[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 49, Volume 6]
[Revised as of October 1, 2007]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 49CFR571.123]

[Page 448-451]
 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
                            OF TRANSPORTATION
 
PART 571_FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS--Table of Contents
 
            Subpart B_Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
 
Sec.  571.123  Standard No. 123; Motorcycle controls and displays.

    S1. Scope. This standard specifies requirements for the location, 
operation, identification, and illumination of motorcycle controls and 
displays, and requirements for motorcycle stands and footrests.
    S2. Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to minimize accidents 
caused by operator error in responding to the motoring environment, by 
standardizing certain motorcycle controls and displays.
    S3. Application. This standard applies to motorcycles equipped with 
handlebars, except for motorcycles that are designed, and sold 
exclusively for use by law enforcement agencies.
    S4. Definitions. Clockwise and counterclockwise mean opposing 
directions of rotation around the following axes, as applicable.
    (a) The operational axis of the ignition control, viewed from in 
front of the ignition lock opening;
    (b) The axis of the right handlebar on which the twist-grip throttle 
is located, viewed from the end of that handlebar;
    (c) The axis perpendicular to the center of the speedometer, viewed 
from the operator's normal eye position.
    Scooter means a motorcycle that:
    (1) Has a platform for the operator's feet or has integrated 
footrests, and
    (2) Has a step-through architecture, meaning that the part of the 
vehicle forward of the operator's seat and between the legs of an 
operator seated in the riding position, is lower in height than the 
operator's seat.
    S5. Requirements.
    S5.1. Each motorcycle shall be equipped with a supplemental engine 
stop control, located and operable as specified in Table 1.
    S5.2 Each motorcycle to which this standard applies shall meet the 
following requirements:
    S5.2.1 Control location and operation. If any item of equipment 
listed in Table 1, Column 1, is provided, the control for such item 
shall be located as specified in Column 2, and operable as specified in 
Column 3. Each control located on a right handlebar shall be operable by 
the operator's right hand throughout its full range without removal of 
the operator's right hand from the throttle. Each control located on a 
left handlebar shall be operable by the operator's left hand throughout 
its full range without removal of the operator's left hand from the 
handgrip. If a motorcycle with an automatic clutch other than a scooter 
is equipped with a supplemental rear brake control, the control shall be 
located on the left handlebar. If a scooter with an automatic clutch is 
equipped with a supplemental rear brake control, the control shall be on 
the right side and operable by the operator's right foot. A supplemental 
control shall provide brake actuation identical to that provided by the 
required control of Table 1, Item 11, of this Standard. If a motorcycle 
is equipped with self-proportioning or antilock braking devices 
utilizing a single control for front and rear brakes, the control shall 
be located and operable in the same manner as a rear brake control, as 
specified in Table 1, Item 11, and in this paragraph.
    S5.2.2 Display illumination and operation. If an item of equipment 
listed in Table 2, Column 1, is provided, the display for such item 
shall be visible to a seated operator under daylight conditions, shall 
illuminate as specified in Column 2, and shall operate as specified in 
Column 3.
    S5.2.3 Control and display identification. If an item of equipment 
in Table 3, Column 1, is provided, the item and its operational function 
shall be identified by:
    (a) A symbol substantially in the form shown in Column 3; or
    (b) Wording shown in both Column 2 and Column 4; or
    (c) A symbol substantially in the form shown in Column 3 and wording 
shown in both Column 2 and Column 4.
    (d) The abbreviations ``M.P.H.'', ``km/h'', ``r/min'', ``Hi'', 
``Lo'', ``L'', ``R'', and ``Res'' appearing in Column 2 and Column 4 may 
be spelled in full. Symbols and words may be provided for equipment 
items where none are shown in Column 2, Column 3, and Column 4. Any 
identification provided shall be placed on or adjacent to the control or 
display position, and shall appear upright to the operator.
    S5.2.4 Stands. A stand shall fold rearward and upward if it contacts 
the

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ground when the motorcycle is moving forward.
    S5.2.5 Footrests. Footrests shall be provided for each designated 
seating position. Each footrests for a passenger other than an operator 
shall fold rearward and upward when not in use.
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR30AU05.001


                       Table 2--Motorcycle Display Illumination and Operation Requirements
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Display--Column 1                  Illumination--Column 2                Operation--Column 3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Speedometer.........................  Yes............................  The display is illuminated whenever
                                                                           the headlamp is activated.
2. Neutral indication..................  Green display lamp.............  The display lamp illuminates when the
                                                                           gear selector is in neutral position.
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR30AU05.002


[37 FR 7207, Apr. 12, 1972, as amended at 37 FR 17475, Aug. 29, 1972; 39 
FR 32915, Sept. 12, 1974; 48 FR 42819, Sept. 20, 1983; 49 FR 35381, 
Sept. 7, 1984; 49 FR 35504, Sept. 10, 1984; 56 FR 61387, Dec. 3, 1991; 
63 FR 28933, May 27, 1998; 63 FR 51001, Sept. 24, 1998; 70 FR 51295, 
Aug. 30, 2005]

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