Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 280 - Department of Revenue
Chapter 30 - Division of Motor Vehicles
Subchapter 15 - Safety and Emissions
Part 4 - Rules, Regulations and Standards for the Inspection of Motorcycles, Motor Scooters and Other Motor-Driven Cycles
Section 280-RICR-30-15-4.21 - Suspension

Universal Citation: 280 RI Code of Rules 30 15 4.21

Current through September 18, 2024

A. Visually examine the suspension system for broken or defective springs and/or shock absorbers.

B. Check front end geometry to determine the angle of rake of the motorcycle (degrees of steering kingpin in relationship to level ground) and to determine steering trail of the front wheel (distance between projected line of kingpin to level ground and the vertical line of the front axle to ground, measured in inches.)

C. The angle of rake shall not be more than forty-five (45) degrees or less than twenty (20) degrees; the trail shall not be more than fourteen inches (14") positive or less than two inches (2") positive.

D. RAKE AND TRAIL MAY BE MEASURED AS FOLLOWS:

1. Place the cycle in your inspection lane on flat, smooth level ground in a straight upright position with both wheels in contact with the ground.

2. Place carpenter's square on floor with one outside edge against center of front wheel axle.

3. Place a straight edge along the center line of the steering head (kingpin) and extend it until it touches the ground. Be sure that the straight edge follows the center line of the steering head.

4. In order to measure the angle of rake, (shaded area in diagram) place the BASE CENTER of the protractor at the point where the carpenter's square intersects the straight edge and measure the angle formed in degrees.

5. The trail is the distance in inches between the axle vertical center line and the point where the straight edge touches the ground, (distance between A and B in diagram.) Be sure to keep the straight edge and the carpenter's square in the same position and measure the distance in inches between these two points at ground level.

E. Cause for rejection:

1. A rake more than forty-five (45) degrees;

2. A rake less than twenty (20) degrees;

3. A trail more than fourteen inches (14") positive;

4. A trail less than two inches (2") positive;

5. Broken, worn, missing, disconnected or any malfunctioning part(s) of the suspension system; or

6. Broken or missing suspension springs.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Rhode Island may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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