Heads Up PA riders with Voyager Trike

[Rick Haywood]

Any other RSV Voyager "trike" riders in PA out there? Have you seen the article in the December 2009 ABATE of PA newsletter? According to PennDOT, the Voyager trike kit is not legal in PA! It's because with the Voyager on the bike, it has four wheels on the ground, not three. According to PennDOT, the state Vehicle Code states that a motorcycle can have no more than three wheels. I've looked it up, and by strict letter of the law, it appears that they are right. But, come on, aren't there better things the lawyers at the largest governmental agency in the state could be doing? Hopefully ABATE will be able to get the law changed and/or get the courts to throw this out. My disabled son LOVES riding on our 2000 RSV with the Voyager trike on it, but he can't ride without the stability the kit provides. Check it out, this could be an issue for any "trikes" that have more than three wheels, like Tow-pac.

 

 

I guess as soon as we decide to work and pay all our taxes and stay home and do nothing so we can work harder to pay more taxes and never question anything our government does or tells us to do then they will be happy. I for one can't do that.

[Zane]

And I think that people that ride the 4 wheel bikes are actually awesome. It shows that despite whatever, they are willing to get out there and enjoy riding for what it is. !!

 

 

Gary

 

I second that emotion! I used to ride a VW Trike and you can imagine the flack I had to listen to! "Car Bike", "MC= My Car", etc, etc! Ride what makes ya happy and you ain't thinned skinned at all. I can relate and tell ya to blow it off and NUTS TO THE SQUIRRELS!

[Carbon_One]

I second that emotion! I used to ride a VW Trike and you can imagine the flack I had to listen to! "Car Bike", "MC= My Car", etc, etc! Ride what makes ya happy and you ain't thinned skinned at all. I can relate and tell ya to blow it off and NUTS TO THE SQUIRRELS!

 

I'll 2nd that as well. I too had a VW trike back in the early 70's. Caught all the same crap so know where of you're coming from there.

Personaly I think it's awesome that Don is willing to convert his bike into whatever configuration so that he can take his son riding.

Larry

[Alex]

So how does Hannigan make their Quad street legal? Anyone?

[DONATALIE]

It is NOT LEGAL in PA! No more than three wheels in contact with the ground unless it meets the safety requirements of a motor VEHICLE, of course, (enclosed cab, steering wheel, 5 MPH bumpers, etc). Any motor CYCLE (including scooters, mopeds, sidecars and trikes) with more than three wheels is not legal in PA, period. Now, bear in mind, that my son and I had ours for almost two years. We were never pulled over for it. However, when I went to get it inspected (required annually in PA), NONE of the local dealers or shops would pass it. One even showed me the bulletin they got from PennDOT (PA's DMV) cautioning them not to pass motor driven cycles (PA's all inclusive term for motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, etc.) with more than three wheels in contact with the ground. As I noted in a previous post, a mechanic (and his shop) can both have their inspection licenses suspended/revoked for disregarding those PennDOT bulletins.

I don't know if any LEO's would stop a Voyager "Trike" just for being on the vehicle. While I do know more than a few of them, I certainly don't know them all. I'm sure there are some that would. However, the real problem, and the reason I started this thread, is that the bike can't be inspected with the kit on. Where you probably would get stopped is when you don't have a current inspection sticker on it because PennDOT won't allow it to pass. That is where you can, and probably would be stopped and almost certainly cited ($100+ a pop). Also, if you get pulled over more than a certain number of times for it, there is a section in the PA Vehicle Code that allows them to fine you $500+ a pop, for refusing to bring your vehicle into compliance. That could get awfully expensive, which is why I wanted to caution other PA riders who might be considering this option.

Finally, I want to repeat that I am not trashing the Voyager kit. My son and I loved it! If they ever make it legal in PA, I would certainly consider buying another one for my RSV. I hope this helps someone else who lives in PA. BTW, refer to the 12/2009 PA ABATE magazine with a story about this topic. It will confirm all of this if someone doubts my statements. Don from Harrisburg.

[steamer]

I'm sorry,but if I already owned the kit,I would remove it, inspect the bike and re-install it and ride it till next year and do it all over again.It's unlikely many LEO's would even give it a second look.

[Marcarl]

You could send a note, letter, to the Police dept. informing them that they have illegal MC with the 4 wheel setup, and also send a letter to their Insurance Co informing them of the illegal MC on the road from the Police Dept. Hopefully the Ins Co will send the police a letter stating that those MC with 4 wheels are not legal and they can no longer insure them. Then hopefully the police dept will either attempt to change the trikes, or get a revision on the law. I would think that if the police went after the legislation, it would be fixed right pronto.

[YamaDuck]

Well this has blossomed into several different issues hasn't it.

