Chopped Bobbers & WA State Patrol
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Elite HDF Member
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Chopped Bobbers & WA State Patrol
A friend of mine is building a nice bobber, but he's a bit worried about the 'reception' he'll get from the WSP riding a bike without fenders? And no....I'm not trying to cause a pissin match about LEO's.
Since I ride bikes that pretty much comply with equipment statutes, my only personal experience with the WSP involves non-DOT helmet and speed 'issues', has anyone run across WA troopers who cite riders for 'bobber' equipment issues?
Since I ride bikes that pretty much comply with equipment statutes, my only personal experience with the WSP involves non-DOT helmet and speed 'issues', has anyone run across WA troopers who cite riders for 'bobber' equipment issues?
Extreme HDF Member
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From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
You'd have to check the state statutes in Washington. Some states have exceptions for "antique" bikes. If he's building it from a old bike, he might get away with it. Gonna be dependant on the laws, how the bike is titled, etc.,. But if Washington has a blanket law that all motorcycles must have fenders, he's pretty much screwed and can expect to be scrutinized pretty regularly.
Elite HDF Member
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From: Kentucky
Does Washington have any statute that requires fenders? KY doesn't. I've never even heard of a statute like that. If there's no law requiring it, you don't need an exception and the police don't care.
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http://www.wsp.wa.gov/traveler/docs/...motorcycle.pdf
Hell, after reading the reg I'm not sure my stock FXD complies with it.
Last edited by krusty1; Feb 14, 2012 at 08:27 AM.
Extreme HDF Member
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From: Puget Sound, WA.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.37
My Pan has no front fender and I've never had problems.
I have a friend with a 2000 Springer and rides without a front fender even though it's not a classic bike, he never got hassled.
My Pan has no front fender and I've never had problems.
I have a friend with a 2000 Springer and rides without a front fender even though it's not a classic bike, he never got hassled.
Last edited by Sling Blade 14; Feb 14, 2012 at 08:33 AM.
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I should also mention he doesn't want a rear fender on it either. According to the code your bike wouldn't comply....the rear fender doesn't come halfway down the tire (axle height). Sounds to me like the cops think that particular RCW is bullshit too.
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 727
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From: Silverdale, WA
In the bottom of the 46.37.500 it references this section, Severability, which appears to me to exempt motorcycles from fender requirements.
RCW 46.37.010
Scope and effect of regulations — General penalty.
(7) The provisions of this chapter with respect to equipment required on vehicles shall not apply to:
(a) Motorcycles or motor-driven cycles except as herein made applicable;
RCW 46.37.010
Scope and effect of regulations — General penalty.
(7) The provisions of this chapter with respect to equipment required on vehicles shall not apply to:
(a) Motorcycles or motor-driven cycles except as herein made applicable;
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
In the bottom of the 46.37.500 it references this section, Severability, which appears to me to exempt motorcycles from fender requirements.
RCW 46.37.010
Scope and effect of regulations General penalty.
(7) The provisions of this chapter with respect to equipment required on vehicles shall not apply to:
(a) Motorcycles or motor-driven cycles except as herein made applicable;
RCW 46.37.010
Scope and effect of regulations General penalty.
(7) The provisions of this chapter with respect to equipment required on vehicles shall not apply to:
(a) Motorcycles or motor-driven cycles except as herein made applicable;
You can probably thank the Dual Sport segment for that. Could you imagine having a statute compliant bike and trying to go off-road with it?
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2010
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My experience is if you've got a tail light, headlight and license plate you won't be bothered unless you're pulled over for something else. If you don't get pulled over you're probably safe. Once you get pulled over though everything from there depends on the cop, the cops mood, the infraction you were pulled over for, your attitude and if you've got a lot of pryers.
Let me finish this post by saying if you're gonna worry about riding a custom chopper/bobber maybe you should rethink your choice of bike..... just sayin
Let me finish this post by saying if you're gonna worry about riding a custom chopper/bobber maybe you should rethink your choice of bike..... just sayin