§ 175.143. Steering.
(a) Condition of steering components. The steering assembly and steering mechanism shall be in safe operating condition as described in § 175.160 (relating to inspection procedure).
(b) Condition of steering. A motorcycle shall meet the following specifications in relation to front wheel geometry:
(1) Maximum rake: 45°. Maximum trail: 14 inches positive.
(2) Minimum rake: 20°. Minimum trail: 2 inches positive.
(3) Minimum rake and minimum trail are not applicable to three-wheel motorcycles unless the third wheel is derived from a sidecar.
(c) Steering head. A head shall be provided with a bearing or similar device allowing the steering shaft to turn freely in rotating fashion.
(d) Handlebars. Nothing in this subchapter prohibits a motorcycle from being equipped with a steering wheel instead of handlebars.
(1) The handlebars or steering system shall be of a sturdy construction adequate in size and length to provide proper leverage for steering and capable of withstanding a minimum force of 100 pounds applied to each handle grip in any direction.
(2) The handlebars or steering system shall be designed so as not to restrict front fork movement and shall be capable of vertical adjustments.
(3) The handlebar design shall provide a minimum of 18 inches between ends, after final assembly.
(4) The handlebars shall be equipped with grips of nonslip design and materials.
Authority The provisions of this § 175.143 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4301, 4501, 4521 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 175.143 adopted December 2, 1977, effective February 1, 1978, 7 Pa.B. 3499; amended October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362; amended November 13, 1998, effective May 13, 1999, 28 Pa.B. 5670; amended October 25, 2013, effective October 26, 2013, 43 Pa.B. 6349. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (250405) to (250406).
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