Free: Contests & Raffles.
10/24/2001Background --Due to growing trail fragmentation from roads in our motorized trail riding areas, more and more riders are turning to dual sport bikes or street licensed ORV conversions to connect between motorized trails. In 1998, after many years of working out a viable process with the users, WSP implemented a new inspection and street licensing policy for properly modified off-road motorcycles. It was warmly received by the users and in general a big success.However, for reasons still not understood, problems with inspections started to occur about a year ago. Many inquiries by NMA and others to the WSP licensing division went unanswered.A Surprising Change --Then in a stunning reversal of the new policy, a letter dated December 27, 2000, Captain Frederick R. Fakkema of the Washington State Patrol Commercial Vehicle Divsion informed NMA that the WSP will no longer inspect and approve off-road vehicles for (street) licensing.The forthcoming explanation for this policy flip-flop were vague to say the least. The stated reasons in the letter were that WSP would "have to be assured by the manufacturer that an 'off-road use only' Vehicle Safety vehicle is road worthy after modification and FMVSS (Federal Motor Standards) certified."This explanation makes no sense to NMA. Clearly, no manufacturer is going to provide such certification. And such requirements do not even apply to any other type of custom built vehicles. Nor do they apply to the cars and trucks we all own, most which have many non-factory certified, but fully legal and safe after-market modifications and custom parts installed.Conversions Being Denied --Unfortunately, many of our members and other law-abiding motorcyclists continue to be denied a vehicle inspection and street license for a properly modified off-road motorcycle, even after buying and installing conversion equipment that meets state and DOT standards for street use.Recommendation --At this time, and until this issue is resolved, the NMA recommends that off-road motorcycle owners refrain from buying and installing conversion equipment and kits specifically for the purposes of converting an off-road motorcycle for street licensing.If you still want to pursue an off-road conversion inspection, we strongly encourage you to research the situation carefully.While vehicle inspections and licensing cannot be guaranteed at this time, NMA has heard that there have been some successful vehicle inspections and licensing in recent months. However, the inspection process is not uniform or reliable; keep your expectations low and research the situation with the inspection station(s) you plan to visit -- prior to spending any money on conversion equipment