would avoid <br /><br />
gathering any unique identifier of the vehicle (and the owner of the <br /><br />
vehicle). FHWA seeks comments on whether the collection of this <br /><br />
information would raise privacy concerns.<br /><br />
Discussion with experts in the field indicates that motorcycle <br /><br />
attributes contained in the VIN are less standardized than those for <br /><br />
auto or truck type vehicles. This implies that VIN data may not be as <br /><br />
helpful in classifying motorcycle type vehicles as some may believe. <br /><br />
The VIN approach also adds considerable cost to FHWA's data collection <br /><br />
and analysis program and may not provide significantly new or <br /><br />
additional information. FHWA seeks comments on whether the collection <br /><br />
of information contained in the VIN would provide useful or valuable <br /><br />
information and if that information is useful, whether that information <br /><br />
could be collected in another way.

[stalliongirl]

I can appreciate the reasons a Stallion should be called a motorcycle. However, in TX, I am running into an issue because they are requiring that I take the motorcycle safety course to get a motorcycle endorsement for my driver's license. The reason I bought a Stallion was for the automatic feature and the steering wheel. I don't want to learn about changing gears, leaning, hand brakes, keeping it steady. Does anyone in Texas know where I can take the safety course on my Stallion? Can't find anything in the Houston area yet.
Thanks a million.
Stallion Girl

[Gorilla]

stalliongirl, call TBMS and see if they can help you out. The factory is there in Texas

[stalliongirl]

Thanks TMIGALA, they've given me some suggestions.
StallionGirl

[John Luciano]

This is the same problem in Conn. they want you to get a motorcycle endorsement to ride anything called a motorcycle (Trike Sidecar or Stallion) I have been to the State Capitol on this issue they don't even want to talk about it. also the enclosed cockpit is throwing them for a loop. I do not believe there is one Stallion operating in Conn. as of this moment , because they can't decide if it is a car or a motorcycle. It fits neither description....

[Gorilla]

John I believe the resolution is a motorcycle endorcement with a trike restriction as they due here in Florida. You take the motorcycle written, you have to take a safety class (there are some that are geared to trikes) you get a lic. with a motorcycle endorcement restricted to 3 wheels only. <br />
<br />
By definition a Stallion is a motorcycle here in Florida and by the feds in the definition Mattel wrote above. I believe it is in our interest to keep it that way, because the Stallion does not meet all the restrictions (air bags, bumpers, etc) required for a car. Therefore it would go away.

[Mattel]

From my experence Stallions ususlly have one air bag, and it is driving! Hot air bag that is!!!

[stalliongirl]

WooHoo! I passed my basic rider course (required for TX) at Awesome Cycles in Houston. They allowed me to take the class on a 125cc scooter. They were absolutely fantastic and I got my M endorsement today. This should solve the licensing issue for those who don't want to learn on a 2-wheeler.

Stallion Girl

[tfdeputydawg]

Take you trike or you Stallion to the MSC and use it for the riding portion.<br />
Yes, the govenment is dumb too. Anything w/a steering wheel, no matter how many tires it sits on, is not a motorcycle! Just kidding-Don't flame me, I like 'em to. It's just to hard for my wife and I to get in and out of one!<br />
Contact you local ABATE-Tell them to lobby for trike licensing!

[John Luciano]

Found out today that if you have any medical reason for not being able to operate a 2 wheeler , Inner ear infection , bad knees etc. Get Doctor slip and you can take it on a trike .

[Gorilla]

deputydawg.

My wife has bad knees and she has her system to get in and out of the Stallion with ease. She has trouble climbing more than a couple of stairs.

In Florida a Stallion is a motorcycle. She has a motorcycle lic. (required for the Stallion) with a trike restriction. The Stallion has a motorcycle plate. Florida defines motorcycle as a vehicle with 2 or 3 wheels.

I think if someone showed you the entry/exit secret you would see that it is not as difficult as most make it out to be.

[redneckray]

you got to hit the button to get out of it, grinn[ejection button]

[Mattel]

Take you trike or you Stallion to the MSC and use it for the riding portion.
Yes, the govenment is dumb too. Anything w/a steering wheel, no matter how many tires it sits on, is not a motorcycle! Just kidding-Don't flame me, I like 'em to. It's just to hard for my wife and I to get in and out of one!
Contact you local ABATE-Tell them to lobby for trike licensing!

I already did after the last artical in the AMA mag. They did not even know the Stallion existed. I would have thought TBMS would have atleast paid them a visit.

