Motorcycle Inspection

PURPOSE: This rule lists the specific inspection standards and procedures for the inspection of motorcycles and motor tricycles. These standards are necessary because of difference in vehicle design and different tolerances involved. HIGHWAY PATROL (1) This section of the inspection manual contains procedures which shall be followed when inspecting motorcycles and motor tricycles. (A) Brakes. 1. Brake efficiency shall be determined by operating the vehicle on the inspection station’s premises. This test may be conducted either by the inspector/mechanic or by the vehicle owner with the inspector/mechanic observing. Brakes must be installed and in operating condition on each wheel if originally equipped by the manufacturer. 2. Apply each brake control separately while vehicle is in motion, apply moderate force to brakes for one (1) minute; inspect wheel and master cylinder for leakage if equipped with hydraulic brakes; inspect master cylinder for fluid level if equipped with hydraulic brakes; inspect brake hoses or tubing for broken, flattened or restricted sections and improper support; inspect brake rods or cables for wear and proper adjustment. 3. Reject vehicle if: A. Any brake fails to indicate braking action; B. Not equipped with required brakes; C. Brake pedal height cannot be maintained for one (1) minute, leakage is indicated; D. Less than one-third (1/3) of the pedal reserve remains; E. Pedal fails to return to the fully released position after application; F. Wheel or master cylinder leaks; G. Fluid level in the master cylinder is below the level recommended by the manufacturer; H. Brake hose is broken or restricted and if hose is not supported to prevent damage by rubbing with the frame or other components; I. Brake cable is badly frayed or if rod, clevises and couplings are badly worn; J. Any pins, springs or other mechanical parts are missing, defective or badly worn; or K. Brake rods or cables are not adjusted properly. (B) Lighting Equipment. 1. Headlights. Every vehicle shall be equipped with at least one (1) and not more than two (2) headlights. A headlight shall exhibit light substantially white in color. A motorcycle equipped with a sidecar or other attachment shall be equipped with a light on the outside limit of the attachment capable of displaying a white light to the front. 2. Taillights and reflectors. Every vehicle shall be equipped with at least one (1) red taillight and at least one (1) red reflector. Any vehicle with two (2) rear wheels shall be equipped with at least two (2) red taillights and two (2) red reflectors. A reflector may be part of the taillight or it may be separate. The taillight shall be mounted at a height of not more than seventy-two inches (72") nor less than fifteen inches (15") above the ground. The reflector shall be mounted at a height not greater than sixty inches (60") nor less than fifteen inches (15") above the ground. 3. Signalling devices. If the vehicle is equipped with turn signals and a stoplight, all must operate. 4. Inspect lighting equipment, reflectors and signalling devices. 5. Reject vehicle if: A. Not equipped with required headlight, taillights or reflectors; B. A headlight has reflector deterioration; C. A lens is badly broken, missing, incorrectly installed or repaired with tape; D. Any light fails to function properly; E. Any light or reflector is not securely mounted or shows a color contrary to law; F. Beam indicator or dimmer switch, if so equipped, fails to operate properly; or G. A taillight or reflector is not mounted in the prescribed area. (C) Steering Mechanisms. 1. Inspect to determine the condition of the frame, fork, steering head bearing, handlebars and front and rear wheel tracking. Check wheel bearings by elevating and rotating each wheel. Inspect condition of grease retainers. If equipped by the manufacturer, actuate front and rear shock absorbers. 2. Reject vehicle if: A. Frame or fork is bent, broken or wheels are out of line where it affects the steering and control; B. Loose, defective or worn components in steering head bearing; C. Handlebars are loose, bent, broken or damaged where it affects proper steering; D. Any portion of the handlebars extend over fifteen inches (15") in height above the normal riding position unless originally equipped by the motorcycle manufacturer; E. Wheel bearings have excessive horizontal movement or, when rotated, unusual noise exists; F. Grease retainer is defective; or G. A shock absorber is disconnected, broken, bent or missing. (D) Tires and Wheels. 