I got a $130 ticket today because my ape hangers go above the height on my shoulders. Apparently it can cause numbness in my hands(didn't notice on the trip I took to Texas last fall). I am considering going to court, the ohio state trooper told me if I fixed it, he'd tell the judge to drop the ticket. I want to know if anyone has an idea how to fight it in court without having to replace the bars (considering replacing the risers or pulling the bars back toward me so they are lower just for the time being). I am thinking of saying I was slouching, the front tire was turned and bike on the kickstand so the bars looked higher. Any thoughts?

 

Imagine the serious felony crimes that were committed from the time he pulled you to the time he rolled away. I just can't see this as an offense worthy of his time. He must have been bored as hell or has a hard on for bikes.

When the DOT helmet crackdown came out a number of years ago I was friends with a high ranking member of the NC Highway Patrol. He told me that he held a formation with the Troopers in his charge and informed them that the first one that came back with a helmet ticket would be cleaning the fleet of patrol cars out back. His reasoning was "they must not have anything constructive to do with their time" so he has some meaningful work for them to do back here.

 

The handlebar law for Ohio is as follows

t Maximum of 15" above seat & can not be above shoulder level.



Is it really the cops fault that you didn't know the law?

He gave you an out by offering to have the ticket dropped if you fix the height, pretty gracious of him if you ask me.

 

My advise would be to raise your shoulder height.

Something like this maybe...

Copyrighted image removed by moderator.

 

You will be under oath when you say this. If it's not true, don't say it.
Handlebar height tickets are known as pretext stops. The motive isn't the ticket but to find out who you are, run you for warrants, if you are licesned, insured and registered. He's just doing his job.

 

ya that! sorry that was funny, gagagagagagaga

 

Bungee a couple of pillows on top of your seat, and get signed off.

Or, assuming internal wired, add some clip ons to make dual position bars. Leave electrics up high, move throttle, brake and clutch to the lower clip ons

 

The cops don't make the laws and if he offered to drop the ticket it sounds like he is trying to give you a break. I'd put on your old bars show the cop so he drops the ticket and then if you feel the need to have the apes put them back on.

 

What is the measured height of your current bars?

If they're legit take it to an inspection station and have the state patrol acknowledge it's legality.

Present that to the courthouse people and call it good.

 

As much as I hate LEO's... umm you live in a state with a handlebar law... change your bars... or MOVE...