NO MORE MODS?
Ever since the very first motorcycle was built over 120 years ago, bikers have been customising their rides. Is that all about to change?
Towards the end of the 20th Century, there was a move by the European Commission to regulate any modifications made to motorcycles, with a huge backlash resulting in massive demonstrations throughout Europe, culminating in the ‘Euro Demos’ held in Paris, Brussels and Bonn, with the end result being that we have been allowed to continue making pretty much any changes we want to our machines. One of the exceptions is Germany, who still have their TÜV (Technischer Überwachungsverein) laws that restrict modifications to the owner using parts that have been homologated for use, and must carry the paper to prove so at all times.
After the success of the Euro Demos, most British motorcyclists thought we were safe from any kind of draconian legislation that may impinge on our wants and desires to modify our bikes. Until this year.
During a conversation between
Bill Wiggin MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Motorcycling, and the Minister for the Department of Transport, Trudy Harrison, it was mentioned that the Government would be creating new regulations regarding ‘sub-standard replacement parts and to tackle tampering of safety or environmentally critical motorcycle components.’
Of course, as we all know as motorcyclists, a standard bike isn’t necessarily perfect for everyone – it’s one of the reasons why there are so many different models on the market – and the ability to tweak and change a bike to suit its desired use and to fit its owner is not only desirable, but also pretty bloody important. Changing handlebars, seats, footpegs, mirrors and controls to make the bike more comfortable is a useful trait, as is being able to fit aftermarket luggage, or crash protection. This can be as basic as it sounds, or more encompassing, as it’ll take a little more effort, thought and devotion to modify a bike for international touring, enduros, longdistance trials, or even delivering pizzas. Of course, many people take customising far beyond the practicalities as they want a bike that stands out from the crowd, and is very different from a production machine, and this isn’t really easy to explain to a person who doesn’t understand the concept of standing out from the crowd…
And what of bikes that are built to a budget, that need a few tweaks in the suspension or braking department? Or a fettle of the fuel injection, fitting an aftermarket air filter or modified exhaust to make them more efficient outside of the very limited range in which they’re tested (yes, modifying a bike can make it better for the environment)? And, for most new bikes, the standard factoryfitted tyres aren’t always the best that are available, yet this legislation would mean that you wouldn’t be able to improve the handling, braking, fuel efficiency or tyre life by swapping to a better type of rubber.
The potential anti-modifying laws are over and above the regulations that are set to bring in speed limiters on new bikes (which is a contentious subject on its own), and the standard fitment of transponders to each and every vehicle that will not only ‘talk to’ the autonomous vehicles that are set to be joining us on the roads very soon (yes, driverless delivery vehicles, taxis, etc., are just around the corner) but also record where we how, and how fast we go there. If you’re not scared by this, then we must assume that you work for the Government…
Not worried by any of this? Well, we’ve all heard of motorcyclists being stopped by the Police for having a loud exhaust or a small number plate. These prospective rules will mean that you could be stopped, and fined, for having a comfy seat. Or better brakes. Or stickier tyres. Or mirrors that show more than your elbows…
Or you may feel that this simply won’t affect you as the legislation is only set to affect bikes built after a certain date, but it’s not unheard of for restrospective legislation to be put in place and, even if that doesn’t happen, you’ll want to be changing your bike at some point in the future… when it comes to replacing the tyres, chain, brake pads, or the exhaust when it rusts through, or repair any damage from a spill, then you’ll have to use original equipment parts that will be horrifically expensive and may not be up to the standard of aftermarket parts.
The side-effect here is that because alternative aftermarket parts will be banned from sale, many motorcycleoriented businesses will fail. Walk into any bike dealers and take a look at the number of aftermarket parts they have for sale, all of which help to keep the business afloat. Then think of the companies that are making bespoke parts for custom builds. Lots of people will lose their livelihoods, and owning and running a motorcycle will become a lot more expensive and a lot more difficult, logistically speaking. If your local bike shop closes, where will you get your service and MoT done?
And, when that bike that has to have OEM parts fitted gets to a certain age, it’ll not be possible (financially or literally) to get those spare parts, and bikes will end up being scrapped far earlier than they are now. Not especially environmentally friendly that, is it?
But that legislation isn’t quite in the system as yet, and the Government has a consultation form online. This is a legal obligation and also gauges the public opinion on the subject in question. However, rather than have the usual 12-week consultation period, this one is lasting for just eight weeks, and the Government is being very quiet about it, as it clearly doesn’t want the disagreeable comments being raised by any member of the public who fills in that consultation form. It needs to be done, right now!
The more people who object to the proposals, then the less likely they are to implement them, at least in their current form, although past history shows that it will still rear its ugly head in the future, albeit in a watered-down form.