Interpretation ID: nht78-4.6

DATE: 05/10/78

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Joseph J. Levin Jr.; NHTSA

TO: Potts Motorcycle Company

TITLE: FMVSR INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This responds to your February 11, 1978, letter asking whether a device manufactured by you which is designed to tow motorcycles behind a motor vehicle would be considered a trailer.

The term trailer is defined in Part 571.3 of Volume 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations to mean "a motor vehicle with or without motive power, designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by another motor vehicle." Since your device falls within the ambit of this definition, it is considered a trailer and must comply with all of the Federal motor vehicle safety standards applicable to that vehicle type.

SINCERELY,

POTTS MOTORCYCLE CO.

February 11, 1978

U. S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Dear Sirs:

This is in reference to your letter of January 30, 1978, concerning HEF 32 GSH.

The Trakor is a two wheel towing accessory for transporting motorcycles behind a car, van or truck. I hold the Patent in my name. The Trakor is being manufactured and distributed under contract by Trakor Inc., 5005 East Evans, Denver, Colo.

The accessory is not a trailer, as it can not be towed unless it is attached to a motorcycle. When not in use, it can be folded to fit in the trunk of a car or stored in a small place.

When used on a road motorcycle, the tail light can be connected to the circuit of the towing vehicle. When used on a race motorcycle, a light can be attached to the motorcycle or unit if it is to be towed at night.

Enclosed is literature regarding the information you requested. If additional information is needed, either contact Trakor or Potts Motorcycle Company.

THE TRAKOR

Specially designed for traveling with your bike by a bike racer, rider and dealer.

This is Trakor, the revolutionary new, easy-to-load bike tow. Trakor was designed and engineered by a motorcycle dea who is also an avid rider and racer. He found the available small tows too small -- and the large ones too large. So designed the perfect size: Trakor. There are several other features about the new Trakor you'll love: 1) It doesn't have be licensed or titled. 2) It weighs only 72 lbs. 3) It folds up to fit into a trunk or closet. 4) It will tow a 600 lb. bike at free speeds.

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It's so simple anyone can do it:

First, open the unit out to its full extension.

Then, back the bike straight over the hitching plates.

Making "tracks" with TRAKOR.

You'll see when the bike's wheel passes over the unit's axle, the swing arm (folded section) lifts up to bolt directly to the bike frame.

Attach the U bolts over the frame of the bike on each side. It bolts down through the welded attachment of the swing arm.

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It is now securely attached and can be towed anywhere -- even with a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

At this point the bike is securely on the Trakor. You should be able to lift the unit onto the hitch with relative ease.

The Trakor uses a standard hitch, take the ball off the hitch, the plate bolts directly to the hitch tongue.

Now, attach the unit to the towing vehicle. And . . .

THE TRAKOR even fits in your trunk

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