A motorcyclist who pleaded guilty to careless driving received a letter of support from a police officer, Inverness Sheriff Court has heard.
David McCafferty, 32, of Dulnain Bridge, had been accused of driving dangerously by overtaking a line of vehicles at an average speed of 117mph.
But the Crown accepted his guilty plea to the reduced charge.
A letter from a policewoman who helped McCafferty run a club for young bike enthusiasts was given to the sheriff.
The court heard the motorcyclist had helped organise a trip for youngsters to Durham Mini-Moto Club last year with the local police, including PC Helen Taylor.
A police car was in the line of traffic McCafferty overtook on a bend of the A95 at Craggan, near Grantown-on-Spey, on 6 June last year.
His solicitor Craig Wood said McCafferty was the chairman of committee that was trying to set up a club for young motorcycle and go-kart enthusiasts.
Mr Wood handed Sheriff Margaret Neilson the letter of support from PC Taylor.
McCafferty was fined £400 and had six penalty points put on his licence.
Mini bikes and pocket bikes are two phrases that are used interchangeably to refer to miniature motor GP bikes. They look the same, and run like the real thing, except that they are much smaller. Mini bike riding is one of the fastest growing sport in the United States. Many motor GP fans want to have a taste of riding these extremely fast vehicles, but don’t want to pay the hefty price tag for a real motor GP vehicle. Hence, a smaller version fits the bill nicely.
Besides, most fans just like to watch motor GP racing and get a little fun from riding the mini pocket bikes. There is no real intention of racing professionally, so there is no need for a full sized motor GP motorcycle. A smaller version is more affordable, more fun, and definitely much safer.
In general, there are two types of mini bikes: gas and electric pocket bikes. The more hardcore fans can opt for gas mini bikes, as they are closer to the real thing. Also, they are easier to operate and can go faster than electric mini motorcycles. For this reason, electric minibikes are more suitable for young children, as they go slower. But to be on the safe side, always check the recommended age before buying a pocket mini bike for a child, even if it’s an electric bike. That’s because some electric mini bikes can go up to great speeds as well.
Due to the rising demand for mini bikes, there is no lack of variety to meet the market demand. There are all sorts of different make and model for pocket rocket bikes. It is wise to do a little bit of research on these make and models before making a buying decision. For instance, if you are new to mini bike riding, you may wish to start with a smaller capacity mini bike that’s easier to control. Once you get the hang of riding the pocket bike, you may then buy a powerful one and sell the old one away. You may also decide to try out an electric mini bike just to feel the difference between riding a gas and electric mini bike. You will become a much better rider.
Mini bikes can cost anywhere from five hundred dollars and up. To get a better deal, remember to check out auction websites such as eBay. Bike riders are always buying and selling second hand used minibikes to get more experience in riding different types of mini bikes.
Finally, always keep in mind safety concerns when riding mini bikes. Never grow overconfident or underestimate the speeds of mini bikes. Doing so may expose you to unnecessary danger. Treat mini pocket bike racing as a hobby and observe all safety guidelines. Your mini bike riding hobby will reward you with many pleasurable experiences.
Pocket bikes or mini motos are small, speedy, gas powered motorcycles about 47 inches long and 18 inches tall. The smaller models reach a speed up to 35 mph while the superior models can achieve up to 50 mph. Earlier, pocket bikes were specially made and were costly but with these becoming popular, they are now more affordable. With the 47cc pocket bikes available now, you can choose among several varieties to suit your specific needs.
You can ride pocket bikes on tracks for competition or simply for fun. The sanctioning body, NAPRA was established to promote pocket bike racing and you can race on the pocket bikes with friends or in competitions. Go-kart tracks provide racetracks suited for pocket bikes.
The Different kind of Pocket Bikes with 47cc engine
There are many types of 47cc bikes to choose from. The Cagllari Daytona 47cc bikes are great value for money for the amateurs. For experienced racers, The Grand Prix MX3 with CAD is wonderful. The Blade version was built for hard track conditions and rough handling.
The pocket bike that gives the highest output is the Raptor with an increased torque but speed capacity intact. The GP RS-R is the modernist version in the 47cc models. This type of the 47cc bike offers a host of characteristics only found in larger versions of 47cc bikes.
