Interpretation ID: nht93-7.26

DATE: October 18, 1993

FROM: J. C. DeLaney -- Manager, Technical Programs, Motorcycle Industry Council, Inc.

TO: John Womack -- Acting Chief Council, NHTSA

TITLE: Re: Request for FMVSS 123 Interpretation

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 11/23/93 from John Womack to J. C. DeLaney (A41; Std. 123)

TEXT:

The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) is a nonprofit national trade association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, motorcycle parts and accessories, and members of allied trades.

On behalf of its membership, MIC requests an interpretation of FMVSS 123 as it relates to motorcycle side stand retraction.

FMVSS 123, S5.2.4, states that "a stand shall fold rearward and upward if it contacts the ground when the motorcycle is moving forward.", but makes no reference to any compliance test criteria or procedure.

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has published two recommended procedures related to side stand retraction testing - SAE J1578 "Motorcycle Side Stand Retraction Test Procedure"; and SAE J1579 "Motorcycle Side Stand Retraction Performance Requirements." A third SAE Recommended Practice, J1846, establishes characteristics for the test surface used for testing in accordance with J1578 and J1579. Copies of these SAE documents are enclosed.

MIC's question is: Does a motorcycle side stand comply with FMVSS 123 if it passes the SAE J1578 test procedure?

MIC would appreciate your earliest possible response to the above request. Please contact me if there are any questions or if additional information is required.