 

First I don't know if you could call it a trike if it has four wheels but who cares what else would you call it. Maybe a qaud or a 4 wheeler?

 

B, Come on down here and I'll be glad to ride with all of you.

 

3, The law applies to the people and not the police officers. At least that is how I see it. Don't get me wrong I highly respect the police officers and I would not have their jobs for anything BUT the motorcycles are just one example of do as I say not as I do. Down here my son dark tinted his windows then Ga. made it illegal to have dark tint on your windows. My son has gotten two tickets at $155 each for not taking the tint off when it became illegal YET half the police cars down here have dark tinted windows. There are posted speed limits down here that seem to only apply to us as the police officers are always speeding. It goes on and on.

 

D, the law makers have to much free time if they have to make laws that state how many wheels a motorcycle can have.

[Aussie Annie]

Someone sent me trap door emails explaining how my son and I "don't belong on the road", and how we "hog up the road for everyone else," etc (I'm sure you can guess the rest). Another emailer suggested that we should "just stay home." They made references to the posting on VR in the email headings which is why I opened them in the first place. It's obvious that some people on this forum have an issue with us on the road. Oh well, their loss. Please believe me when I tell you that I am not thin skinned. We have been stared at and whispered about his entire life. I'm used to it. My wife however, would have been VERY upset if she had opened the emails instead of me.

 

You just get out there and ride...and bloody well put a smile on that little boys' face

And the small minded folks can take a flying hike!!! [rant over]

[Bob Myers]

Well this has blossomed into several different issues hasn't it.

 

First I don't know if you could call it a trike if it has four wheels but who cares what else would you call it. Maybe a qaud or a 4 wheeler?

 

B, Come on down here and I'll be glad to ride with all of you.

 

3, The law applies to the people and not the police officers. At least that is how I see it. Don't get me wrong I highly respect the police officers and I would not have their jobs for anything BUT the motorcycles are just one example of do as I say not as I do. Down here my son dark tinted his windows then Ga. made it illegal to have dark tint on your windows. My son has gotten two tickets at $155 each for not taking the tint off when it became illegal YET half the police cars down here have dark tinted windows. There are posted speed limits down here that seem to only apply to us as the police officers are always speeding. It goes on and on.

 

D, the law makers have to much free time if they have to make laws that state how many wheels a motorcycle can have.

A kid who worked for me bought an X police cruiser, was a detective car with tinted windows. First week he had it he was stopped 3 or 4 times for tint too dark. Finally removed the tint instead of fighting the tickets

[Hobscotch]

I have been doing research, too, about the Voyager Trike Kit given recent health issues. I am headed for one of the "special" parking plates, I guess. I live in PA, as well.

 

Here is what I have learned. The Voyager Kit is insurable in PA, but only for liability coverage, according to Ryder Insurance Company, the motorcycle specialists. If it truly was an issue, then the insurance companies would not be allowed to insure them under the state insurance laws.

 

The kit is not an issue for inspection purposes according to the dealer where I bought my Venture based on the fact that it is a "Trike Kit" and the extra wheels are at the back of the bike. I tend to believe that since the gentleman is trained, knowledgeable and experienced beyond the normal level of most inspection and Notary Service organizations.

 

All things considered, it would appear that the motor vehicle code defining a motorcycle is simply outdated and essentially rendered moot by modern technology and law, insurance law, and eventually by the Americans with Disabilities Act, if needed, which is a federal matter that would probably trump state law, anyway.

 

Been an interesting research project, tho. I really do not want to stop riding, but my body says differently. The "Trike Kit" would allow me to continue riding. I think I would fight the issue if I was told the kit was illegal.

 

These are my research findings and opinions about them.

 

[calperin]

Hey, does not count that two of the wheels are not even half of the other two???

 

Almost three wheels....

 

:rotf::rotf:

 

Then, what about the additional 2 wheels you put on a bicycle to let the kids learn to ride and get balance?

 

:no-no-no::no-no-no::no-no-no:

[saddlebum]

I am not familliar with the kit so my thoughts here could be out in left feild. However I am assuming that drive power is still provided by the center wheel, and I am wondering if when one of the outside wheels., climbs a high spot would this not cause the centre wheel to lift off the ground therefore loosing traction and as a result become a safty issue, speacialy if going up hill and this may be why the legality of it is an issue? Just wondering.

[steamer]

I am not familliar with the kit so my thoughts here could be out in left feild. However I am assuming that drive power is still provided by the center wheel, and I am wondering if when one of the outside wheels., climbs a high spot would this not cause the centre wheel to lift off the ground therefore loosing traction and as a result become a safty issue, speacialy if going up hill and this may be why the legality of it is an issue? Just wondering.