The specifications for the standard 47cc bike include:
1. 47cc engine
2. Pull start method
3. 2 stroke oil and gas fuelled
4. 1 liter fuel capacity
5. Chain drive system
6. Speed of 35mph or over
7. 250 lbs load
8. Street terrain tires
9. Front and rear disc brakes
10. 40 lbs weight
11. Steel and plastic body
The Uniqueness of the Boreem 47cc Full Fairing Pocket Bike
This bike is unique as it has all the basic features and components, which are of excellent quality. Thus, its performance and reliability is superb. Despite this, it is inexpensive. It is really small at only 22 inches tall and weighs 43 lbs. Being small and light coupled with an extremely powerful engine it can rocket up to 40 mph.
The special features of the Boreem 47cc include:
1. 40mph speed
2. 30 mile range
3. Sturdy aluminum frame
4. Chain drive with rear wheel tension
5. Two cycle oil
6. 1.2 liters fuel tank capacity.
7. 10inch x 4.5 inch solid tires
8. 60 day warranty period.
The quality and attention devoted to all types of pocket bikes of the 47cc category is remarkable. After ordering and seeing this superior bike on arrival at your doorstep, you are sure to be impressed. The bikes are ready to use once out of the box but you are advised to follow all the safety instructions and use proper safety equipment.
You can order a 47cc bike according to your choice of style and color. After ordering, you have to wait for only about 2 working days to get this dream bike. If you spend a little extra, you can avail of the performance package that upgrades your bike to the next level. You will also be provided with free technical service for life and advice on upgrade as a part of after sales service.
So with all this information in your hand, order yourself a thrilling 47cc bike.
These mini motorcycle choppers have really become all the rage for children and adult’s alike. They are that one-step above a toy so to speak that teenagers and adults have come to enjoy for their own. You can buy these mini motorcycle choppers in the form of the most popular Harley Davidson style or in fact just about any other style that you may wish for.
Many people opt to have their minichopper custom made to their own specs and plans. It just depends on what you are looking for in a mini bike. If you are a mechanic or are handy in that field you can even build your own. There are plenty of plans and blue prints for sale especially on the Internet.
Depending on what country and or state you live in there will be differing rules and regulations for riding these great little bikes. Some places demand that you must be licensed to ride on the road while others say because the motors are of a smaller size you may ride them on the road without a license.
As much fun as these are they do need the rider to be responsible as some of these bikes can go very fast. In fact some can go up to 60 miles an hour using 4 stroke engines. Children should always be advised on riding them safely and preferably not on the road, as they are not very visual for other vehicles to always see them. But on the other hand the majority of these mini motorcycle choppers are ridden by adults and teenagers.
They really are a lot of fun and they look fantastic. You can pick them up for a reasonable price especially online. They are sold fully assembled or you can assemble them yourself. Don’t forget the option of buying a used one either.
Pit bikes have developed seriously across the years, they were first built with four stroke engines which typically came out of yard apparatus like lawn mowers. However today you are much more likely to see a 2 stroke bike which has been designed to look the same as the bigger bikes available today. Mini pit bikes were first made by fans using spare parts which were discovered in their garage.
The recognition of these pit bikesquickly grew and firms started to provide these bikes to sell to a growing market. The initial mini bike firms which were set up to sell these mini bikes were firms like Rupp, Arctic Cat and Fox. It is from these early designs that all of the categories of mini bikes were developed. Firstly the pocket bike / Minamoto was made, these are little racing duplicates of GP bikes. Pit bikes have also been made of the first designs, these now look like pit bikes and are far more sometimes being employed in contests. Also chopper mini bikes have been made, these are scaled down versions of bigger chopper bikes including duplicates of Harley Davidson choppers.
Pit bikes come in countless different sizes from 49cc pit bikes all the way up to 250cc pit bikes with the 50cc pit bike being one of the more favored sizes for non racing. With speeds of over sixty 5 miles per hour, pit bikes are an exciting rush especially since you are so close the ground.
Gas pit bikes come in two main types : two stroke or four stroke. Also they are slower in comparison to gas powered pocket dirt bikes over 100cc.
Both electrical and gas pit bikes are designed with superb handling and acceleration to mind, which in turn makes them excellent for tight racing courses and dust tracks. Neither gas or electrical pit bikes aren’t sometimes advocated for street use and in several places aren’t street legal.
pit pocket bikes are now more favored than ever, with thousands of new models being purchased yearly .
SPEED DEMONS: Ready to race at Lakeside are Josh Gordon, Mal Lawrence, Jordan Brennan and Glen, Siena and Brielle Cosedge.
WHAT started as a small group for pocket bikes on Brisbane’s northside has grown to become a premier racing event for small-wheeled motorbikes.
