Legality And Desirable Attributes For the Hack
LEGALITY AND DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES FOR THE HACK
BOB PETERSON
THERE HAS recently been some Federal level recognition directed toward the relatively ignored sidecar, in the form of safety standards prepared by the Department of Transportation. Applicable rulings include the following:
(1) By definition of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a sidecar is considered to be a “three-wheeled vehicle.” All existing and future rulings which apply to three-wheeled vehicles will apply equally to sidecar outfits unless otherwise indicated.
(2) Effective September 1, 1973, “all three-wheeled motorcycles shall be equipped with a parking brake of a friction type with a solely mechanical means to retain engagement.” This ruling becomes largely a manufacturer’s responsibility and will be required before a sidecar (three-wheeler) can be sold. It will not apply to existing rigs; only to those sold after the date given.
On the state level, an unfortunate circumstance exists in that no one single organization within the state appears to be responsible for safety regulations. Usually vehicles are under the authority of the State Department of Motor Vehicles, but some states have no department with that title.
In actuality, existing laws pertaining specifically to sidecars are very sparse indeed. A summary of those which do exist at present includes the following:
(1) All wheels must have braking ability (Maine).
(2) There must be an additional white lamp on the front of the sidecar (Massachusetts, New York).
(3) There must be an additional taillight positioned at the same height as the taillight on the motorcycle (Connecticut).
(4) A fender is required on the sidecar wheel (Oklahoma).
(5) All passengers must be situated on a permanent seat (Michigan, New Mexico, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, California).
(6) Vehicle must be equipped with footrests adjusted to fit the passenger. (California, Nevada, New Mexico, Tennessee, Washington). Presumably, the floor of the sidecar satisfies this requirement, but check locally.
(7) The sidecar tire must meet federal/state requirements (Kansas, New York).
(8) Any attached windshield must have approved glazing (California, Connecticut).
(9) If the motorcycle is over 750cc, a crash bar is required (Tennessee).
(10) It is unlawful to operate any vehicle with a wheelbase between any two axles of less than three feet, six inches (Washington).
Reference to the sidecar passenger can be interpreted in two additional laws:
(1) Every passenger shall be protected by glasses, face shield or a transparent windshield meeting the standards of the state (Illinois, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma,, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington).
(2) The passenger must wear protective headgear in a sidecar attachment (Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma). Only for passengers under 21 (South Carolina, South Dakota). None required if the cab is enclosed (Tennessee).
The only other law specifically written for a sidecar is that a $7 licensing fee is required annually in the state of Virginia. For reference, the following states indicated that they possess NO requirements for a sidecar to be operated on the road: Alabama, Hawaii, Kentucky, Lousiana, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Wyoming.
Based on experience and common sense, here is a set of desirable traits which should be kept in mind when purchasing a sidecar.
(1) The length of the sidecar should not exceed the total length of the motorcycle.
(2) As the width is increased, the handling characteristics of the outfit tend to improve. Thus, the sidecar wheel centerline should not be less than three feet, six inches from the centerline of the motorcycle (the recommended tread width on a racing hack is 40 to 42 in.).
(3) For lightweight motorcycles, the ideal sidecar weight is between 125 and 150 lb. More than this tends to place undue strain on the motorcycle; less weight tends to create handling difficulties, especially for the novice driver.
(4) A brake may be advisible on a sidecar. This will be largely dependent on how much the sidecar alters the machine’s stopping ability. The South Dakota Vehicle Code puts it this way:
“The wheel of the sidecar attached to a motorcycle need not be equipped with brakes provided that such motorcycle is capable of complying with the following performance requirements (class B-l vehicle)—(1) Developing a braking force that is not less than 43.5 percent of its gross weight combined, (2) decelerating to a stop from no more than 20 mph at not less than 14 ft./sec., and (3) stopping from a speed of 20 mph in not more than 30 ft., such distance to be measured from the point at which movement of the control begins.”
(5) The body design should incorporate the least possible wind resistance and the maximum of downward force on the wheel. This downward push adds greatly to the stability and cornering ability of the unit, while the reduced wind resistance will relieve the rightward pull which affects the steering at speed.
(6) The road clearance should be kept to a minimum in order to reduce the lifting force present in a right-hand turn.
(7) For protection of the passenger’s face, an approved windscreen should be attached (this compensates for the goggle requirement in many states).
(8) To improve visibility at night, a taillight is advisible on the sidecar. The two taillights will reduce the tendency for a passing motorist to come too close to the sidecar. This light should be located at approximately the same height as the motorcycle taillight. By the same token, a headlamp on the sidecar can be considered optional (except where required by law) since it is on the right side of the street. Oncoming traffic will be more interested in the light nearest the center of the road. It would be a good idea to add a headlight on the sidecar if extensive night driving is anticipated.
These eight points are in no way intended to comprise a complete list but are to indicate some desirable things to look for and to provide some sort of checklist for purchasing considerations or for subsequent remodeling by the owner. Because the laws pertaining to sidecars are few and differ from location to location, it is ultimately the responsibility of the manufacturer to sell, and the consumer to own, a safe sidecar. |§
