Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2007C00223:body:0:p16
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2007C00223
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 44866–48022

'Towbars' and associated 'Coupling' Components Fitted to Motor Cycles

         44.2.4.5.3.0. Any 'Towbar' or associated 'Coupling' component fitted to a motor cycle
         shall:

44.2.4.5.3.1.       be of sufficient strength to withstand the loads imposed by trailers having a 'Gross Trailer Mass' of not less than the 'Unladen Mass' of the motor cycle;
44.2.4.5.3.2.       be firmly attached to a substantial part of the structure of the motor cycle;
44.2.4.5.3.3.       be equipped with attachments for safety connections. The attachments shall be of sufficient strength to withstand the loads imposed and prevent the forward end of the 'Drawbar' striking the ground in the event of failure or accidental detachment of the `Towbar' or `Coupling' when the motor cycle is upright; and
44.2.4.5.3.4.       clearly and permanently display the manufacturer's name or trademark and the towing capacity expressed in kg. For the purposes of this Clause the towing capacity shall be the 'Gross Trailer Mass' for which the 'Towbar' or 'Coupling' is designed.
44.2.4.5.3.5.       Such marking shall be in characters not les than 5 mm high and shall be located is a prominent position on the `Towbar'.
44.2.4.5.3.6.       If the components bear references to a particular motor cycle 'make and model' they shall be fitted only to a vehicle of that make and model classification, or any subsequent model variant provided that the `Towbar' attachment points remain unchanged.
44.2.4.5.3.7.       To establish the strength of a 'Towbar' or an associated 'Coupling' component, the following tests shall be carried out:
44.2.4.5.3.7.1.      When mounted with its designed attachments to the vehicle for which it is designed, or a structure representative of the vehicle, the component and the vehicle structure shall withstand the following loads without incurring loss of attachment or any distortion or failure which will affect the safe towing of the trailer:

          Longitudinal tension and compression: 750% of the specified towing capacity

          Transverse thrust: 50% of the specified towing capacity, and

          Vertical tension and compression: 50% of the 'Towbar's' specified towing capacity

44.2.4.5.3.7.2.      To establish the strength of the attachments provided on the 'Towbar' or any other safety connections, the following tests shall be carried out:

          The safety attachments shall withstand the following failure tests:

          Longitudinal tension - 150% of the specified towing capacity;

          Vertical load - 50% of the specified towing capacity.

44.2.4.5.4.              `Drawbars' and Associated 'Coupling' Components Fitted to the Trailer

         44.2.4.5.4.0. Any 'Drawbar' or `Coupling' component fitted to a trailer that is intended for use with a motor cycle shall:

44.2.4.5.4.1.       be of sufficient strength to prevent the trailer from becoming separated from the motor cycle;
44.2.4.5.4.2.       be securely attached to a substantial portion of the trailer; and
44.2.4.5.4.3.       be equipped with attachments for safety connections. The attachments shall be of sufficient strength to withstand the