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79.28 Inspection of motorcycles.
This section is comprised of the safety inspection requirements for motorcycles.
(a)Brakes
Inspect for:
1. Check braking system for required brakes
2. Road test.
3. Drum brakes: Visually inspect shoes, drum
and hardware.
4. Disc brakes: Visually check pads and
rotors.
5. Check mechanical brakes, linkage
hardware and operation.
6. Check foot and hand lever free play and
reserve.
7. Check hydraulic brake lines, master
cylinder, wheel cylinder/calipers.
8. Hydraulic brake pedal drop.
Reject if:
1. Not equipped with front and rear brakes
(1970 and older need only one operating
brake); any brake is disconnected.
2. Vehicle does not stop within 25 feet when
brakes are applied at 20 mph on a hard, dry,
level surface free of loose material.
NOTE: If a road test is performed on public roadways, a properly licensed operator must
perform the test. If a road test cannot be performed, pull at least one wheel on a drum brake
system for inspection of the condition of brake linings, drum and wheel cylinders, if vehicle
is so equipped. On a disc brake system visually check rotors, pads and calipers.
3. Riveted lining is worn less than 1/32" over
the rivets or less than 1/16" on bonded
linings; drums are scored and impair braking
or linings are contaminated; drums are turned
below manufacturer's specifications.
4. Brake pads are worn to metal; rotor has
mechanical damage other than normal wear;
rotors are cracked or turned below minimum
specifications.
5.Rods, springs, and other hardware are bent,
cracked, broken, missing, frozen, improperly
connected or adjusted.
6. Foot pedal does not have at least ½" free
play or manufacturer's specification,
whichever is less. Hand brake does not have
at least 1/4" free play or manufacturer's
specification, whichever is less. Pedal reserve
is less than 1/3 of the possible travel or less
than the manufacturer's specification.
(Amended 8/13/03)
7. Lines or hoses are bent, cracked, abraded,
crimped, restricted, leaking. Master cylinder,
calipers or wheel cylinders leak or control rod
is improperly adjusted. Fluid level is below
full mark.
8. Pedal or hand control moves or drops in
one minute while normal pressure is applied.
(b)Steering suspension and frame
Inspect for:
1. Check frame.
2. Check wheels/wheel bearings.
3. Check steering head and bearings.
4. Check handlebars.
5. Check shock absorbers.
Reject if:
1. Bent, broken or cracked and is considered
to be a hazard for operation
2. Bearings are loose, broken, out of adjustment.
Spokes or rims are out of alignment or broken.
3. Loose, broken, out of adjustment or modified
beyond manufacturer's specifications.
4. Loose, bent, broken, cracked or damaged,
affected proper steering; equipped with
bicycle handlebars.
Handlebar grips measure in excess of 15"
above the seat or saddle, measuring from the
lowest point on the grip to the lowest point on
the seat.
5. Broken, defective, do not operate properly.
(c) Exhaust system and muffler (does not apply to electric motorcycles)
1. Check exhaust system and muffler.
Reject if:
1. System or elements are not securely
fastened. Not equipped with an adequate
exhaust system and muffler to prevent
excessive noise.
Equipped with cut outs, bypass or any device
which allows excessive noise.
Equipped with a replacement exhaust system
or components that are not equivalent to
original.
Diffusers or resonators or any internal
muffler parts are removed.
(d) Headlamp
1. Check presence/condition.
Reject if:
1. Not equipped with at least one approved,
operating motorcycle headlamp. Lamp is not
operational; not properly and securely
mounted, lens is cracked, broken, covered,
discolored or obstructed (such as shields,
paint, etc.).
Light is not white or does not operate
properly in all switching positions. Lights do
not have high and low beams.
(e) Other lights
1. Check tail, number plate, stop and turn
signal lights, reflectors.
2. Check condition and operation.
Reject if:
1. Vehicle is not equipped with at least one
tail and number plate light. If manufactured
after October 1, 1968, one stop lamp. August
1985 and newer motorcycles must have turn
signals. Does not have at least one Class B
red reflector on rear (may be part of light
lens).
NOTE: If any motorcycle was originally equipped with more than one of each of the
required lights, or such lights have been added when not required, all lights must meet the
inspection criteria. A combination tail, stop, and number plate light may be used.
2. Tail lamp does not provide light visible for
at least 300 feet from rear. Number plate is
not visible for 50 feet from the rear.
