VSB14 SECTION LL

Note these are really mostly written and focussed on cars etc and are attempted to be interpreted and applied to bikes.

http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/pdf/NCOP5_Section_LG_Brakes_V2_01Jan2011.pdf
http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/pdf/NCOP10C_lO7_ICV_Motorcycle_Checklist_V2.0_01Jan2011.pdf
http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/pdf/NCOP12_Section_LT_Test_Procedures_1Jan2011_v2.pdf
http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/pdf/NCOP11_Section_LS_Tyres_Suspension_Steering_V2_1Jan_2011%20v3.pdf
http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/pdf/NCOP8_Section_LL_Motor-Cycles_and_3WheelVehicles_01Jan2011_v2.pdf

VSB14 SECTION LL

MOTOR CYCLES & THREE WHEELED VEHICLES

1.1 BASIC MODIFICATIONS NOT REQUIRING CERTIFICATION

The following are Basic Modifications that may be performed without certification provided they are carried out in compliance with the requirements detailed in sub-section 2 General
Requirements:

• Fitting a manufacturer’s optional component such as an engine, transmission, exhaust system or fuel tank for the particular make/model of the vehicle in question. (Note that replacing parts or components of a motor cycle with the manufacturer’s parts or equivalent components does not fall into the category of modifications and as a consequence no approvals are necessary for repair work);

•  Conversion of a two-seat motor cycle to a single seater; and
•  Conversion of a modified motor cycle to original seating configuration.

Note: The underlying design installation and fabrication requirements for all of the above
modifications are contained in sub-section 2 General Requirements.

2.1 DESIGN

2.1.1 Dimensional Requirements - Motor Cycles Without a Sidecar

The maximum width including the load and equipment must not exceed 1 metre.
The load or equipment must not project more than 150mm beyond the extreme outer portion of
the motor cycle on either side.
The maximum longitudinal projection beyond the outer extremity of the tyres of any part of the
motor cycle and loading or equipment thereon must not exceed 150mm in the case of the front
tyre and 300mm in the case of the rear tyre.
If the motor cycle is fitted with a sissy bar it must not have any sharp points or edges or be of a
design that interferes with the safe operation of the motor cycle.

2.1.2 Ground Clearance

When laden, the ground clearance must not be less than 100mm, measured from a horizontal
road surface to any point on the underside of the motor cycle or sidecar excluding tyres wheels
and hubs.

2.1.6 Stand

Any stand fitted to a motor cycle must be maintained in an efficient and safe condition and must
be equipped with a spring or other device capable of holding it securely in the up position at all
times when the stand is not in use.
For all LA and LC group motor cycles manufactured after 1 July 1998, a stand must be fitted
that is capable of holding the motor cycle in a substantially upright position. The stand may be
of the side or centre type and must be equipped with a spring or other device capable of
securely holding it clear of the road at all times when the stand is not in use. A side stand must
be designed so that it does not remain in the down position when the vehicle is moving or about
to move.

2.1.7 Foot Rests or Foot Pegs

Every motor cycle must be fitted with adequate foot rests or foot pegs for the rider and, in the
case where a pillion seating position is provided, foot rests for the pillion passenger.

2.1.8 Rear Vision Mirrors

A motor cycle and motor tricycle built before July 1975 must have at least one mirror on the
right hand side.
A motor cycle or motor tricycle with one front wheel, built after July 1975, must be equipped
with two rear vision mirrors symmetrically placed relative to the centre of the handlebars.
The rear vision mirror or mirrors must be fitted so as to allow the rider to clearly see, by
reflection, the road behind the vehicle and any following or overtaking vehicles. For circular
mirrors the reflective surface area must have a minimum diameter of 94mm and for non-circular
mirrors the reflective surface must be not less than 78mm in diameter and at least 120mm by
200mm.
If a mirror has a convex surface it must have a radius of curvature not less than 1200mm.
Motor cycles and motor tricycles may be fitted with additional mirrors that are flat or convex or a
combination of these surfaces.

2.1.9 Mudguards

Mudguards must be fitted to all wheels, including sidecar wheels (refer to Figure LL1 for details
of mudguard construction and location). Each mudguard must be at least as wide, over its entire length, as its respective wheel and tyre.

A front wheel mudguard must cover the rearward section of the wheel through the area
between two lines, one vertical and the other horizontal, both drawn through the centre of the
wheel. If suitable protection is afforded by the frame or construction of the motor cycle, the
front mudguard need only cover the area that is unprotected.
A rear wheel or sidecar wheel mudguard must extend at least from a point vertically above the
front of the tyre to a point vertically above the rear of the tyre.

