Why is it that in some states they are street legal quadrunners and in states like Texas they are not legal to drive in the streets? I don't understand what the difference is between a motorcycle vs a quadrunner. Some folks would rather drive a quadrunner then a motorcycle and vica versa.
2006-09-08 11:48:18 · 11 answers · asked by Blue 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
In Idaho a quad is legal for street use as long as it meets all state cycle laws such as turn signals, mirrors, lights, and speedometer.
A guy I used to work with actually drove one all over town as do several other people. I believe it was a Suzuki but not sure. I do know it was licensed as a motorcycle.
He even went on a couple club rides with us, it was kinda fun to watch him among all the Harley's. But he kept up nicely and handled it very safely.
2006-09-10 11:17:31 · answer #1 · answered by dreamwever4u2 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Quads are lower to the ground and not as easy to see. They also don't go road speed safely and their tires are not made for that type of riding.
Different application I think. Would you want to use a tractor as the family car?
Have you used a quad?
In some states they let you ride them on the streets because they want the registration money. Anything to collect more funds for the state.
2006-09-10 21:15:11 · answer #2 · answered by toomeymimi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Quads are designed specifically to be "off road" vehicles. Just like MX bikes, they aren't designed to ride on paved streets, aren't equipped with the right tires and are not designed for maintaining posted speed limits on streets and highways. It also does not have all of the safety equipment required for the road. Hence it is an "off road" only vehicle.
2006-09-08 12:53:11 · answer #3 · answered by viclioce 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
-Quads are manufactured as off road vehicles.
-No horn, brake light, mirrors, turn signals - so right out of the box they're not street legal.
-Even if you were to install all the equipment to pass your states inspection, they aren't safe to drive. Part of the suspension is derived from the low tire pressure (1-4psi), so they do a lot of bouncing. Unsteady when driving.
-States with towns in the middle of nowhere, where traffic is light (or practically non existant) allow quads on the road. Not on highways!
-Dirt roads, mountans, snow covered roads - quads can be safer to drive than autos.
-Some states in the north with plenty of snow in the winter (Main, Vermont, Wisconson, etc) allow snowmobiles on the road, if the road is snow covered and the snowmobile is registered.
2006-09-08 12:51:10 · answer #4 · answered by guardrailjim 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a good question. I live in Pa and the funny thing about this is last summer I saw 4 ATV with road worthy tires on them on the Pa Turnpike going about 65mph with out of state plates... I tried to get close enough too see were they were from (I really wanted to know!) but I wasn't able to see the plate. I know they were legal because I also saw a Pa State Trooper also checking them out. They had to be all legal because he left them alone... Here in Pa we have to register or quads with the Dept of DCNR and must maintain insureance unless it is being used on our own properties. We are allowed to cross a street or highway in a direction pattern and allowed to cross bridges to avoid streams and rivers... But all in all I agree and we should be allowed to drive them on road and off road.. But with the proper tires, Knowing how mine handles on the road, the mud tires are too slugish for it... And here in Pa since I have to pay for the high price insureance, I should be allowed, even if it's just to go to the local trails with out getting fined!!!!
2006-09-08 15:52:23 · answer #5 · answered by ftyatb 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All the manufacturers build street legal ATV's... for the European market. U.S. D.O.T. & E.P.A. standards are such that it would be very cost prohibitive to try and market them here in the states.
I took a tour of Honda's ATV plant in Timmonsville, SC. several years ago. While we there they were running TRX400EX's on the line. As our tour started they had just finished the european run. The ATV's had reflectors, turn signals, brake lights and horns on them. They didn't look bad, just a little...odd.
2006-09-08 13:44:41 · answer #6 · answered by Nomad 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
US DOT considers 4-wheeled vehicles a car - not a motorcycle. There is a bill in Congress right now to change this. If you want the law to be changed, write your congress persons.
2006-09-08 11:59:00 · answer #7 · answered by KrautRocket 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think the quads are more adapted to riding in the desert and on dirt roads and stuff; motorcycles are more designed for the open road (but there are dirt bikes out there).
2006-09-08 11:53:45 · answer #8 · answered by chrstnwrtr 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Short wheel base + high center of gravity + speed + the traction of paved streets = Flip overs.
2006-09-08 11:59:23 · answer #9 · answered by joe b 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Kraut Rocket is right...4 wheels is considered a car right now, and technically need all the things required by cars, seatbelts, safety bumpers etc.
2006-09-08 13:49:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