Triumphrat

bluesjeans · 09-22-2005

I posted this in another thread but figured it might get over looked so I'm reposting it with it's own subject line.

I have a co-worker who owns a KTM Duke II 640, we were discussing the legality of removing or modifying the rear fender on a Thruxton, he pointed out to me that his bike came stock without a rear fender so why should it be forbidden to remove one on a Thruxton..?! As you can see in the photo below the only thing covering the rear tire on a Duke besides the seat and mufflers is the license plate.
Is the KTM Duke II also delivered without a rear fender where you live as it is here in Switzerland? If such a bike (and I'm sure it's not the only one) is allowed to be sold in that condition my guess would be removing the Thruxton's rear fender should be (legally) OK..

right or wrong..?

paul

boboso · 09-22-2005

I am no expert in this, but it leads to a good discussion. Here in the states the Department of Transportation (DOT) set the requirements for manufacturers of vehicles, but they are not the end all, be all. In fact much of the DOT references can be very vague and new vehicles and materials must often be "approved" on a case by case basis. I work in the car industry for a major manufacturer and have discussed this with product planning resources over the years.

DOT approved may mean - it meets build and material standards or that is meets DOT "criteria" for installation or it may be a requirement.

An example of this is mirrors for motorcycles. If you go by the definition from the National Highway Traffic Association / DOT, many bar end mirror installations meet all requirements, but many are not DOT approved.

I have owned a few bikes in my day, and I have never had (even in states with inspections) an issue with fender removals. Exhausts, speed and lights, thats another matter.

Add to all this our individual State requirements for motor vehicles.

UncleBlue · 09-22-2005

Who cares?

bluesjeans · 09-22-2005

Excellent point about DOT. When I still lived back in California I ordered a 19 foot tunnel hull boat which had a "Coast Guard Rating" plate mounted inside of it which listed things like number of people allowed to ride in it at one time and hp ratings. It called for a 150hp outboard but having the need for speed i ordered it with a 200hp outboard..! Never had any problem with DMV, Lake Police or insurance companies (they said if it had 201hp they couldn't insure it).
Unfortunately I think the Swiss are a bit more difficult. I have another co-worker with a really cool looking Renault Alpine (late 60's or early 70's model) and he took out the standard 2 point lap belts and put in 4 point seat belts (safer right?). The Swiss automobile inspectors frowned on it since it wasn't "original equipment"..

RaceDweeb · 09-22-2005

I can't speak for Switzerland, but in the US, police will want to be able to clearly see your license plate, unrestricted, vertical, legable and illuminated. Failure in any one of those areas will result in a fine and/or roadside repair.

I've personally have witnessed this. In fact, in today's Detroit News Metro section there is an article about police crackdown on illegally modified bikes, and even showed a picture of a poor soul with a sportbike who was relocating his license plate to the stock location right there on the road with state troopers grinning over his shoulder.

With Bonnies, the most common mistake is not to illuminate the license plate. Those LED license plate frames are a definite no-no. As long as the plate is lit, and clearly visible, the lack of a fender is moot to the cops. DOT approved indicators are another story.

vikingdrvr · 09-22-2005

I was never concerned with legal problems removing the fender, but finding a decent taillamp that didn't draw police attention has been a challenge. The LED license plate frame supplied with the fender eliminator kit I bought was worthless. Then I tried a generic tail/brake lamp from an auto supply store, which was a little more visible but had no plate illumination, and mounted flat to the fender eliminator it pointed up at a poor angle.

Most recently I bought one of Dweeb's taillamps, modified the base to match the angle of my fender eliminator, and although it is not DOT approved it has solved my concerns. It is bright, has plate illumination and looks "period". I uploaded a few pics the other day if anyone is interested.

DrEnglish · 09-22-2005

Yeh, DOT is not the be-all and end-all. I use common sense and keep safety in mind when modding any vehicle--like I wouldn't replace my taillight with a light up LED roadrunner that says "beep beep yurass"...but a period-looking taillight with decent illumination, why not?

I have heard that the European agencies can be more strict. Though Italy, well, who knows about Italy?