Wisconsin Vehicle Definitions - Motorcycle

[jim99]

[shadow=red,left,300]Copied from Wisconsin DMV online site.[/shadow]

(32) “Motorcycle” means a motor vehicle, excluding a tractor
or an all−terrain vehicle, which is capable of speeds in excess of
30 miles per hour with a 150−pound rider on a dry, level, hard surface
with no wind, with a power source as an integral part of the
vehicle, and which meets the conditions under par. (a) or (b):
(a) Type 1 is a motor vehicle which meets either of the following
conditions:
1. Is designed and built with 2 wheels in tandem and a seat for
the operator, and may be modified to have no more than 3 wheels
by attaching a sidecar to one side of the wheels in tandem without
changing the location of the power source.
2. Is designed and built to have no more than 3 wheels, seating
for the operator and no more than 3 passengers, and does not have
the operator area enclosed.
(b) Type 2 is a motor vehicle designed and built to have at least
3 wheels in contact with the ground, a curb weight of less than
1,500 pounds, and a passenger and operator area with sides permanently
enclosed with rigid construction and a top which may be
convertible.

[acerguy]

Of note is that while it is pretty clear that in Wisconsin a reverse trike fits nicely into a "Type 2 Motorcycle" definition, it is far less obvious how it can be licensed. The "Hobbyist" category seems like it would cover a home-built reverse trike except that all the definitions involve referencing vehicles that are at least 20 years old.

From the overview page at wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/vehicles/title-plates/hobbyist.aspx

Types of hobbyist vehicles

Street modified vehicles

Must be at least 20 model years old.
Can still be recognized as the original vehicle year and make.
Are altered from the original vehicle.
Are typically known as "hot rods" or "street rods".

Replica vehicles

Must replicate a vehicle at least 20 model years old.
Are reproductions of vehicles originally made by another manufacturer. (Indicate the year and make that the vehicle replicates in Section A of the application.)

Reconstructed vehicles

Are constructed from a vehicle at least 20 model years old.
Are no longer recognizable as the original vehicle.
If newly reconstructed, the application must include a bill of sale for all major parts used in the construction of the vehicle.
May need an inspection by a Wisconsin State Patrol inspector. You will receive a letter requesting an inspection, if needed.

Homemade motorized vehicles

Must have been constructed from new or used parts with a body and frame not originating from or resembling a previously manufactured motor vehicle.
Homemade motorcycles must replicate a motorcycle 20 or more model years old.
May need an inspection by a Wisconsin State Patrol inspector. You will receive a letter requesting an inspection, if needed.
Refer to Wisconsin Statutes 341.268 for vehicle definitions and Administrative Rule Trans 149 for homemade or reconstructed vehicle requirements.

I know that there have been some home built reverse trikes licensed in Wisconsin. I would love to learn more how they did it.

[jim99]

To my knowledge there is not in Wisconsin a registration category or license plate for a “Hobbyist” motorcycle. Having built two reverse trikes and registered both in Dane county WI I can tell you a little about the process for WISCONSIN and not for any other state.

The first reverse trike I built from scratch with a motorcycle engine. The completed trike did not have a VIN. I trailered it to the State Patrol Vehicle Inspection site to be inspected for all items required on a motorcycle to be registered in WI.
Once it passed inspection I was allowed to apply for registration, needed pictures and receipts for major components. I paid the fees and received a VIN (small metal plate) and instructions on how and where to attach it to the trike. VIN number attachment needed to be signed off by any law enforcement officer. Mailed documents to DMV and about three weeks later received registration and license plate.

Trike number two, I called the State Patrol Vehicle Inspection for an appointment and during that conversation I was asked if the trike had an original VIN number (which it does) and I was told it was not a “new construction”, thus did not need an inspection. Was cautioned by inspector to be certain that the trike was in compliance with all WI DMV required equipment for a motorcycle or an officer could cite me it I was stopped and found not to be in compliance.

I called the WI DMV and further questioned this information. The explanation I was given was: If you bought a new Harley Davidson motorcycle and took it to a shop that added a rear axle with two tires making it a trike would you call us to inspect it? As long as it has an original VIN it is a modified motorcycle and there is no law against that.

Those were my experiences, at no time did try to sneak something pass them, argue or become belligerent with any state employee and I was treated fairly and they all were more than helpful. They have a difficult job to do and they do it well if treated properly.

I did accompany an induvial trying to register a reverse trike to the DMV (even though I told him he needed to start with the State Patrol) who became belligerent, rude and foul mothed to the DMV. That was several years ago and he still does not have his trike registered.

In closing my only unanswered question is how far can one push the “original” VIN thing? Can you weld just a small piece of an original frame with the VIN on it into your new frame and get away with calling it a modified motorcycle? Seems to me that that would be trying to skirt the intent of the regulations and open up a whole can of worms. Just do it right.

[acerguy]

Thanks for the great response. I know we exchanged a few IMs a while ago. Now that I have my donor vehicle, I'm ready to dive a little more into this. After our last conversation, I'll admit that I was thinking about the possibilities of incorporating the original frame into the design as the donor is already licensed, but my design just does not lend itself well (it is similar to the SUB3wheeler from a few years ago). I don't think the "modified motorcycle" is going to be the route I can go.

So, for your first trike, how was it not deemed a "homemade motorized vehicle" and thus have the restrictions as I cut and pasted above ("Homemade motorcycles must replicate a motorcycle 20 or more model years old")?

I live just outside of Dane county but I presume that doesn't matter...may I ask which State Patrol office you contacted? I see there is the state headquarters in Madison but the "regional office" is in DeForest.  Naturally, I want to get as much cleared ahead of time before I spend a bunch more time and money on this!

Thanks again for the help!

Keith

[skifffz1to3]

Check out my answer to the VIN issue.

Guy in CO is following my lead as well.
Go to bottom of thread


reversetrike.proboards.com/thread/662/tri-pod-usa-chassis-build

[acerguy]

Thanks. It would appear from your link that you're doing the same as Jim99 followed with his second build; incorporating a large part of the donor - including the frame - in the vehicle. As I stated, my design does not lend itself well to that so it will need to have its own VIN.

[acerguy]

Just a followup. A month or so ago I contacted my local Wisconsin State Patrol regional office and ended up having a very pleasant conversation with the guy who actually does the inspections. He said that it was still pretty simple in Wisconsin to register a home built trike as it is definitely considered a motorcycle. They want title/proof of purchase for the major items (engine/transmission) and they inspect it to make sure it meets the obvious lighting and safety requirements. Again, he was very supportive and, since the office is only about 15 miles from my house, offered to stop by and check on my progress if I want.

I got the impression that if I were using the original chassis (so the VIN stayed intact) I probably wouldn't even need to do the inspection. But don't quote me on that. I made it quite clear that I was NOT going to use the original chassis so we skipped right to what exactly he wanted to see.