2.1.10 Foot and Hand Controls

The controls for motor cycles are standardised, therefore the position and operation of foot and
hand controls must be kept, as far as practicable, to the manufacturer’s original specification.
For example, if the rider’s footrests are moved rearwards (that is, converted to rear seats) the
gear lever must not be reversed or inverted. For safety reasons, the only acceptable method
for this conversion is to fit a linkage, which keeps the gear change pattern the same as the
original. Riders should always be able to operate the brake pedal without lifting their foot from
the footrest.

2.1.11 Drive Guards (Refer to Figure LL2)

If the motor cycle is chain or belt driven and the construction of the frame is not sufficient to
protect the rider and/or the pillion passenger from the driving sprocket and the upper run of the
chain or belt, the motor cycle must be fitted with a guard. The guard must extend at least
300mm rearward of the rearmost footrest or to the vertical centre of the rear sprocket,
whichever is the lesser.
Primary drives must also be similarly protected.

2.1.12 Frame or Suspension Modifications

Motor cycle design is a complex task. Modifications made to a motor cycle’s frame or
suspension, can adversely affect the structural integrity of the frame, steering head, front forks
and suspension increasing the risk of component failure. Similarly, braking and wheel loading
may be adversely affected.
Motor cycles with custom frames, extended forks or structural modifications require an
engineering report.
When forks are extended, without modifications to the frame, care must be taken to ensure the
vehicle continues to comply with ADR57 with respect to special requirements for L-group
vehicles. The horizontal distance between the mid-point of the steering yoke bearings and a
point vertically above the centre of the front wheel must not exceed 550mm.
A motor cycle with a specially designed and constructed frame will be considered to be an
Individually Constructed Vehicle.
Note: Section LO provides information on the construction of ICVs for:

• motor cycles ADR category LA, LB, LC and LD; and
• guidelines together with checklists for LEM1 and LEP1, ADR Category Tricycles.

NOT MENTIONED HERE BUT I WAS TOLD PRE 1976 THERE IS A DIFFERENT REQUIREMENT FOR HANDLE BARS

2.1.13 Handlebars

The handlebar must have the same shape and be of the same length on either side of the front
wheel and steering head assembly.
Handlebar dimensions have to be limited to ensure that the rider has adequate control over the
motor cycle at all times.
Motor cycles manufactured before 1 July 1988 (Figure LL5):
The distance between the extreme ends of the handlebar (V) must not be less than 550mm.
The highest point on the handlebar must not be more than 380mm (W) above the top of the steering yoke.
Where the highest point of the handlebar is more than 205mm vertically above the top of the steering yoke (W), the distance between the extreme ends of the handle bar (V) must not be less than 660mm.



Dimension (V) must not be less than 500mm and not more than 900mm.
Dimension (W) must not be greater than 380mm.
Note: If (W) is greater than 205mm then (V) must not be less than 660mm.



Motor cycles manufactured after 30 June 1988 (Figure LL6):
The distance between the extreme ends of the handlebar (X) must not be less than 500mm and
not more than 900mm.
The height of the lowest part of the handgrip must not be more than 380mm above the lowest part of the upper surface of the rider’s seat (Y).
The horizontal distance between the mid-point of the steering yoke bearing and a point vertically above the centre of the front wheel must not exceed 550mm.
Dimension (X) not less than 500mm and not more than 900mm.
Dimension (Y) not greater than 380mm.
Dimension (Z) not greater 550mm.








2.1.14 Tyres and Rims
Each tyre and rim must be strong enough to support the machine when it is fully loaded.

2.1.15 Noise
Motor cycles manufactured from 1 July 1975 are subject to strict design requirements for noise
emissions. Components affecting noise emissions (especially exhaust systems) must not be
modified and must be maintained in a serviceable condition. Any replacement component must
be as near as practical to the original component specification.

The AVSR sets stationary noise limits for all motor vehicles including motor cycles. The
stationary noise level for a motor cycle or a motor trike, built after February 1985, is 94 dB(A) or
for any other motor cycles or motor trikes, 100 dB(A). Refer to Section LT Test Procedures for
details about the stationary noise test.
Exhaust system should therefore not be replaced or modified if this is likely to increase the
vehicle’s noise output beyond that of the unmodified system when in good condition.
Motor cycles manufactured from 1 July 1988 have all components of the Silencing System
marked with the name or trade name of the manufacturer. Every motor cycle manufactured
after 1 July 1988 carries details of the ADRs 39/… and 83/... stationary noise test in a format
similar to that shown in Figure LL7.

STATIONARY NOISE TEST INFORMATION
Tested at ..................dB(A) at ..................r/min
Silencing System: (manufacturer’s name)
Identification: (silencer trade description)

Figure LL7 Stationary Noise Test Information Decal

Any replacement part of the system must show the trademark or the name of the manufacturer
of the system.

2.1.16 Horn

An efficient horn or other device must be fitted that is capable of warning other road users of
the presence or position of the motor cycle. Horns, sirens or other devices that emit a sound
like a siren, exhaust whistle, compression whistle or repeater horn must not be fitted.