The North Brisbane Pocket Bike Club now hosts Small-wheel Sunday every second weekend, a race meet for different types of small-wheel bikes including pocket bikes, mini motards, scooters, postie bikes, super motards and motolites or bucket bikes.
Organiser Kim Cocksedge said the event now attracted riders from as far away as Bundaberg and the Gold Coast to the Lakeside circuit at Kurwongbah.
“I even had an inquiry from MacLean, in NSW,’’ she said.
“We started with about 8-10 (riders) and now we average in the mid-30s per week.’’
Cocksedge said she would like to see the club continue to grow.
“I want to get big enough so that we can go over a whole weekend,’’ she said.
“I would like to take on more juniors, the pocket bikes are a stepping stone to the big bikes.’’
Round one of the summer series of Small-wheel Sunday will be held at Lakeside Park on February 28.
The Cagllari mini pocket rocket bike retails for $399, but you can often find this little bike on sale if you search for it. Check your local bike shop and also check online for great deals on the Cagllari mini pocket rocket bike. Be sure to check for shipping fees and a good warranty when you purchase online. Actually, look for a good warranty from wherever you buy the bike. Don?t pay more than you have to!
The Cagllari Daytona mini pocket rocket bike seems to be a favorite amongst both racers and weekend warriors. Perhaps the reason is the sleek look of this mini pocket rocket without a bunch of frills. You can decorate this little bike to your taste with your choice of the 150 stickers that are provided when you purchase the Cagllari Daytona new.
The handlebar angle and height are adjustable, as are the brake, throttle, and foot placement, making the Cagllari Daytona mini pocket rocket bike fully adjustable to fit any size rider. The bike is designed to hold a 275 pound man, so it should also adjust to fit one.
Other features of the Cagllari Dayona mini pocket rocket bike are a pull start (which is actually a feature that many riders would rather do without as more and more mini pocket rockets have convenient electric starts), a chain drive automatic transmission, a bent pipe and silencer on the exhaust, and a fast 2 stroke, 47cc, 10,000 RPM, air cooled engine that will easily go up to 47 mph.
The Cagllari mini pocket rocket bike retails for $399, but you can often find this little bike on sale if you search for it. Check your local bike shop and also check online for great deals on the Cagllari mini pocket rocket bike. Be sure to check for shipping fees and a good warranty when you purchase online. Actually, look for a good warranty from wherever you buy the bike. Don?t pay more than you have to!
If this is his first mini pocket rocket bike, make sure to teach him about the safety habits that every rider should have. And if you ride, too, whether it?s a mini pocket rocket or a full sized bike, be sure to practice what you preach. Children have a hard time understanding how important it is to be safe on a bike when they see Dad doing things that are just the opposite of what they are telling the kids. Be sure he has all of the needed safety gear, and let him roar on his new GP MX3 mini pocket rocket. For more information have a look this website: http://www.minimotorockets.com they have collected some nice and free articles about mini pocket rockets bikes.
Other features of the Cagllari Dayona mini pocket rocket bike are a pull start (which is actually a feature that many riders would rather do without as more and more mini pocket rockets have convenient electric starts), a chain drive automatic transmission, a bent pipe and silencer on the exhaust, and a fast 2 stroke, 47cc, 10,000 RPM, air cooled engine that will easily go up to 47 mph.
A MAN has been jailed for breaching his probation for a knife offence after being caught driving an illegal home-built motorbike.
Ian Scott, 24, had been placed on probation last year after he was caught with a blade.
He was jailed for six months this week by Sheriff Rajni Swanney, pictured, after he was caught riding a mini-motorbike he had built as a present for his nephew.
Scott, of Grosvenor Road, Greenock, admitted driving the unregistered vehicle on 13 January while disqualified from holding a driving licence.
Solicitor Aidan Gallagher said his client had made the motorcycle from two mini-moto bikes as a gift for his nephew.
He had carried out repairs to the bike and had taken it on a test run on wasteground at St Kenneth’s Primary School.
He said: “Rather than pushing it back, he has foolishly chosen to drive it home and was stopped by the police after about 100 yards. The circumstances are somewhat unusual.”
Sheriff Swanney said Scott was not committed to fulfilling his probation. She said: “I am going to give you a prison sentence for your breach of probation.
“It was imposed for a knife offence for which you could have been given a prison sentence.”
Scott was placed on probation last year after he was found in possession of a knife after drinking a bottle-and-a-half of vodka.
