Modifying your bike. Whats legal, what isn't?
 

Most of us are familiar with the legal issues facing cars and modifications. Issues like that have been brought up again and again and anyone can find numerous threads on the same issue.

That being said, its hard to find information on whats legal with bikes. This thread stems from a conversation I was having with someone about signal lights.



Does anyone have any resources on what the B.C. standards are for motorcycles?

And while we're at it, my simple question is:

Forward turn signals. Do I need them? They look awkward and out of place on the front of my bike and I'd like to turf them.

my understanding of the whole lighting thing is if the bike comes equipped with them you need them, and they must be DOT approved, and they have to be 9" apart?
dont take my word as law, because i'm not certain on that though

mirrors, corners lights, license plate, headlights must be visible.

exhaust is limited to 105db if I remember correctly.

i think it's way lower than 105dB. should be closer to 89dB if i recall.

Honestly, just like cars...everything is illegal.


Yeah, I think its 89-92 db. Mission DB rules is under 92db? I can't remember but it's close to stock.

basically, if you mod it, its illigal.

Just don't be an ass about it and you won't be pulled over. :)

keep it simple and you should be ok.

Last season during my trackday it was 89 dB. I wonder how people get away with rolled license plates mounted to their swingarm with minuscule signals

Ummmmmm...no. But confirm before you get it the legalities. Exhaust are fine to mod, so long as its in range. You can also chagne the seats, lighting that is DOT and w/e approved, and visible. License plate has to be visible..iforget if it needs to be lit or not. etc

Sound last I heard was 89db.

How the heck do you know how loud an exhaust (DB level) is before you buy it?

Cops are pretty touchy in terms of license plates on bikes. from my first hand experience, the officer told me that i needed to move my license plate out from under the fender "so that a traffic camera could (potentially) see it". i have an 03 gsxr with a fender eliminator kit with aftermarket lights/integrated/flushmout signals/bodywork/ and the officer didnt seem to mind my extensively modded bike as long as my plate was super clearly visible to all, not hidden half behind the rear tire or tucked under the fender, (even though that looks the cleanest,IMO)