 

I have the kit on my scoot,and this is not an issue.I have never lost traction on any road conditions.Now off road would be a problem.But why would anyone want to go off road with a touring bike? I did have some issues with progressive insurance,because the girl That I talked to didn't have a clue what a trike kit was.I had to ask for a supervisor.They added as an accessory.

[Trader]

All things considered, it would appear that the motor vehicle code defining a motorcycle is simply outdated and essentially rendered moot by modern technology and law, insurance law, and eventually by the Americans with Disabilities Act, if needed, which is a federal matter that would probably trump state law, anyway.

 

 

How many times have you heard that some places still have laws on the books about needing a runner with a flag in front of the motor car?

Or relating to interaction between motor cars and horses?

 

Just shows laws don't keep pace with technology.

[mtcvoyager]

Hello again. This is a representative of Motorcycle Tour Conversions, Inc.

 

While going through some online threads, I came across this one again. I want to make it clear that we are legal in every state, and definitely legal in Pennsylvania.

 

The Pittsburgh Police Department actually attaches our kits on their motorcycles for winter use in slicker conditions. They've used our Voyager trike kits since 2005.

 

Just for clarity.

 

Sincerely,

 

Motorcycle Tour Conversions, Inc.

Home of the Voyager

[Peder_y2k]

Those Voyager type kits are obviously 'outriggers' or 'training wheels' or 'stabilizers' that are accessories, and installed onto the basic vehicle which is clearly a motorcycle. The DOT has likely approved the use, or it couldn't be sold. Any leo that cites is subject to a complaint on his/her record, and too many complaints results in loss of job. Any citation for this should be taken to a judge, and then a complaint issued on the leo.

-Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

[IronMike]

This is rare, I get to learn something new, what the heck is a trap door e mail?

 

I doubt you would be bother with the trike. if so deal with it then.

[spear]

I proudly ride my 2004 RSV with a Voyager attached. (Thanks Aussie Annie.)

No issues with the DOT here. It's no more than a bolt-on accessory. No engineer's certificate required in my state, although Annie needed one in her state. My insurance company - the biggest bike insurer in the country - knows exactly what a Voyager is and includes it in my bike insurance.

I'm a retired LEO, and most of my former work mates don't even realise that I'm NOT riding a trike. They have to look twice to realise the drive wheel is still attached.

Time for everybody to just move on. Become engineers, build a bridge and get over it!

[Condor]

How ironic.... I just ran acrossed a used Voyager Kit for sale with the Royal Star adapter for a firm $2500 this morning. It actually has a choice of a couple of different adapters. I'm really thinking about making an offer anyway. It would go on the '99 for long range touring since it's already rigged. I'd keep Seven as a 2 wheeler for around town.

[blue mtn. jim]

Any other RSV Voyager "trike" riders in PA out there? Have you seen the article in the December 2009 ABATE of PA newsletter? According to PennDOT, the Voyager trike kit is not legal in PA! It's because with the Voyager on the bike, it has four wheels on the ground, not three. According to PennDOT, the state Vehicle Code states that a motorcycle can have no more than three wheels. I've looked it up, and by strict letter of the law, it appears that they are right. But, come on, aren't there better things the lawyers at the largest governmental agency in the state could be doing? Hopefully ABATE will be able to get the law changed and/or get the courts to throw this out. My disabled son LOVES riding on our 2000 RSV with the Voyager trike on it, but he can't ride without the stability the kit provides. Check it out, this could be an issue for any "trikes" that have more than three wheels, like Tow-pac.

 

I am a disabled vet, and with out that kit I could not ride. I was blessed to ride for four years and got to enjoy the wind in our face that we all crave for. Free to enjoy your life is American as apple pie. My heart goes out to all those that have problems trying to live a normal as possible. You should have seen their faces with my disabled license plate on my bike, not all was pleasant some times. I could never look down at anybody that had some challenges in life, there was only ONE that was perfect and they killed him. GOD bless.

[dacheedah]

I kind of see the kit like a trailer, I thought it plugs in and can be removed like a trailer. Or try putting car plates on it and ride there. They can't have it both ways

[spear]

As mtcvoyager has said in its couple of posts within this thread - the outfits are legal right across the USA (and as far as I know, the entire world!)

 

You want to know ANYTHING about ANYTHING - listen to the experts.

 

In this case the experts have talked. Listen to mtcvoyager. Would it manufacture and sell its outfits if it hadn't done its homework? I think not.

 

Come on people. Just ride!

[Solodadof2]

Just curious do you have handicapped plates on the motorcycle? I know you can get them here in Illinois for no extra charge. This may be one way to hold officers at bay that may pull you over or may even prevent them from pulling you over. Just a thought!! You may have already done this...