European developments that may knock on worldwide

[GrayWolf]

quote from the EU Type Approval (L-category vehicles) and market surveillance discussion paper.



The European Commission has proposed that part of its controversial new 'Anti-Tampering' regulations, which will affect all future bikes registered for the road, should be re-written to prevent chop-builders from using 'long-forks'.

The Commission now proposes that any bikes being put through the Individual Vehicle Approval test (the safety inspection made before non Type-Approved imports, one-off specials, etc. (currently known as Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval) would have to complete a slalom and U-Turn before being registered, to prevent modifications to the length of the forks.

Up to now, the draft regulations have only talked about requiring manufacturers to design the 'power-train' (engine, transmission, final-drive and rear tyre dimension) so that it becomes difficult for owners to modify them from standard.

The UK representatives in the technical discussions joined FEMA and others in opposing the proposal, not least because the Commission cannot produce any evidence to show that modified bikes are unsafe.

The Commission is expected to continue to seek further restrictions on the ability to modify bikes in future despite mounting criticism that it has failed to consider whether there is any demonstrable case for restricting riders liberty to modify their bikes to suit their own needs.

Motorcycle Action Group had previously warned that the vagueness of the Commission's proposals to restrict modifications could mean the ambitions of those who want to save us from ourselves might extend beyond the draft proposals that have been under discussion since 2010. We've drawn attention to Annex 2 (item 12) of the EU Type Approval and Market Surveillance Regulation before, which wishes to measure/control steerability, cornering properties and turn ability and this is what is playing out now. This development is part of the creation of the Delegated Acts, the technical specifics designed to accompany the Regulation and the very specifics we were concerned that the members of IMCO hadn't been able to see. (IMCO is the committee who voted on 5th Dec to approve the Regulation through it's First Reading). Remember the regulation has two more stages to pass through; The Council (National Governments) and the full EU Parliament.

In response to that IMCO vote, the European Twowheel Retailers' Association (ETRA) recently said
"If the current text of article 18 is adopted by the European Parliament and the Council, all usual changes asked by motorcyclists to their garages for either riding comfort, fuel efficiency, or to suit their style and taste, will be illegal or will have to be checked and approved, thus making motorcycling more expensive and servicing more burdensome.

As regards article 52 on System components and separate technical units, the report has left the current text practically unchanged. Once again we want to express our concerns on the negative effects it can have on the sales and service sector, such as preventing the sale of all systems, components or separate technical units which have dual use, i.e. which are used for both sport activities (not taking place on public roads) and for road use. "

So the retailers of Europe aren't very happy and neither it would seem are the manufacturers
ACEM (the association of European manufacturers) said of the IMCO vote and specifically the mandatory fitment of ABS on all bikes and scooters
"On this point, ACEM deplores the IMCO vote outcome, which would translate into a heavier burden due to the added costs of more stringent environmental and safety measures. This applies in particular to light motorcycles and scooters of the 125cc class (L3-A1), which form the core of the EU ailing market and provide urban mobility and social cohesion benefits to citizens, as recognised by the IMCO report itself. For this category of motorcycles, ACEM regrets that safe advanced braking systems alternatives to ABS such as Combined Braking Systems have been scrapped from the available safety measures, effectively wiping out years of investments in research and development.
Furthermore, IMCO voted against amendments supporting international harmonisation in terms of the durability test procedure, which brings unnecessary duplications of tests and costs to industry and, in the end for the consumer, without any measurable environmental benefit. "

http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/dft-2011-26 all 100 pages of it !!!!

[scumdog]

Yup, those long forks have caused sooooo many crashes and deaths.

What a bunch of dicks...<_<

[SPman]

What a bunch of dicks...<_<
Wot he said.

