New subframe. Certification?

[Seraph]

Can anyone tell me what the deal-eo is with sub-frames?? I've decided to make a minimal one for my fzr as I want a new look for summe(sports bobber.)r, It's mounted to the same points on the frame the original was. Some people have told me it needs cert because it's a "structural" part, other say because it's bolt on it's fine...
Thoughts??
I'd rather not have to get cert as this means changing indicators and taillight..again (not Emarked..) Headlight is thank god.

[imdying]

Yes, it requires a certification, and yes, because it is structural.

It's your arse, and your problem. If it breaks and you fall off, sucks to be you. I'm down with that... as far as I'm concerned that is just extra motivation to get it right.

However, the law is more concerned about what happens should it shear off, and you go head first into mum and her tots ambling down the highway towards you. Their other concern is full disclosure when you sell it, and this is their only way of ensuring that.


So basically go for your life, but if you do not certify it (and declare it to your insurer), then you have no insurance, and the police can go you over it should there be an accident that involves the vehicle being inspected.

[Seraph]

Okay that's fine, the only problem is I can't find any reference to material standard, dimensions etc, the only thing remotely low volume I have is the form set for trikes with bike controls...

[imdying]

You need to contact a Low Volume Vehicle Certifier in your area, they will cover all of that with you, and work with you during the build to ensure that what you're doing is something they can comply.

There is also one other gotcha; they will (have to) certify the entire vehicle, so everything on the vehicle will have to be to their standard (weird shit like ensuring the fuel line is marked with suitable ratings, regardless of whether it is OEM or not, as I understand it, some certifiers are harder than others). It's no big deal, but something you should be aware of, and your certifier will work through it all with you.

The good news is, it always costs the same amount, regardless of whether you've built a subframe, or reengineered the whole damn bike :)

Do not worry, you are travelling well worn territory; these people do this all day every day, and the ones I've met are quite passionate about their work, and more interested in helping you reach your goals, than being a bureaucratic impediment.

[Seraph]

You need to contact a Low Volume Vehicle Certifier in your area, they will cover all of that with you, and work with you during the build to ensure that what you're doing is something they can comply.

There is also one other gotcha; they will (have to) certify the entire vehicle, so everything on the vehicle will have to be to their standard (weird shit like ensuring the fuel line is marked with suitable ratings, regardless of whether it is OEM or not, as I understand it, some certifiers are harder than others). It's no big deal, but something you should be aware of, and your certifier will work through it all with you.

The good news is, it always costs the same amount, regardless of whether you've built a subframe, or reengineered the whole damn bike :)


Oh Jesus really??? The last quote I got for low volume cert on a bike was around $800 not including rego for a scratch built!!! That'd seem a little excessive considering the subframe has less than 10 welds!

[imdying]

It's only money, you can't take it with you.