Iowa Training Wheels

[Darhawk]

From the Des Moines Register



Iowa House panel OKs detachable rear wheels for motorcycles

2:40 PM, Feb 15, 2011 | by William Petroski |


Motorcycles with two detachable rear wheels would be legal on Iowa’s roads under a bill approved Tuesday by the Iowa House Transportation Committee.


Under current law, the term “motorcycle” is defined as a vehicle with no more than three wheels. The bill doesn’t change that definition, but it allows a motorcycle designed to travel on two wheels to be equipped with detachable stabilizing rear wheels to be operated as a motorcycle.

Questions about detachable wheels had arisen both with the Iowa Department of Transportation and law enforcement officers because a four-wheeled vehicle is not considered a motorcycle. The bill now goes to the House floor.

“We just want to clear this up so that they are not harassed by a patrolman,” said Rep. Walt Rogers, a Cedar Falls Republican.

[justfreaky]

That doesn't really address questions as to 4 wheelers on the roadways. Most disclaimers that I have seen from the manufacturers state that they are not intended for highway use. Also, 4 wheelers do not have "detachable wheels". I have seen some scooters with dual front wheels; But the are not detachable. Here in Montana, they are considered as a motorcycles as far as I am aware. At least that's how they seem to be registered for roadway use. Some of the trike kits may fit into that catagory though. Curious as to the real intent of the proposed law. ???

Steve

[DaShadow]

Originally Posted by justfreaky

.., Curious as to the real intent of the proposed law. ???

Steve

Just a guess, but I'd say it has something to do with stabilizers for handicapped riders.

[red man]

hey guys training wheels are just training wheels they will learn to ride some day

[justfreaky]

DaShadow,

I'm game for anyone to get there knees in the breeze! If this is supposed to help handicapped riders get on the road, then way cool!!! Seems more like a way to make 4 wheelers illegal for road use. From what I've seen with 4 wheelers on the roadways around here, perhaps it's not such a bad thing. Most are young kids and drive like I won't run them over for being stupid. They may think they can stop on a dime, but I can't in all this ice and snow. If they want to ride their 4 wheelers on the road then they should use the same caution as most of us use on our two wheeled vehicles.

Steve

[Darhawk]

Tried to google to find out why the state is doing this but my dial-up goes into never-never loops. Anyhoot, not really sure how the training wheels work..........how do ya lean into 10, 30, 60 or 90 degrees of curve, or combinations and switchbacks, or how do ya pull a u-turn. Just my opinion but it seems damn dangerous to me. I can understand trikes, bikes with hacks, and those fancy rides with 2-wheels in front and one in the rear, but a 2-wheel with training wheels is beyond me.

[Berserker]

Originally Posted by Darhawk

“We just want to clear this up so that they are not harassed by a patrolman,” said Rep. Walt Rogers, a Cedar Falls Republican.

WTF are cops out harrassing people for this? Not like they are riding an ATV.

They are for people that can't hold a bike up. I thought about it, I was having some issues.

Met a couple in Canada, on there way to AK, each one had a Goldwing, with a trailer, and were around 70. He said they were good on the gravel.

As far as lean, you got sidecars and trikes.

[bear64]

Originally Posted by red man

hey guys training wheels are just training wheels they will learn to ride some day

I have a friend that has a training wheel set up on his bike, a 30 year+ rider, he fell off a hay-rack and broke his neck, back and assorted parts, lucky to be alive and walking..But could not hold up his bike..so all his friends helped him out and set up a training wheel? set for him..he has to steer it, not lean it, the rear wheel still drives the bike, the other 2 act as out riggers so he won't fall over, mainly at stops and such..so, next time you see somebody with training wheels please think about why, perhaps it might be my friend, who Thank God can still enjoy riding..

[Snuffy]

When I was working in San Antonio there was an old man about 80 who rode to Javelina Harley in Borne Tx every saturday morning on an old shovel. He had "training wheels" on it. Couldn't hold the bike up, but still loved his ride. I hope he's still breathin and not pushin up daisies