Possible Solution to the Voyager Kit Legality Question

[Simdog]

I've read that the Voyager Trike Kit (as well as others) is illegal in some states due to there being 4 wheels on the ground vs. 2 or 3 wheels, and therefore does not classify as a motorcycle, and the bike isn't street legal if classified as a car. Here's what I would do if I were in one of those states ...<br />
<br />
The kit, as a stand-alone (not on the bike) could definitely be classified as a trailer. Heck, just look at it unattached. Go and get it registered as a trailer and get separate tags for it. The state definitely wants your money. The trailer then connects onto your bike at the special hitch located below your bike. Make sure you have both your bike's tags and your voyager kit's tags mounted at all times. If you get pulled over, show the registration for your bike and your trailer. PROBLEM SOLVED !!!

<img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" /><br />
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Any thoughts?

 

[tfdeputydawg]

In what states would the "training wheel" kits not be street legal?

 

[Simdog]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>tfdeputydawg</strong>
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<div class="message">In what states would the "training wheel" kits not be street legal?</div>

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</div>Offhand, I remember Pennsylvania, Iowa, Michigan, West Virginia, and New York, but I'm sure there are others. It all centers around the fact that their law states that a motorcycle is defined as 3 wheels or less, but I don't think these laws are really enforced much. I read where Voyager claimed at one time to have gotten Federal DOT approval that superceded state laws, but I never dug into it or read anything that supported or contradicted that.<br />
<br />
It does seem petty to me though that there are people who have that 4th wheel removed and spend much more money on their trike and then feel that they need to belittle others who choose these kits. It's kinda the same as some police officers claiming that corrections officers aren't real law enforcement ... that they are just wannabes. I'm sure you've run into those kind of people.

 

[trike lady]

If the Voyager were not street legal the manufacturer couldn't sell them in those states. It can also be classified as an 'Accessory'. In some states you can obtain a trike operator's license with one and in others it may require a motorcycle endorsement because the unit is removable. <img src="images/smilies/confused.gif" border="0" alt="" title="huh??" class="inlineimg" />

 

[bigjoey38]

Took my 7 yr old grandson out for a ride today...

Here is my e-mail to voyager and there response:



Dear Joe,

The Voyager is legal under trailers. Call the office for any further information.

Austin
MTC Voyager


>
> Looking at buying a voyager kit, However my questions is this product legal in all states?
>
> Thanks

 

[Gorilla]

Sounds like the factory is taking simdogs position, its a trailer.

 

[Capt Chaos]

It sounds like we may have a opportunity to coin a new pharse for our training wheel, outrigger riders. We just have "Reverse Trailers".

 

[vol02]

I know this is an old thread but just wanted to input info. I took my skills test on a bike with a voyager kit on it in Michigan. I was given a restricted endorsment (trike only). Put 2000 miles local with no enforcement issues in the following two months.

 

[roscoe 07]

I was told by state trooper in texas 4 wheels on ground is illegal
it is not a motorcycle 3 wheels ok not 4

 

[Duffy]

I just got word from the Wa. State Patrol and they say the the vehicle can't be registered in the state (not a bike, trike or a car). They do say however that they don't control vehicle licensing...............maybe registering it as a trailer is the way to go but you have to get a title which means a vehicle inspection from the State Patrol. Kind of a Catch-22.

 

[bigjoey38]

This is on the MTC voyager site under FAQ:<br />
<br />
FAQ Purchasing a New Voyager <br />
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19. Are convertible kits legal?<br />
<br />
Questions exist about the Voyager’s legality based on motorcycle vehicle identification codes generally reading, “...a motorcycle is every motor vehicle designed not to travel on more than three wheels in contact with the ground.” The Voyager’s legality is not found here.<br />
<br />
The Voyager is legal under motorcycle trailer law, which states, “a non-motorized vehicle carrying persons or property being drawn or pulled by a motorized vehicle.” The Voyager is drawn from the motorcycle, carries persons (the rider and passenger) and property (the motorcycle).<br />
<br />
Doesn’t a motorcycle trailer require a tag? Yes, if it is an extension of the motorcycle. The Voyager is not an extension of the motorcycle, therefore does not require a tag.<br />
<br />
Also, the Voyager is legal under the United States Disability Act. This act states that any product or modification that allows people to operate a vehicle or system in a way that makes it safer for the operator and the public is legal. Disabilities include both height and strength, which are major causes for needing stability

 

[vol02]

I was told by state trooper in texas 4 wheels on ground is illegal
it is not a motorcycle 3 wheels ok not 4

My brother bought a Honda 1100 spirit with a voyager kit from a guy in Texas a few months ago. The guy he bought it from rode it several years in Texas with no legal issues. The kit was one of the earlier type kits voyager produced. He bought it new and had it installed in Texas.

 

[onewing]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>bigjoey38</strong>
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<div class="message">Took my 7 yr old grandson out for a ride today...<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i763.photobucket.com/albums/xx272/nuyorker/6-7-2010002.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
<br />
Here is my e-mail to voyager and there response: <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Dear Joe,<br />
<br />
The Voyager is legal under trailers. Call the office for any further information.<br />
<br />
Austin<br />
MTC Voyager<br />
<br />
<br />
> <br />
> Looking at buying a voyager kit, However my questions is this product legal in all states?<br />
> <br />
> Thanks</div>

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</div>dear Joe,<br />
<br />
I just recently put Voyager kit on my Suzuki intruder, and have been looking around for saddlebags that would fit well and take up that space between thefenders and the bike. You don't mind me asking what kind of saddlebags are those?

 

[eagle1]

anybody see the post from a guy from ohio (he is haveing major problems getting his voyeager registered in ohio, send him a private msg. with this info. i'm sure he will be very grateful. roll on and throttle-up..........

 

[Duffy]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>onewing</strong>
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<div class="message">dear Joe,<br />
<br />
I just recently put Voyager kit on my Suzuki intruder, and have been looking around for saddlebags that would fit well and take up that space between thefenders and the bike. You don't mind me asking what kind of saddlebags are those?</div>

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</div>They are Leatherlyke Contemporaries. Nice bags and reasonably priced.<br />
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<img src="http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff177/duffystunes/Voyagerkit001.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
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<img src="http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff177/duffystunes/Voyagerkit003.jpg" border="0" alt="" />

 

[MadMac]

I have the LeatherLyke Traditional saddle bags and top trunk and they are really handy as well as good looking. I do have a little less space between the bike's rear fender and the Voyager fenders. About a half an inch on each side. Looks almost custom made.

MadMac

 

[John Luciano]

Can't register the bike with Voyager on ? Remove it and put in on later
I never have to show a bike I register in less it is over 2o years old or out of state. Then I would show up with out the Voyager. I does not say it is on there on the title

 

[Lakeman]

IN SC a trike is considered a 3 wheel car, so you don't have to have a motorcycle endorsement on your license.

 

[Tinbasher]

In the UK Voyager type conversions are not legal.

 

[ladyff1481]

Just wondering....Isn't the Voyager kit a fairly easily removed kit? Why can't he just register the bike then re-add the Voyager? I made my black Harley Sportster 883 into a purple trike. Registration in New York listed it as the original black 883. Couldn't the Voyager trike issue be sorta' similar?

John, you beat me to this question LOL!!!!