Why in the hell don't they have quads that are street-legal? Is this a legal issue, or do the manufacturers just not set them up that way? I have been wondering this for quite a long time now but forget to ask. I passed a truck carrying 2 Yami's on the freeway tonight, and they had brake and headlights, and there was a red switch on the left controls where our turn signal switch is (no clue what it was for). So yeah, why not? I was thinking it had to do with low rider height, but little scooters sit the rider even lower.

Anyone know? How fun would it be to ride a quad on the streets? I say much fun.

Dave 

Probably because of roll-over threat, INCREDIBALY low weight, and the low height.

Throw some street tires on there though... oh yeah.

Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on April 21, 2006, 07:41:53 PM
Probably because of roll-over threat, INCREDIBALY low weight, and the low height.

Throw some street tires on there though... oh yeah.

Right? God that would be fun.

I say the roll-over threat is no greater than that of an SUV, but that is based on no real evidence or research, just my small brain.
And they probably weigh more than a motorcycle, and 4 wheels makes it less likely to roll than a motorcycle with 2 wheels. Again, all from my brain, not actual facts.

Dave 

I forget who, but they actually put out a street legal sportbike Trike...  but it was rediculously expensive...


closest thing I've seen to a street legal quad..... I'm betting its just a DOT issue with rider safety and impact testing.

I've always agreed - scooters are allowed, yet not quads? That is why I sold my quad, because I couldn't ride it anywhere except in an old field unless I trucked it some where. Luckily, if you live in the country, you can and do get away with a lot of things - such as riding quads and snowmobiles on public roads. I think as long as they meet the same safety requirements as a motorcycle! In fact, I know in NYS when you register a quad, you are given a motorcycle plate but you still aren't street legal. Stupid.

I mean - they let trikes on the road!! It seems a 3 wheeler would be more likely to tip than a 4 wheeler..

Quote from: TragicImage on April 21, 2006, 07:46:08 PM
I forget who, but they actually put out a street legal sportbike Trike...  but it was rediculously expensive...


closest thing I've seen to a street legal quad..... I'm betting its just a DOT issue with rider safety and impact testing.

Well I'm buying one and putting signals and a plate on it, and I'll be damned if anyone can stop me!

Quote from: 2005-GS500-PDX on April 21, 2006, 07:47:30 PM

Quote from: TragicImage on April 21, 2006, 07:46:08 PM
I forget who, but they actually put out a street legal sportbike Trike...  but it was rediculously expensive...


closest thing I've seen to a street legal quad..... I'm betting its just a DOT issue with rider safety and impact testing.

Well I'm buying one and putting signals and a plate on it, and I'll be damned if anyone can stop me!

k.


lemme know how that works.

There are kits available to legalize them in Arizona. I don't know about other states. I saw a Banshee flying down a rural highway once. There are some 4x4 quads I see around town sometimes too. It's a simple kit, brake light, horn, and rear view mirror.

Quote from: TragicImage on April 21, 2006, 07:58:57 PM

Quote from: 2005-GS500-PDX on April 21, 2006, 07:47:30 PM

Quote from: TragicImage on April 21, 2006, 07:46:08 PM
I forget who, but they actually put out a street legal sportbike Trike...  but it was rediculously expensive...


closest thing I've seen to a street legal quad..... I'm betting its just a DOT issue with rider safety and impact testing.

Well I'm buying one and putting signals and a plate on it, and I'll be damned if anyone can stop me!

k.


lemme know how that works.

I just did it and got a ticket. Note to all: Do not try this at home!

Dave 

did you offer to buy the cop a beer?

Quote from: TragicImage on April 21, 2006, 08:50:01 PM
did you offer to buy the cop a beer?

I was using an open beer bottle and a spoon as my horn. He didn't dig that.
Wink.

Quote from: 2005-GS500-PDX on April 21, 2006, 08:57:02 PM
I was using an open beer bottle and a spoon as my horn. He didn't dig that.

So what did he find wrong?  No horn?

Quote from: 2005-GS500-PDX on April 21, 2006, 08:57:02 PM

Quote from: TragicImage on April 21, 2006, 08:50:01 PM
did you offer to buy the cop a beer?

I was using an open beer bottle and a spoon as my horn. He didn't dig that.
Wink.

did you try to race him from the Light or something?

Did you "accidentally" rev your engine twice and make direct eye contact?

Apparently having my girlfriend sitting topless in front doesn't qualify as having "functional headlights". They've never failed me...

was she illuminating them with flash lights?

Quote from: Ed_in_Az on April 21, 2006, 08:08:53 PM
There are kits available to legalize them in Arizona. I don't know about other states. I saw a Banshee flying down a rural highway once. There are some 4x4 quads I see around town sometimes too. It's a simple kit, brake light, horn, and rear view mirror.

yup i remember that, another thing to consider, a quad takes far less to turn it than pretty much anything else. literally you turn bar less than half of a turn  and youre doin donuts

Quote from: TragicImage on April 21, 2006, 10:08:50 PM
was she illuminating them with flash lights?

Yes, her nipples were quite excited.

Quote from: 2005-GS500-PDX on April 21, 2006, 10:38:51 PM

Quote from: TragicImage on April 21, 2006, 10:08:50 PM
was she illuminating them with flash lights?

Yes, her nipples were quite excited.

eh? 

3d

Funny. That's aparently one field where the US is more stringently regulated than Europe.

They are legal here. you can even ride without a helmet. (Not that I'd recommend it.)