2.1.17 Speedometer

Motor cycles manufactured after 30 June 1988 must have an accurate speedometer calibrated
in km/h.

2.2 FABRICATION

All work must be performed in accordance with recognised engineering standards. Cutting,
heating, welding or bending of components should be avoided by choosing unmodified
production components wherever possible.
2.2.1 Welding, Fasteners and Electroplating
Mandatory requirements and guidance on the above items are contained in Section
LZ Appendices.
 For the use of fasteners refer to Appendix A Fasteners;
 For welding techniques and procedures refer to Appendix C Heating and Welding of
Steering Components; and
 For electroplating refer to Appendix D Electroplating.

3 AUSTRALIAN DESIGN RULES

A modified vehicle must continue to comply with the ADRs to which it was originally
constructed, except as allowed for in the AVSR.

Outlined in Table LL1 below are requirements and/or components of the vehicle that may be
affected by the modifications and that may require re-certification, testing and/or data to show
continuing compliance for the modified vehicle. This is not an exhaustive list and other
modifications may also affect ADR compliance.

Table LL1 Summary of items that if modified, may detrimentally affect
compliance with applicable ADRs
ADRS DETAILS
ADR 7, 7/... Hydraulic Brake Hoses
ADR 28x, 28/... Motor Vehicle Noise
ADR 33x, 33/... Motor cycle Braking Systems
ADR 39x, 39/... Motor cycle Noise
ADR 42/... General Safety Requirements
ADR 57/… Special Provisions for L-group Vehicles
ADR 83/... External Noise

To determine the ADRs that apply to the vehicle in question, refer to the applicability tables in
Section LO. Vehicles manufactured on or after 1 January 1969 and prior to 1 July 1988 need to
comply with the Second Edition ADRs whilst vehicles manufactured after this date need to
comply with the Third Edition ADRs. Section LO has separate applicability tables for each
edition.
Alternatively, ADR applicability tables for individual vehicle categories may be referenced on the
Department of Infrastructure and Transport RVCS website at the following address and under
the section titled ADR Applicability Tables:
http://rvcs.dotars.gov.au/

4 NON-CERTIFIED MODIFICATIONS

The following modifications may be carried out provided they do not affect compliance with
ADRs and provided they meet the general safety requirements specified in Subsection 2
General Requirements, and in the case of seat conversions, the additional requirements
specified in Subsection 5 Specific Requirement for Seat Conversions.

4.1 OPTIONAL COMPONENTS OFFERED BY THE MANUFACTURER

The following is a list of typical optional components offered by manufacturers of motor cycles.
 Engine;
 Transmission;
 Front and Rear Suspensions;
 Exhaust;
 Fuel tank;

5 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR SEAT CONVERSIONS

The following are specific requirements that need to be followed for seat conversions.
All work must also comply with the general guidelines contained in sub-section 2 General
Requirements.

5.1 CONVERSION FROM TWO SEATER TO SINGLE SEATER

For a two seater motor cycle to be converted to a single seater, it is necessary to shorten the
seat and remove the pillion foot pegs/mounting brackets. For a motor cycle to be classified as a
single seater, it is necessary for the motor cycle to be fitted with only:

• one seat which has a length less than 500mm; and
• one pair of foot pegs and mountings.

5.1.1 Reduction in Seat Length

Only the upholstered section of the seat needs to be shortened.
The maximum length of the upholstered section of the seat is 500mm.
The shortened seat must have no sharp edges or protrusions.
Any equipment or fittings exposed by the seat modifications must be protected if they are likely
to cause injury to any person.

5.1.2 Removal of Foot Pegs and Mounting Brackets

The foot pegs must be removed.
There must be no sharp edges, damage to the frame, or damage to the trailing arms.
These modifications must not incorporate oxy-cutting or application of heat.

5.2 CONVERSION FROM A SINGLE SEATER TO A TWO SEATER ORIGINAL

When converting a motor cycle (which has been previously modified to a single seater) to a two
seater, it should be restored as close as possible to the original manufacturer's specifications.

5.2.1 Increase in Seat Length

The seat must be returned to original motor cycle manufacturer's specification or equivalent.
The lengthened seat must have no sharp edges or protrusions.
Any equipment or fittings exposed by the seat modifications must be protected if they are likely
to cause injury to any person.

5.2.2 Fitting of Foot Pegs and Mounting Brackets

Pillion passenger foot pegs must be fitted as close to the motor cycle manufacturer's original
position as possible.
The foot pegs are to be mounted in accordance with good automotive practice.
There must be no sharp edges, damage to the frame, or damage to the trailing arms.
These modifications must not incorporate oxy-cutting or application of heat.

6 CERTIFIED MODIFICATIONS (LL CODES)

There are currently no certified modifications in this Section of VSB 14.