Tail/stop light lenses do not produce majority
of red light (red to amber for stop lamp)
signal lights other than red or amber on rear,
white or amber on front.
Lens is broken, missing, obstructed,
discolored or fits improperly.
Lamps are not securely mounted. Do not
produce a steady light; do not work properly
in all switching positions (switched on/off,
brakes applied, etc.).
(f) Tires
1. Tread measurement. Tread depth gauge
calibrated in 1/32 of an inch must be used if
tread depth is expected to fail. Readings must
be taken in major tread groove nearest the
center at two points of the circumferences not
closer than 15 inches. (Do not inspect spare
tire.)
2. Check other tire condition.
3. Tire pressure (Added 9/1/04)
Reject if:
1. Less than 2/32 of an inch of tread remains
at both points where readings are taken. (If
flat spots exist, start check at this spot).
2. Any cut in excess of one inch that is deep
enough to reach the body cords.
Tire is temporarily repaired, using a blowout
patch or boots.
Tire has bumps, bulges or knots showing
partial failure of the tire structure.
Tire has exposed ply or cord structure
exposed.
Tire does not display appropriate Department
of Transportation markings or indicates "for
off-road use," "racing use only," or similar
wording.
3. Advise customer if tire pressure is not
within range recommended by vehicle
manufacturer. (Added 9/1/04)
NOTE: Tire pressure check is an advisory
only; do not reject the vehicle. The
customer must be notified in writing.
(Added 9/1/04)
(g) Horn
1. Required.
2. Check condition.
Reject if:
1. Not equipped with a horn.
2. Not securely mounted; button or activator
interferes with brakes or other mechanism.
Sound is not audible at 200 feet under normal
conditions.
Sound is loud or harsh, horn control/activator
does not work properly.
Vehicle is equipped with gong or siren
whistle (only allowed or authorized on
emergency vehicle).
(h) Rear view mirror
Inspect for:
1. Required.
2. Condition.
Reject if:
1. Not equipped with at least one rear view
mirror that provides a clear view to the rear.
2. Not securely mounted. Reflector is
deteriorated, peeling, tarnished, broken or
cracked.[u]
This section is comprised of the safety inspection requirements for motorcycles.
(a)Brakes
Inspect for:
1. Check braking system for required brakes
2. Road test.
3. Drum brakes: Visually inspect shoes, drum
and hardware.
4. Disc brakes: Visually check pads and
rotors.
5. Check mechanical brakes, linkage
hardware and operation.
6. Check foot and hand lever free play and
reserve.
7. Check hydraulic brake lines, master
cylinder, wheel cylinder/calipers.
8. Hydraulic brake pedal drop.
Reject if:
1. Not equipped with front and rear brakes
(1970 and older need only one operating
brake); any brake is disconnected.
2. Vehicle does not stop within 25 feet when
brakes are applied at 20 mph on a hard, dry,
level surface free of loose material.
NOTE: If a road test is performed on public roadways, a properly licensed operator must
perform the test. If a road test cannot be performed, pull at least one wheel on a drum brake
system for inspection of the condition of brake linings, drum and wheel cylinders, if vehicle
is so equipped. On a disc brake system visually check rotors, pads and calipers.
3. Riveted lining is worn less than 1/32" over
the rivets or less than 1/16" on bonded
linings; drums are scored and impair braking
or linings are contaminated; drums are turned
below manufacturer's specifications.
4. Brake pads are worn to metal; rotor has
mechanical damage other than normal wear;
rotors are cracked or turned below minimum
specifications.
5.Rods, springs, and other hardware are bent,
cracked, broken, missing, frozen, improperly
connected or adjusted.
6. Foot pedal does not have at least ½" free
play or manufacturer's specification,
whichever is less. Hand brake does not have
at least 1/4" free play or manufacturer's
specification, whichever is less. Pedal reserve
is less than 1/3 of the possible travel or less
than the manufacturer's specification.
(Amended 8/13/03)
7. Lines or hoses are bent, cracked, abraded,
crimped, restricted, leaking. Master cylinder,
calipers or wheel cylinders leak or control rod
is improperly adjusted. Fluid level is below
full mark.
8. Pedal or hand control moves or drops in
one minute while normal pressure is applied.
