jboy

I was just curious: What is the smallest engine size (or minimum horsepower) that a motorcycle can have and still be ridden on the freeways (or highways as they are sometimes called)?

twitch

If your question is regarding legal regulations, that probably depends on the state. In Michigan, it's 125.

But, in practical terms, many people people consider 250 to be too small for the Interstates. They're probably right, but I do it anyway.

Atis

I asked this question at NYS DMV when I ws registering my Elite 80, since in NY it requires a motorcycle endorsement. I was told that as a motorcycle it could go on any highway that I was able to maintain the minimum speed limit, usually 40 MPH, which is no problem for the awesome 80 cc's. Would I do it? Not on your life, or mine!

cagie

I think that is the general rule. can the vehicle maintain road speeds and have all the safety requirements for registration? If so then it is and the operator must be endorsed.

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Comments contained in my posts are not intended to cause physical or psycological stress and are mearly my two cents worth, and in this economy, that's cheap!
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flitecontrol

Years ago, I remember seeing signs at interstate on ramps saying no animals, pedestrians, or motors of a certain minimum size were allowed. Think it may have been 5 horsepower, but not sure. I ride the interstate on the 250, but I'm thinking a bike with 1/3 the Reb's horsepower is a death wish.

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cagie

I don't know if [engine] HP is the rule. I saw a 5 HP skateboard that would go like a bat out of hades, but I gaurantee you it couldn't sustain speed for very long.

__________________
Comments contained in my posts are not intended to cause physical or psycological stress and are mearly my two cents worth, and in this economy, that's cheap!
87 CMX250C 'the Pygmy Pony'; Gargage

Guba

In Ohio the minimum CC's for highway operation is 250. It's different for each state, so you have to check out the reg's from whatever state your from.

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Shadow Shack

In a nutshell, if it can maintain the posted speed limits it'll do. But in the end each state has their own say...in California there's a 150cc minimum while next door in NV there's a "no scooter" clause despite the fact a Silverwing or Bergman will suck the headlight out of a Rebel...

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JunkyardDog

Yeah, every state is different, which might pose a problem if traveling by Rebel. In AZ, it's based on engine size, it must be at least 150cc. There is no way I would ride a 150cc bike on a freeway. I do ride the Rebel on the freeway quite often, in the right lane, at an indicated 65 mph. I have stock gearing, and won't push it any harder. The Rebel is about the minimum size/powered bike I would ride on the freeway, and by that I mean the interstate. It would be suicide to try and ride a Rebel on the local urban freeways, which have a lot more lanes, a lot more exits, a lot more traffic, and much higher speeds.


One neat thing about AZ is that it has no minimum speed limit. You can go 40 mph if you want to, legally anyway, though hardly safely. AZ also has a "slow moving vehicle" law, if your vehicle has flashing lights and an orange triangle visible from the rear, it can go as slow as you want. That will work on a large truck, but I wouldn't try it on a bike. Back when I used to ride mopeds, which definitely weren't freeway legal, with 50cc, and a top speed of 30 mph, I would always ride on the shoulder of non freeway roads, where speed limits were still 55-65 mph, and cars often went much faster. But I also passed a lot of bicycles also riding on the shoulders of these roads. I figured if it was reasonably safe for a bicycle, it was for a moped as well. Some people thought I was crazy, but many people have crossed the country on bicycles, mopeds, and 50cc scooters, and it has proven to be fairly safe. Jerry.

jboy

My guess is that the rebel would be "legal" (but maybe not safe) on every type of road in the U.S. I can't imagine what state would make it illegal for a 250 to be on the road.