He was stopped and searched by police in Greenock’s Ingleston Street on 21 January last year. Police discovered a five-inch blade with a
serrated edge in his pocket.
Scott claimed he had borrowed the jacket from a friend at a party.
A motorcycle club is very different than an organization. A motorcycle club or MC is considered to be the 1%. These are the serious clubs such as Hell’s Angels, Banditos, Sons of Silence…among others. Organizations are Christian Motorcycle Groups and my favorite– Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) in which I am a member. If you want to start a MC you will need to be sanctioned by the AMA, and obtain the blessings of the 1%.
Next comes chapter development…. if your state is biker friendly, you should not have a hard time recruiting for an organization. The MC stigma is really hard to overcome for the older folk. What we have done to recruit new members is sit down with a reporter to get the word out, go to rallies to set up a table, and go to fairs.
Mini bikes have developed greatly throughout the years, they were first built with 4 stroke engines which usually came out of yard equipment such as lawn mowers. However today you are more likely to see a two stroke bike which has been designed to look the same as the larger motorcycles available today.
Mini bikes were first created by enthusiasts using spare parts which were found in their garage. These started to become popular in the 50’s with many people using them as ‘pit bikes’ for drag racers. They were useful as they took up roughly around the same amount of room as a bicycle would in the trailer and were easy to manouvre and were a lot quicker than bicycles when used around the pit lanes.
The racers that created these would then often use these motorcycles at home and around their neighborhood where children would see them and want them as they liked the idea of a ‘mini motorcycle’. The popularity of these motos quickly grew and companies started to produce these bikes in order to sell to a growing market. The first mini bike companies which were set up to sell these mini bikes were companies such as Rupp, Arctic cat and Fox.
It is from these early designs that all other forms of mini bikes were developed. Firstly the pocketbike/mini moto was created, these are miniature racing replicas of GP bikes.
Pit bikes have also been created from the original designs, these now look like motocross bikes and are more commonly being used in competitions.
Also chopper mini bikes have been created, these are scaled down versions of larger chopper bikes including replicas of Harley Davidson choppers.
Mini bikes are now more popular then ever, with hundreds of thousands of new models being purchased each year. Why not take a look at what mini bikes are on offer at Minimotosgo.com. We have an extensive list of mini bikes for sale including Rupp minibikes for sale and mini dirt bikes for sale.
Also if any more information is required on mini bikes then there is all the information needed on the site.
A pocket bike is a two wheeled motorized device that has a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and that is not designated or manufactured for highway use.
Pocket bikes do not include an off-highway motorcycle as defined in section 436 of the Vehicle Code.
Is my “Pocket Bike” Allowed on Public Land? The short answer “No”. Recent legislation prohibits pocket bikes from being operated on public land. Section 21720 is added to the California Vehicle Code to read, “A pocket bike shall not be operated on a sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a highway, or on a bikeway, bicycle path or trail, equestrian trail, hiking or recreational trail, or on public lands open to off-highway motor vehicle use.”
What will happen if I’m caught riding my “Pocket Bike” on Public Land? Recent legislation allows for peace officers to seize the bike and hold it for a maximum of 48 hours. The violator shall be responsible for all costs associated with the removal, seizure and storage.
Additionally, new legislation requires the manufacturer of the pocket bike to place a sticker on the bike that reads:
The pocket bike you have purchased or obtained is strictly prohibited from being operated on a sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a highway, or on a bikeway, bicycle path or trail, equestrian trail, hiking or recreational trail, or on public lands open to off highway vehicle use. A violation of this regulation may result in prosecution and seizure of the device.
Pocketbikes are small motorcycles powered by 40-49cc gasoline engines or electric motors. They are being marketed and sold improperly as “motor scooters”. Pocket bikes meet the definition of a motorcycle as defined by California Vehicle Code 400(a):
CVC 400(a): A “motorcycle” is any motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for use by the rider, designed to travel on not more then three wheels in contact with the ground, and weighing less then 1500 lbs. As the motors on pocket bikes are under 150cc, they are further defined as a “motor driven cycle” per CVC 405C
VC 405: A “motor driven cycle” is any motorcycle with a motor that displaces less then 150 cubic centimeters.
A motor driven cycle must be registered with the DMV for use on a public roadway or off-street public parking facility. The rider must be issued a valid driver license with M1 (motorcycle) endorsement per CVC12500 (b) and CVC12804.9 (a). The rider must wear an approved motorcycle helmet per CVC27803. The motor driven cycle must also be equipped with all required safety equipment.
