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Are you a riding scofflaw?


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Often times, on my way back home after a long ride, on the 45mph or less roads, I ride standing up. Feels good on the legs and butt. Yesterday was I watching some cool Youtube riding videos and I happen to catch a comment about it being illegal to ride on public roads standing on the pegs. "Rly?" I thought... Sure enough, in my state, the law specifically says that you have to be straddling the bike, SITTING.

 

Has anyone ever had an issue with the po because of stand-up riding? I'm so used to doing it having ridden dirt bikes all my life, I'm pretty much to the point where I prefer it over sitting. So, now that  know, will I stop riding some stretches of tarmac standing up? Probably not... ;)

 

Anyone give this even a 2nd thought? :ride:

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I think my friend in AZ recently had an experience with the police for standing on the pegs while riding. His recant of the situation is far better than mine.

I recall back in the '80's when I got my MC license, there was a test question about riding over road debris. Specifically , a loose muffler in the road and it was unavoidable. It suggested to stand on the pegs, ride over the debris, then pull over to inspect your bike. -- but that was many moons and beers ago.

I tend to ride on the street and stand when I need to stretch, see over traffic, show my ass to the vehicle I just passed for being to damned slow, or see that road sign on the right that is partially blocked by cars.

 

As I was recently bored, I tried to find it on various DMV sites... I cant find anything on a motorcycle test booklet that states 'do not stand up while riding'.  but I didn't look in depth for it. I did find it odd that some law enforcement officials can tell you that it is illegal to stand while riding, the booklet tells you to 'rise up slightly', and we all know you stand on the pegs for various reasons. So long as I am not standing on the fuel tank (stunting), whats the big deal?

Foremost Motorcycle insurance has this on their site: 

  • Hold onto the hand grips tightly.
  • Keep a straight course.
  • Rise up slightly on the foot pegs to absorb the shock.

NY DMV section:

Watch for uneven surfaces such as bumps, broken pavement, potholes, or small pieces of highway trash.

obstacles.png?itok=QimiI5g_

Try to avoid obstacles by slowing or going around them.  If you must go over the obstacle, first, determine if it is possible.  Approach it at as close to a 90º angle as possible.  Look where you want to go to control your path of travel.  If you have to ride over the obstacle, you should:

  • Slow down as much as possible before contact.
  • Make sure the motorcycle is straight.
  • Rise slightly off the seat with your weight on the footpegs to absorb the shock with your knees and elbows, and avoid being thrown off the motorcycle.
  • Just before contact, roll on the throttle slightly to lighten the front end.

If you ride over an object on the street, pull off the road and check your tires and rims for damage before riding any farther.

Edited by WarpedRotor
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Often times, on my way back home after a long ride, on the 45mph or less roads, I ride standing up. Feels good on the legs and butt. Yesterday was I watching some cool Youtube riding videos and I happen to catch a comment about it being illegal to ride on public roads standing on the pegs. "Rly?" I thought... Sure enough, in my state, the law specifically says that you have to be straddling the bike, SITTING.

 

Has anyone ever had an issue with the po because of stand-up riding? I'm so used to doing it having ridden dirt bikes all my life, I'm pretty much to the point where I prefer it over sitting. So, now that  know, will I stop riding some stretches of tarmac standing up? Probably not... ;)

 

Anyone give this even a 2nd thought? :ride:

 

pffftt... CA state law says you have to be able to touch the ground while astride the seat..  nothing about standing in the pegs while moving...  

Also, never had an issue.  

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Our state law verbatim:

 

 

A person shall ride upon a motorcycle or moped only while sitting astride the seat, with both wheels on the ground at all times, facing forward, and with one leg on each side of the motorcycle or moped. However, it is not a violation of this subsection if the wheels of a motorcycle or moped lose contact with the ground briefly due to the condition of the road surface or other circumstances beyond the control of the operator.

 

I know they'd cut you slack if you stood up for a road obstacle, but the way this reads, stand-up riding, whether for comfort or general preference is illegal.

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