Fork Leg Reflectors
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,145
Likes: 6,168
From: SE Michigan
I've never heard any instance ever of anyone getting a citation for this. Ever.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 10,833
Likes: 6,485
From: Canada Flats
I'm in the process of polishing my lowers and didn't plan on putting them back on . I've got reflectors on the rear crash bars and the saddle bag latches . I'll keep them just in case I change my mind .
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 1,902
From: East Coast, USA
True. Unless you happen to unfortunately get into an accident with someone that is well aware of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS), takes note of the issue and has the officer write about the missing reflector in his accident report. I leaned about this the hard way. If anyone has been to the HogRock rally, there is a small, narrow bridge that one needs to cross leading to the road just towards the HogRock property. This narrow bridge is a single lane. But during the HogRock rally, you'll have motorcycles going in opposite directions passing each other on this bridge. One evening, I left the HogRock property to head into town (14 miles away) and while crossing this bridge I passed another biker going the opposite way. All of a sudden I slammed into something that almost knocked me off the bridge (maybe a two foot drop off the bridge). Luckily, I didn't fall off the bridge (or my bike) and made it to the other side. I was able to lean the bike to the right and hold the bike up with my right foot. My left foot couldn't move off the floorboard since my left lower and engine guard was wrapped around it. People stopped and came to my aid and were able to bend back the engine guard so that I could get my now bruised foot out.
What did I hit? Well, this person was pulling a home made trailer that did not have any reflectors on it. I didn't see he was pulling a trailer and I hit the left fender/tire of his trailer.
After this incident I became well versed in the FMVSS.
Sure enough, after this incident I noticed that the pop-up trailer I purchased new didn't have the required front amber reflectors from the manufacturer. I spoke to the manufacturer about this issue and I was ignored. I then filed a report with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and spoke with an engineer there. Sure enough, the manufacturer was told to issue a recall of all their pop-up trailers to fix the lighting issue.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/...000&refurl=rss
What did I hit? Well, this person was pulling a home made trailer that did not have any reflectors on it. I didn't see he was pulling a trailer and I hit the left fender/tire of his trailer.
After this incident I became well versed in the FMVSS.
Sure enough, after this incident I noticed that the pop-up trailer I purchased new didn't have the required front amber reflectors from the manufacturer. I spoke to the manufacturer about this issue and I was ignored. I then filed a report with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and spoke with an engineer there. Sure enough, the manufacturer was told to issue a recall of all their pop-up trailers to fix the lighting issue.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/...000&refurl=rss
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,145
Likes: 6,168
From: SE Michigan
I believe its a federal law, so state or local law enforcement cannot issue a citation for it. I could be wrong.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 248
From: Sterling IL.
Odd if required as my brand new from the showroom floor 2013 FLHTC did not have them on the forks. Only reflectors were on the saddlebag handles (red) but I have since swapped to a clear version.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,460
Likes: 57,017
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
.... and I thought that they all had them ... Looked it up and you are correctamundo :>)
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,452
Likes: 798
From: Bear Flag, lower end
I forget what year (maybe 2009), but the HD Street Glide was manufactured without a rear reflector on the fender by the license plate. Which has nothing to do with the OP's post; just making a point.
Last edited by hbsoldier3; Dec 11, 2018 at 11:12 AM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 1,902
From: East Coast, USA
https://www.harley-davidson.com/stor...umper-assembly
What is the point you are trying to make? The reflectors are required on the sides on the motorcycle, amber in front, red in the rear, on the left and right sides.
Last edited by LQQK_OUT; Dec 11, 2018 at 11:49 AM.
