39-27-05. Tires, wheels, and rims.
609 words·~3 min read·
/nd/title-39/chapter-39-27-motorcycle-equipment/39-27-05·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
1. Motorcycle tires must be of pneumatic design with a minimum width of two and
twenty-five hundredths inches [57.15 millimeters] designed for highway use.
2. Tires on two-wheel motorcycles and the single tire on the front or rear of a three-wheel
motorcycle must have a load capacity rating at least equal to their respective gross
axle weight ratings. Each tire on the front or rear axle of a three-wheel motorcycle
must have a load capacity rating at least equal to one-half the front or rear axle gross
axle weight rating. 3. Wheel rim diameters may not be less than ten inches [25.4 centimeters] or otherwise
comply with title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, part 571, Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards, and must otherwise comply with applicable state standards, as
promulgated by the director. Two-wheel motorcycles using low pressure tires are
exempt from this subsection if the inflated height of the tire is twenty inches [508
millimeters] or greater.
39-27-06. Steering and suspension systems. 1. Motorcycle steering and suspension systems must be designed and engineered to
provide the operator with the means of safely controlling vehicle direction under all
maneuvers required for normal and safe operation. 2. The rear wheel of a two-wheel motorcycle must track behind the front wheel within one
inch [2.54 centimeters] with both wheels in a vertical plane when the vehicle is
operating on a straight course. On a three-wheel motorcycle, the midpoint of the front
or rear wheel track distance must be within one inch [2.54 centimeters] of the single
front or single rear wheel track when the vehicle is proceeding on a straight course.
The vehicle must be equipped with an adjustment feature that will provide proper
wheel tracking. 3. The steering head must be provided with a bearing or similar device that will allow the
steering shaft to turn freely in rotational motion only. 4. All motorcycles, except three-wheel motorcycles, must meet the following
specifications in relationship to front wheel geometry:
MAXIMUM: Rake: 45 degrees - Trail: 14 inches
[35.56 centimeters] positive
MINIMUM: Rake: 20 degrees - Trail: 2 inches
[5.08 centimeters] positive
Manufacturer's specifications must include the specific rake and trail for each
motorcycle or class of motorcycles and the terms "rake" and "trail" must be defined by
the director by rules adopted pursuant to chapter 28-32. 5. Handlebars must be of sturdy construction, adequate in size to provide proper
leverage for steering, and capable of withstanding a minimum force of one hundred
pounds [45.36 kilograms] applied to each handgrip in any direction. Handlebar grips
may not be located above the shoulder height of the seated operator. The handlebars
must provide a minimum of eighteen inches [45.72 centimeters] between grip after
final assembly. 6. Handlebars must be equipped with handgrips consisting of a material and surface
pattern to ensure firm, nonslip gripping for the driver. 7. Every motorcycle must be equipped with a suspension system and such suspension
system must be applicable to at least the front wheel. The suspension system must be
effective in reducing road shock and designed for the purpose of maximizing vehicle
stability.
39-27-07. Fuel system. 1. All fuel system components, including the tank, pump, tubing, hoses, clamps, and
other components, must be securely fastened to the motorcycle so as not to interfere
with vehicle operation and be leakproof when the vehicle is in its normal operating
attitude. 2. Fuel lines must be positioned in a manner to prevent their contact with the engine
head, manifold, exhaust system, or other high temperature surfaces, or moving
components. The fuel system must be adequately vented and provided with a fuel
shutoff valve located between the fuel supply and the engine.