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Re: When is a motorcycle a car.

Posted: Sun Aug 11, 2019 7:42 am
by Old Fogey
rcmatt007 wrote: Interesting... the reason Morgan made three wheelers in England was it was a MC and therefore taxed at a much cheaper rate.
The other reason was that they could be driven on a motorcycle driving license.

Way back, probably stopped in the late 20s , there was a cyclecar designation both here and in the States
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclecar

Re: When is a motorcycle a car.

Posted: Sun Aug 11, 2019 3:58 pm
by SnoBrdr
Old Fogey wrote:
rcmatt007 wrote: Interesting... the reason Morgan made three wheelers in England was it was a MC and therefore taxed at a much cheaper rate.
The other reason was that they could be driven on a motorcycle driving license.

Way back, probably stopped in the late 20s , there was a cyclecar designation both here and in the States
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclecar
They have shown a few on American Pickers.

Most had Indian Fours in them.

Re: When is a motorcycle a car.

Posted: Mon Aug 12, 2019 1:34 pm
by rcmatt007
morgans almost always had V-twins not fours. Morgan never made their own motor. I saw one recently from the 30's with a JAP v-twin

Re: When is a motorcycle a car.

Posted: Mon Aug 12, 2019 4:57 pm
by Old Fogey
An uncle had one with a Matchless V twin, not sure what year as I was just a small child, but probably 20s or early 30s. I do remember it was a very handsome engine.
Just found this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xcITHevPrc

The Model F 3 wheeler used the 10hp Ford four cylinder flathead, same engine as in the Model Y Ford my father ran

Re: When is a motorcycle a car.

Posted: Mon Aug 12, 2019 8:23 pm
by heraldhamster
Sidecar Bob wrote:From what I have read some states have introduced a new vehicle classification for vehicles with 3 wheels and a steering wheel. IIRC, they are calling them cyclecars or something like that.
I knew the day was coming sooner or later. we are required in WA state to have an additional endorsement, above & beyond "motorcycle", for trike or sidecar.

Re: When is a motorcycle a car.

Posted: Mon Aug 12, 2019 8:44 pm
by Sidecar Bob
Personally, I think that is a good idea.

Most places have treated a sidecar outfit as a bike with an accessory instead of a different type of vehicle altogether when they really aren't. I have said many times that a sidecar outfit is as different from a car as a bike is and as different from a bike as a car is. Expecting that someone with a bike license has the necessary skills for a sidecar outfit just doesn't make sense.

Re: When is a motorcycle a car.

Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2019 1:55 pm
by rcmatt007
why the heck can someone drive a 60' motorhome down the road with just a standard license.... just saying.... rant over

Re: When is a motorcycle a car.

Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2019 2:27 pm
by Sidecar Bob
Exactly.

Re: When is a motorcycle a car.

Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2022 5:00 pm
by Old Fogey
rcmatt007 wrote: Tue Aug 13, 2019 1:55 pm why the heck can someone drive a 60' motorhome down the road with just a standard license.... just saying.... rant over
Not possible to do that over here:

Category B - if you passed your test before 1 January 1997

You’re usually allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg maximum authorised mass (MAM)(Just over 8 tons). View your driving licence information to check.
You’re also allowed to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM.

Category B - if you passed your test on or after 1 January 1997

You can drive vehicles up to 3,500kg MAM with up to 8 passenger seats (with a trailer up to 750kg).
You can also tow heavier trailers if the total MAM of the vehicle and trailer is not more than 3,500kg (about 3.5 tons).