The DMV is not currently registering “pocket bikes” due to a lack of required identifying numbers (Vehicle Identification Number and Engine Number). This means that “pocket bikes” may not be driven on any public roadway or off street parking facility.
If pocket bikes are properly registered (if the DMV permits registration at a future date), riders must follow all rules of the road and applicable equipment requirements as would any other motorcycle or vehicle and are subject to citations for violations observed by officers of this department.
Pocket bikes may still be used on private property (areas not open to public vehicular traffic) urges those riders to obtain training in the safe operation of these vehicles and wear appropriate safety equipment.
There are more agencies and organizations that are clamoring to define pocket bikes and issue calls for increase regulations. Here is one from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.
Whereas, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) is an association representing its U.S. and Canadian membership by working collaboratively to support and improve motor vehicle administration, safety, identification security and law enforcement; and whose activities include developing model programs in motor vehicle administration, police traffic services and highway safety, serving as an information clearinghouse for these same disciplines, and acting as the international spokesman for these interests; and
Whereas, in order to reduce traffic collisions and deaths and injuries resulting from traffic collisions, Congress has required the federal Department of Transportation to prescribe minimum safety standards for any motor vehicle manufactured primarily for use on public roads; has prohibited the manufacture, sale, import and distribution of motor vehicles that do not conform with those federal motor vehicle safety standards; and
Whereas, responding to Congress’ call, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has promulgated motor vehicle safety standards at 49 CFR 571, including safety standards for motorcycles and motor-driven cycles, and requires manufacturers to certify that vehicles manufactured for on-road use meet all applicable safety standards; and
Whereas, miniature motorcycles commonly referred to as ‘pocket bikes’ resemble traditional racing motorcycles in every respect except for their small size and pocket bikes do not meet the minimum height specification for headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps and turn signals for motorcycles or motor-driven cycles; and
Whereas, their low height makes pocket bikes exceedingly difficult for other motorists to see whenever they are operated on a road; and
Whereas, the laws of some states specifically recognize pocket bikes and prohibit their operation on public highways in that state, but many state’s laws do not specifically recognize pocket bikes, regarding them as ‘motorcycles’ that might be registered and operated on public roads by qualified riders; and
Whereas, lack of federal regulation, guidance or standards clearly applicable to pocket bikes has created confusion for law enforcement officials, motor vehicle administrators and state and local government officials; now, therefore, be it:
Resolved by the Board of Directors of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, that AAMVA finds that, because pocket bikes do not meet federal motor vehicle safety standards.
They are not “manufactured primarily for use on public highways” within the meaning of federal law; and be it further resolved that AAMVA shall endeavor to develop and strengthen relationships with other safety organizations and law enforcement agencies and national safety organizations to promote awareness of safety concerns and insure that state laws prohibit the operation of pocket bikes on public roads; and
Be it further resolved that jurisdictions should not title or register for on-road use pocket bikes, ‘mini-choppers’, or any other non-standard motorcycle that does not meet federal motor vehicle safety standards for vehicles intended for use on public highways, and that lacks the manufacturer’s certification label stating that the vehicle meets all applicable safety standards in effect on the date of manufacture, unless state or federal law specifically exempts the vehicle from such standards and certification; and
Be it further resolved that AAMVA shall provide this resolution to CPSC, NHTSA, National Traffic Law Center, and National Conference of State Legislatures, Governors Highway Safety Association and other appropriate Federal and State agencies.
Where does this leave pocket bike owners? They can still be ridden but not on public highways, sidewalks or public land. However, they can be enjoyed on private property. The rider and their parents should understand the pocketbike is not a toy and therefore requires that they ride responsibly including full head protection as well as protective clothes.
A FORMER police sergeant has won a Biking Hero award.
Bob Brown, who was for many years head of Durham Police’s motorcycle section, picked up the prize at the Motor Cycle News (MCN) magazine awards, held in London.
Mr Brown, 53, helped establish the force’s successful annual Bikewise show, which promotes safe riding and security, in 1995.
Since he retired from the police in 2007, he has been running the Bikewise training scheme and a bike club for youngsters.
He said: “I was overwhelmed. It is fantastic.
It is a great honour in the motorcycle world.
“We started Bikewise to break down barriers between police and bikers and to show the public that bikers are normal too.”
He thanked everyone who had helped with Bikewise.
Magazine editor Marc Potter said: “Bob was instrumental in setting up the phenomenally successful Durham Bikewise motorcycle event, which attracts thousands of riders every summer.
