Is a Odometer Required?
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 614
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From: Carrollton, Tx
Is a Odometer Required?
Are there any laws against not having a odometer on a motorcycle?
I've seen lots of custom bikes that don't have a speedometer and I'm assuming they didn't have any type of odometer either.
I'm thinking of putting a new gas tank on my bike and I will loose the speedometer & odometer in the process.
--Mike
I've seen lots of custom bikes that don't have a speedometer and I'm assuming they didn't have any type of odometer either.
I'm thinking of putting a new gas tank on my bike and I will loose the speedometer & odometer in the process.
--Mike
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
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From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
Neither is required in IL, unless the law has changed in the last 20 years.
The title will be stamped Unknow mileage (or incorrect mileage).
When I was younger a few of us added headlights, a tail light (w/ license plate light) and horns to our Motocross bikes. No Speedometer, odometer, brake light or turn signals. Wasn't a problem getting them licensed (there was an inspection required) or using them for the endorsement test.
Had to be careful as far as speed goes, cops are more likely to write you up if you don't have a speedometer.
The title will be stamped Unknow mileage (or incorrect mileage).
When I was younger a few of us added headlights, a tail light (w/ license plate light) and horns to our Motocross bikes. No Speedometer, odometer, brake light or turn signals. Wasn't a problem getting them licensed (there was an inspection required) or using them for the endorsement test.
Had to be careful as far as speed goes, cops are more likely to write you up if you don't have a speedometer.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 614
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From: Carrollton, Tx
I know this is a big issue for cars which is why I posted the question regarding motorcycles. I know I've seen several custom chopper style bikes lately that did not have a speedometer and I'm pretty sure they didnt have a odometer either but they did have license plates and inspection stickers. So how are they getting it done?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Pampa Tx
I don't think Texas requires it but to be sure check with DPS
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
I know this is a big issue for cars which is why I posted the question regarding motorcycles. I know I've seen several custom chopper style bikes lately that did not have a speedometer and I'm pretty sure they didnt have a odometer either but they did have license plates and inspection stickers. So how are they getting it done?
I still haven't figured out how the Teutels get away with driving around New York without any license plates.
Well, I did some research, and here's what I found.
Nothing.
Seems that is illegal to tamper with an odometer with the intent of defrauding another person. In other words, you can't run the mileage back in order to get someone to buy it.
However, I found nothing in either Federal Law, or in the State of Texas laws that state you even have to have one or even a speedometer. It's not on the list of required and inspected equipment. So, I guess you can remove them if you want to.
But be prepared to get traffic tickets and to run out of gas often.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,548
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From: Mt. Airy, MD
Are there any laws against not having a odometer on a motorcycle?
I've seen lots of custom bikes that don't have a speedometer and I'm assuming they didn't have any type of odometer either.
I'm thinking of putting a new gas tank on my bike and I will loose the speedometer & odometer in the process.
--Mike
I've seen lots of custom bikes that don't have a speedometer and I'm assuming they didn't have any type of odometer either.
I'm thinking of putting a new gas tank on my bike and I will loose the speedometer & odometer in the process.
--Mike
laws will vary by state... 2 buddies and I got our 1975 garage built chopper tagged/titled here in MD with no speedo/odo/signals and no issues, but its registered with antique tags that do not require inspections. I don't know if it would have been a different story for us if we were getting regular plates.