1. Inspect tires for tread wear, cord exposure, knots, cuts, tread separation and condition of wheel and rims. 2. Reject vehicle if: A. Any tire is worn at any one (1) point where there is no tread design across half of the tire tread; B. Tire has an exposed cord, bulge or knot; C. A tire is marked reject, rejected, not for highway use, farm use only, for nonhighway use, for race track use only or marked with similar terms, or if determined beyond a reasonable doubt that these markings have been removed. This does not include tires labeled with the word blemish; D. A wheel has any loose, missing or defective bolts, nuts, lugs or spokes; E. A wheel is damaged or defective; or F. Any wheel wobbles more than three-sixteenths inch (3/16"). (E) Horn. 1. Every vehicle shall be equipped with a horn, in good working order and capable of emitting a sound adequate in quantity and volume to give warning of the approach of the vehicle to other users of the highway. 2. Determine if horn is securely fastened, audible and if electrical connections are properly grounded. 3. Reject vehicle if: A. Vehicle is not equipped with a horn; B. Horn is not audible under normal conditions; C. Horn is not firmly mounted; or D. Horn is actuated by grounding two (2) naked wires or a similar method. Defective wiring or electrical connections. (F) Muffler and Exhaust System. 1. The motor shall be fitted with a properly attached muffler. 2. Inspect condition of muffler and exhaust pipe. If the vehicle is equipped with a dual exhaust system, both must be examined. 3. Inspect supporting hardware, attachments and brackets. Exhaust system must be securely attached at the cylinder head, manifold and to the frame at or near the place where the exhaust pipe attaches to the muffler. 4. Reject vehicle if: A. Not equipped with a muffler; B. Muffler or exhaust pipe has holes, loose joints or leaking seams. Only patches made with an arc or acetylene weld will be permitted; C. Exhaust system components are not securely fastened; D. Tailpipe is not securely fastened to the muffler; or E. A modified high rise tailpipe is positioned so it could easily burn the operator. (G) Glazing (Glass). 1. If equipped with a windshield, it must provide a clear vision of the road ahead. 2. Reject vehicle: A. If the windshield is cracked, scarred or defaced to the extent that it does not provide a clear vision. (H) Fuel System. 1. Inspect the fuel tank(s), fuel lines and connections and filler cap. 2. Reject vehicle if: A. There is fuel leakage at any location; B. Fuel tank is not securely attached; or C. Filler cap is missing or does not fit. (I) Air Pollution Control Devices. 1. Inspect all 1995 and later models for air pollution devices installed by the manufacturer. 2. Reject any vehicle if: A. Any part of the system(s) is missing, modified, disconnected, broken, bypassed or rendered inoperative in any way; B. A replacement catalytic converter is not one approved by the United State Environmental Protection Agency; or C. A replacement engine is not equivalent to the certified configuration of the engine-chassis. AUTHORITY: section 307.360, RSMo 1994.* Original rule filed Nov. 4, 1968, effective Nov. 14, 1968. Amended: Filed March 9, 1970, effective March 19, 1970. Amended: Filed Aug. 13, 1970, effective Aug. 23, 1970. Amended: Filed Nov. 9, 1971, effective Nov. 19, 1971. Amended: Filed May 21, 1974, effective May 31, 1974. Amended: Filed Feb. 26, 1975, effective March 8, 1975. Amended: Filed July 1, 1976, effective Oct. 11, 1976. Amended: Filed July 14, 1982, effective Oct. 11, 1982. Amended: Filed April 2, 1992, effective Sept. 6, 1992. Amended: Filed June 2, 1993, effective Nov. 8, 1993. Amended: Filed Oct. 3, 1994, effective April 30, 1995. Emergency rescission and rule filed Oct. 1, 1997, effective Nov. 2, 1997, expired April 30, 1998. Rescinded and readopted: Filed Oct. 1, 1997, effective March 30, 1998. Amended: Filed Sept. 15, 2000, effective March 30, 2001. *Original authority: 307.360, RSMo 1967, amended 1971, 1973, 1979, 1999.