“He spent many years serving as a police motorcyclist in Britain’s most bike-friendly police force, teaching better and safer riding, and now helps young kids get a taste of motorcycling legally in Durham with a mini-moto experience.”
Pocket bikes are miniature motorcycles — powered, for the most part, by oil- and gas-burning engines similar to those used in chain saws, weed whackers or other small motorized tools — and they look just like the real thing.
The snazziest models cost thousands and are made in Italy, but the ones that are selling by the container load run from $200 to $500. They come from China, among other places, and are getting snapped up by eager teenagers and, in some cases, not-so-teenagers.
At Broadtek LLC, a South San Francisco firm that imports them, the cardboard cartons containing the small bikes are stacked to the ceiling of a tall warehouse and are quickly going out the door to eager customers.
In Walnut Creek, Eric Rahin, owner of Sonic Scooterz, says he’s selling them in droves — “from college students to people in their late 50s. It’s basically a toy to have some fun with.”
Manufacturers say the bikes are supposed to be used only on closed race tracks, private roads or any other place where there are no public traffic laws and, more important, no big cars or trucks to run into you. Many buyers follow that advice.
But now you see some of these new pocket bikes zinging in and out of parking lots, up and down residential streets and, occasionally into the side of a car. And therein lies the rub.
“It’s very difficult for a driver (of a car) to see one on those bikes, because of their low height,” said San Francisco police Lt. Kitt Crenshaw. “We’ve had several accidents in the last few weeks, and people went to the hospital.”
The pocket bikes have a top speed of about 35 mph, but can be souped up to go faster. They evolved from tiny but highly sophisticated racing bikes that campaign on European race tracks and are sometimes used as training vehicles for Grand Prix motorcycle racers.
The bikes are faithful imitations of popular normal-size street motorcycles, which, for marketing reasons, are faithful imitations of pure race bikes, down to the disk brakes, handlebars, chain drives, twist-grip throttles and electronic ignition.
The little bikes weigh about 50 pounds, stand about a foot and a half high and can easily be put in the trunk of a car. They have tiny engines — 47cc or 49cc displacement, less than 1/20th the size of a big motorcycle. And they are enticing.
“It’s a fun little thing to ride,” said Matt Damon, a 21-year-old salesman in a Martinez pet store. “It’s a whole lot cheaper than a $6,000 or $7,000 big bike. For years now, I’ve been riding different types of motorcycles, but it’s more like the small bikes are a fun thing, instead of just transportation. And it’s easier to maintain and burns less gas.”
But Damon did admit, “I took it for a ride down the street and got pulled over. The officer was kind of nice about it. But I got a ticket.”
Police departments in the Bay Area and elsewhere in California have been cracking down on the little two-wheelers, saying they are a major accident waiting to happen. No police agency could come up with information about any deaths caused by pocket bike crashes, but police want them off the public roads before the inevitable happens.
“Their numbers are starting to increase,” said Milpitas police Officer Jay Johnson, who was assigned by his department to look into the phenomenon and ultimately write about it for the weekly Milpitas Post. “Most of the complaints we’re getting is that drivers can’t see them or there’ll be a group of them racing, or they’re running stop signs.”
For a while, though, until Johnson began studying up on the subject, and the California Highway Patrol sent out a memo clarifying just what is and what is not legal about the bikes, confusion seemed to be paramount.
In fact, it shouldn’t be. On many bikes, there’s a decal right there on the gas tank that says these things do not conform to “federal motor vehicle safety standards.”
After a lengthy consult with the state Vehicle Code and the Department of Motor Vehicles, the CHP explained that the bikes do not meet a number of standards required for all vehicles registered in California — the most telling example being the stipulation that “headlamp height (be) between 22 and 54 inches.”
Technical problems aside, it’s the safety issue that concerns authorities.
“We’re really concerned about these things mixing with traffic,” said CHP spokesman Steve Kohler. “If you think about it, something that small is difficult to see, when it’s mixed in with cars, trucks and buses. Drivers don’t even see full-size motorcycles. There’s no way they’re going to see these things.”
Or, as David Edwards, editor in chief of Cycle World Magazine and a man who puts about 20,000 miles a year on motorcycles, said: “When you get out in city traffic, you’ll be at more risk than on a full-size motorcycle. But they only hold (a little) gas, so you won’t go too far. And they’re noisy as hell, so at least people will hear you coming if not see you coming.”
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