(b)Steering suspension and frame
Inspect for:
1. Check frame.
2. Check wheels/wheel bearings.
3. Check steering head and bearings.
4. Check handlebars.
5. Check shock absorbers.
Reject if:
1. Bent, broken or cracked and is considered
to be a hazard for operation
2. Bearings are loose, broken, out of adjustment.
Spokes or rims are out of alignment or broken.
3. Loose, broken, out of adjustment or modified
beyond manufacturer's specifications.
4. Loose, bent, broken, cracked or damaged,
affected proper steering; equipped with
bicycle handlebars.
Handlebar grips measure in excess of 15"
above the seat or saddle, measuring from the
lowest point on the grip to the lowest point on
the seat.
5. Broken, defective, do not operate properly.
(c) Exhaust system and muffler (does not apply to electric motorcycles)
1. Check exhaust system and muffler.
Reject if:
1. System or elements are not securely
fastened. Not equipped with an adequate
exhaust system and muffler to prevent
excessive noise.
Equipped with cut outs, bypass or any device
which allows excessive noise.
Equipped with a replacement exhaust system
or components that are not equivalent to
original.
Diffusers or resonators or any internal
muffler parts are removed.
(d) Headlamp
1. Check presence/condition.
Reject if:
1. Not equipped with at least one approved,
operating motorcycle headlamp. Lamp is not
operational; not properly and securely
mounted, lens is cracked, broken, covered,
discolored or obstructed (such as shields,
paint, etc.).
Light is not white or does not operate
properly in all switching positions. Lights do
not have high and low beams.
(e) Other lights
1. Check tail, number plate, stop and turn
signal lights, reflectors.
2. Check condition and operation.
Reject if:
1. Vehicle is not equipped with at least one
tail and number plate light. If manufactured
after October 1, 1968, one stop lamp. August
1985 and newer motorcycles must have turn
signals. Does not have at least one Class B
red reflector on rear (may be part of light
lens).
NOTE: If any motorcycle was originally equipped with more than one of each of the
required lights, or such lights have been added when not required, all lights must meet the
inspection criteria. A combination tail, stop, and number plate light may be used.
2. Tail lamp does not provide light visible for
at least 300 feet from rear. Number plate is
not visible for 50 feet from the rear.
Tail/stop light lenses do not produce majority
of red light (red to amber for stop lamp)
signal lights other than red or amber on rear,
white or amber on front.
Lens is broken, missing, obstructed,
discolored or fits improperly.
Lamps are not securely mounted. Do not
produce a steady light; do not work properly
in all switching positions (switched on/off,
brakes applied, etc.).
(f) Tires
1. Tread measurement. Tread depth gauge
calibrated in 1/32 of an inch must be used if
tread depth is expected to fail. Readings must
be taken in major tread groove nearest the
center at two points of the circumferences not
closer than 15 inches. (Do not inspect spare
tire.)
2. Check other tire condition.
3. Tire pressure (Added 9/1/04)
Reject if:
1. Less than 2/32 of an inch of tread remains
at both points where readings are taken. (If
flat spots exist, start check at this spot).
2. Any cut in excess of one inch that is deep
enough to reach the body cords.
Tire is temporarily repaired, using a blowout
patch or boots.
Tire has bumps, bulges or knots showing
partial failure of the tire structure.
Tire has exposed ply or cord structure
exposed.
Tire does not display appropriate Department
of Transportation markings or indicates "for
off-road use," "racing use only," or similar
wording.
3. Advise customer if tire pressure is not
within range recommended by vehicle
manufacturer. (Added 9/1/04)
NOTE: Tire pressure check is an advisory
only; do not reject the vehicle. The
customer must be notified in writing.
(Added 9/1/04)
(g) Horn
1. Required.
2. Check condition.
Reject if:
1. Not equipped with a horn.
2. Not securely mounted; button or activator
interferes with brakes or other mechanism.
Sound is not audible at 200 feet under normal
conditions.
Sound is loud or harsh, horn control/activator
does not work properly.
Vehicle is equipped with gong or siren
whistle (only allowed or authorized on
emergency vehicle).
(h) Rear view mirror
Inspect for:
1. Required.
2. Condition.
Reject if:
1. Not equipped with at least one rear view
mirror that provides a clear view to the rear.
2. Not securely mounted. Reflector is
deteriorated, peeling, tarnished, broken or
cracked.[u]
