Interpretation ID: aiam1502
Via Antonio Cecchi 6
16129 Genova
Italia;
Gentlemen: This is in reply to your letter of May 13, 1974, asking fo interpretation of Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 123, *Motorcycle Controls and Displays*.; You have stated that 'a mark in the front of a line (-) between firs and second indicates the neutral position' and ask whether that is a 'neutral indicator' within the meaning of Standard No. 123. Since the purpose of the mark is to designate the neutral position between first and second gears, it is a 'neutral indicator' and must be illuminated by a green display lamp and identified by the word 'Neutral.'; You also express your opinion that the normal fuel shutoff valv positions should be 'fully clockwise' for 'off,' 'full counterclockwise' for 'reverse' with 'on' between the two, and operational along a transverse axis. This, of course, would not comply with the standard which requires that the control be forwarded when off, upward for reverse, and downward for 'on,' and operational along a longitudinal axis. As the agency commented in denying Japan AMA's petitions for reconsideration of these requirements of the standard (37 F.R. 17474) 'The NHTSA has determined that the control should be standardized by requiring its operation along a longitudinal rather than a transverse axis. In this location there is a greater likelihood that in the event of a crash, the control will be carried by inertia to the off position, thereby shutting of the fuel.' Therefore we do not intend to modify there requirements.; "Yours truly, Richard B. Dyson, Assistant j Chief Counsel"