DFW riders - Cowtown PowerSports not mounting non-OEM tires

[robmorg]

IIRC the EPA fine for an individual modifying an emissions control system is up to $2500, the fine for a shop is up to $25000. There may not be many cases of shops being taken to court over it, but I definitely wouldn't fault a shop for not risking the liability for the few dollars they would make over the job.

Well, I see your point, but I guess what I would say to that is... You cannot live your life in fear of overbearing ideological regulatory authorities. Otherwise, they win. :sour: I respect a shop where they understand that.

In my case, eliminating my cat was part of a multi-faceted plan to reduce heat on my 2013 RT before the 2015 recall. I knew it was the right thing to do, and fortunately my dealer agreed. :thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

?????.....Do you know of ANY MOTORCYCLES that are currently required by law to be EPA compliant and are being TESTED for this ????.....Mike :thumbup:

I think the point is that they could choose to start taking a MUCH closer look at the bikes. :shocked:
It wouldn't be tough for them to spot parts that have been added, modified, or removed. nojoke

 

[robmorg]

Here in the Keystone State there is a periodic notice sent to Certified PA Motorcyle Inspection Stations not to pass motorcycles that have tires NOT MARKED for Motorcycle Use.

Having said that, I've never had a problem getting mine passed.

That notice is probably intended to curtail the practice of putting automotive tires on motorcycle rims. I've never really understood why some folks think that is a good idea. As we know, Spyders have automotive rims, so common sense should dictate that it wouldn't apply to Spyders. Unfortunately "common sense" seems to be a less prominent trait these days in some circles.

 

[spyderCodes]

That notice is probably intended to curtail the practice of putting automotive tires on motorcycle rims. I've never really understood why some folks think that is a good idea. As we know, Spyders have automotive rims, so common sense should dictate that it wouldn't apply to Spyders. Unfortunately "common sense" seems to be a less prominent trait these days in some circles.

That may have been the intent, but as is demonstrated daily, the law is an ass.

So, taken at face value, here in PA anyway, if you show up with a vehicle licensed as a MC then it had better have MC use tires or you don't get a sticker.

End of.

But my last three Kuhmos always got passed.

 

[Bob Denman]

For something as "non-noticeable" as a tire: :agree: 100% :2thumbs:
But exhaust systems aren't as subtle, and could become "fair game". nojoke

 

[robmorg]

...But exhaust systems aren't as subtle, and could become "fair game". nojoke

I dunno. Lamontster's bypass pipe looks like it just belongs there. Just like a car tire, no one would give it a second thought, unless they were looking for the specific alteration.

 

[Bob Denman]

If somebody in power decided to start looking: it'd be no problem at all for them to grab the specs for each bike, and equip their officers with a handheld computer, with a link to that data... :yikes:

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: Who said that you needed an OBD port, to check for modifications? :dontknow:

Hmmmmm... Bacon and ice cream? You might just be on to something! :clap: :thumbup:

 

[bigbadbrucie]

:shocked: Who said that you needed an OBD port, to check for modifications? :dontknow:

Hmmmmm... Bacon and ice cream? You might just be on to something! :clap: :thumbup:

Mmmnnn. Bacon
Mmmnnn. Ice Cream

 

[BajaRon]

Here in the Keystone State there is a periodic notice sent to Certified PA Motorcyle Inspection Stations not to pass motorcycles that have tires NOT MARKED for Motorcycle Use.

Having said that, I've never had a problem getting mine passed.

The problem with this approach is that the Spyder is NOT a motorcycle, nor does the Spyder use 'Motorcycle' tires. Raised lettering on the stock tires does not make the Spyder a motorcycle.

Are they saying that if you mounted a Kenda Spyder tire on your 2 wheeled motorcycle it would pass inspection?

 

[spyderCodes]

The problem with this approach is that the Spyder is NOT a motorcycle, nor does the Spyder use 'Motorcycle' tires. Raised lettering on the stock tires does not make the Spyder a motorcycle.

Are they saying that if you mounted a Kenda Spyder tire on your 2 wheeled motorcycle it would pass inspection?

I'm not arguing any point, merely reporting what I have been told and seen for myself in two shops.

To answer your question, if the Kenda had legal tread then Yes it would pass.

 

[Bob Denman]

The problem with this approach is that the Spyder is NOT a motorcycle, nor does the Spyder use 'Motorcycle' tires. Raised lettering on the stock tires does not make the Spyder a motorcycle.

:agree: But they had to classify it as something... :shocked:
Once they decided that: they needed a new type of "motorcycle" tire... nojoke
And we've been kicking all of this around ever since!

It's funny that all of this is flapping around in here: I had a couple on a "Dark-sided" Suzuki Burgman 650 stop in the office today...
Ironically: they were from Pennsylvania!

 

[BajaRon]

I'm not arguing any point, merely reporting what I have been told and seen for myself in two shops.

To answer your question, if the Kenda had legal tread then Yes it would pass.

Exactly my point. It is 'Unsafe' and even illegal in some states to put a car tire on a 2 wheeled vehicle (which is what the Spyder stock tire is, regardless of what it says on the tire). That makes this law irrational.

I know you didn't write it, you're probably not defending it, and you're just reporting it. My beef is with the law, not with you. hyea:

 

[BajaRon]

:agree: But they had to classify it as something... :shocked:
Once they decided that: they needed a new type of "motorcycle" tire... nojoke
And we've been kicking all of this around ever since!

It's funny that all of this is flapping around in here: I had a couple on a "Dark-sided" Suzuki Burgman 650 stop in the office today...
Ironically: they were from Pennsylvania!

Yes, I know they had to classify the Spyder as something. In most cases they classified it as something it is not. That is why laws in some states don't match up with reality. It's the owner that takes the hit by being prohibitied from purchasing a better, safer, less expensive product for their vehicle.

That's another reason I live in Tennessee! hyea: They will mount and balance whatever I want for $20.00 a wheel. :thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

So does my dealer!
(But it's more like $50 bucks up here. :banghead

 

[bigbadbrucie]

Up here in Canada,or at least at my dealer in BC they will only mount tires recommended by BRP, or to put it another way, there are only 2 that they will install.....the original OEM and the Arachnid.

 

[shooter]

Just a notice to DFW riders, Cowtown Power Sports will no longer mount non-OEM tires. Freedom Power Sports in Lewisville will mount rear customer supplied tire for $150.

Richardson Powersports installed mine cheaper than that!

 

[spyderCodes]

Today was the day I checked my belt tension and alignment.
I noticed the Kenda on the rear said "For SPECIAL Motorcycle Use Only"
I realize that Pugsley is Special, but why the adjective when it doesn't appear on the front?

 

[Gray Ghost]

Well, I see your point, but I guess what I would say to that is... You cannot live your life in fear of overbearing ideological regulatory authorities. Otherwise, they win. :sour: I respect a shop where they understand that.

If the shop wants to take that risk, that is on them. But I would not be upset with a shop that didn't want to risk a $25000 fine for the relatively few bucks they would make off the job.

...it'd be no problem at all for them to grab the specs for each bike...

I forget the exact year, but I think it was 2006 that all bikes were required to have catalytic converters.