[stalliongirl]

Texas no longer does road tests to get the motorcycle license. You MUST take the Basic Rider Course, take your certificate to the DMV and take an on-screen knowledge test to get the license. I had tried taking the Stallion there first. Law changed in Sept 2009. I agree, you would think TBMS would have notified the state of this vehicle.

[RickDeVon]

I have had Harley blood in me for a very long time now...Even want to trike it these days...But the more I see the Ford Horse the more I want one...Now I may get blasted for this but....To me it is a three wheel roadster....It does have all the features of a car....And I am fine with that...

[Gorilla]

Welcome RickDeVon. I ride a HD trike and my wife has a Stallion. So I get to experience both worlds. They are different and she loves hers for the reasons you mention. I like riding her Stallion but still love my HD. If you like the Stallion it is a great machine.

[Charlie D]

Rick: One year ago June I had to take my stallion to Springfield,Il. to the Hqdrs of Sect of State of Ill.. They had never seen a Stallion prior to this.. They reset the trike course using my Stallion and when finished they adjusted the course to fit the stallion. Length width corners etc. Guarantee you can get a trike lisc, in Ill. with a Stallion.. It is a motorcycle here. Charlie D. P>S>S> 10 minutes later the IMP took the Stallion and passed the course and now has her lisc. and had never been on a course in her life before..

[Charlie D]

RICK Welcome to Trike Talk..best bunch of people you will meet.. Ye Haw!

[triwinggirl]

Trikes should not be classified as motorcycles, they are not motorcycles.
here in Nevada they are called trimobiles. you do not need a endorsement. you should not need an endorsement to ride a trike, especially if you drive a stallion. a stallion is definitely not a motorcycle.

A motorcycle has two wheels and requires balancing the vehicle and is inherently unstable. you must learn how to ride a motorcycle and how not to,and how to lay it down in an emergency. a motorcycle can slide out from under you, it will if you don't know how to ride it.

A trimobile stands on it's own like a car. anyone can ride/drive a trike with little or no training. a stallion has an automatic trans and a steering wheel and seat belts. the reason we are exempt from helmet laws is because trikes are stable on the road and safer.

I repeat trikes are not motorcycles, even if it is made from a motorcycle.

What about a convertibles, it does not have an enclosure for the driver/passenger when the top is down just like a stallion. how would you classify a stallion with a soft top. what about three wheeled cars. should you have to have an endorsement to drive these.

When they require safety courses to ride/drive a stallion , tell them you took that course in high school. IT WAS CALLED DRIVER EDUCATION

We are not motorcycles nor should we be grouped in with them. nor should mopeds be grouped with either trikes or motorcycles. they are each different animals. granted most of us have motorcycle backgrounds. the wind in your face is the same as a motorcycle, but so is a convertible car.

My :2cents: endorsments for trikes as motorcycles is just another way to keep us down, controlled, and scared.

[Mattel]

Trikes should not be classified as motorcycles, they are not motorcycles.
here in Nevada they are called trimobiles. you do not need a endorsement. you should not need an endorsement to ride a trike, especially if you drive a stallion. a stallion is definitely not a motorcycle.

A motorcycle has two wheels and requires balancing the vehicle and is inherently unstable. you must learn how to ride a motorcycle and how not to,and how to lay it down in an emergency. a motorcycle can slide out from under you, it will if you don't know how to ride it.

A trimobile stands on it's own like a car. anyone can ride/drive a trike with little or no training. a stallion has an automatic trans and a steering wheel and seat belts. the reason we are exempt from helmet laws is because trikes are stable on the road and safer.

I repeat trikes are not motorcycles, even if it is made from a motorcycle.

What about a convertibles, it does not have an enclosure for the driver/passenger when the top is down just like a stallion. how would you classify a stallion with a soft top. what about three wheeled cars. should you have to have an endorsement to drive these.

When they require safety courses to ride/drive a stallion , tell them you took that course in high school. IT WAS CALLED DRIVER EDUCATION

We are not motorcycles nor should we be grouped in with them. nor should mopeds be grouped with either trikes or motorcycles. they are each different animals. granted most of us have motorcycle backgrounds. the wind in your face is the same as a motorcycle, but so is a convertible car.

My :2cents: endorsments for trikes as motorcycles is just another way to keep us down, controlled, and scared.

Good summery, but the issue is about grouping them in the choices they already have. This is the government we are talking about. They don't have a third or fourth group, that is why they are left with the choice of Motorccle or car. If you look at most mopeds, they are considered motorized bicycles, and the bicycle laws apply. Here, most states and nationally they don't have a third choice. It is Motorcycle or Car.