[MrKiwi]

Also this in France from 2013

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/General-news/2012/January/jan0912-hi-vis-gear-compulsory-in-france-from-next-year/

Authorities are starting to respond to research of this nature (motorbikes apparently not being visible enough) by jumping to the conclusion that we riders should be more visible hence hi viz. But it is not that simple. My question is how do you make the bike and/or the rider more conspicuous? The answer, I believe, lies in looking at how to make the bike more visible in conjunction with the rider - and you don't necessarily need hi viz to make the rider more visible. More research and thought is needed before jurisdictions mandate short sighted (excuse the pun) rules.


(http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/General-news/2012/January/jan0912-hi-vis-gear-compulsory-in-france-from-next-year/)

[tigertim20]

does this not breach human rights in terms of freedoms?
Is it not illegal for government to restrict how businesses perform? - surely it will limit companies abilities to remain competitive?

Hope to hell this doesnt go through, doesnt take a genius to see how far such an idea could be stretched and implemented here.
fuck them, they can ban whatever they want, Id still mod my bike.

[PuppetMaster]

Can someone summarise what he said into a single sentence, with small words. Thanks

[Brian d marge]

Can someone summarise what he said into a single sentence, with small words. Thanks


bend over , will leave a nasty feeling and will smell of garic

Stephen

[GrayWolf]

does this not breach human rights in terms of freedoms?
Is it not illegal for government to restrict how businesses perform? - surely it will limit companies abilities to remain competitive?

Hope to hell this doesnt go through, doesnt take a genius to see how far such an idea could be stretched and implemented here.
fuck them, they can ban whatever they want, Id still mod my bike.

Problem is, the EU tends to adopt policies across the board, and Germany has one of the most stringent anti modifying regulations in existance. Example, unless the manufacturers recommend a particular tyre for your bike (make and model) your bike will fail its WOF and the fitter of said tyre could be prosecuted for illegal fitment.... so want to put on a double bubble after market screen or spitfire screen? It has to be type approved for each individual bike it can be fitted to.... It effectively turns the aftermarket spares availability into something like HD's and S&S.. basically approved by the manufacturer as additions/modified parts for their bikes. Power Commander? Not unless approved for your bike!!!
So the French Hi Vis could easily become Europe wide, and the German aftermarket rules could soon be adopted Euro wide... then Our bikes will be affected as Europe is probably THE largest market worldwide for the bike industry.

[jonbuoy]

Can someone summarise what he said into a single sentence, with small words. Thanks

For some reason some anal twat in brussels wants to stop the age old hobby of tweaking your engine for a bit more power. He doesn't seem to like choppers either, despite the fact they are hardly ever used as daily transport and mostly end up as trailor queens. Maybe they would be better off worrying about the economy...

[ajturbo]

i really don't think they should be very worried.... every cop from the UE seams to have a fairly low IQ...



well thats what it look like in all the movies from there:Police:

[Gianz]

No surprises, this is the EU. Something that takes the dumbest policies from every country and makes it European wide. They wanted to ban woodfired pizzas in Italy because Germans don't like it...

[GrayWolf]

No surprises, this is the EU. Something that takes the dumbest policies from every country and makes it European wide. They wanted to ban woodfired pizzas in Italy because Germans don't like it...

absolutely correct lmfao...... However, the serious side of the EU adopting outrageously stupid policies? Look at the exhaust system of all new bikes, The catalytic converter? Wasnt 'forced' by the USA and the extremely quiet systems yo find on your bike these days?? are EU compliant, that is how far reaching the EU restrictions become. So already the EU has had 3 major impacts, cat's, noise, and anti 'tweaking' of the engine.

[willytheekid]

Can someone summarise what he said into a single sentence, with small words. Thanks

Yup...its nearly time to....

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/U7IUA8W8xuM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

...in the name of freedom & Civil liberties!

4k tollerance...ACC screwing us...long forks & modding "special rules"...Compulsory HiViz!

...they just keep pushing! :nono:

[swbarnett]

My question is how do you make the bike and/or the rider more conspicuous?
Simple answer - YOU DON'T. Learn to ride defensively. It doesn't matter how "visible" you or your bike are. Some twat (as in a lot of twats) still won't see you.

My bike is my only transport. I commute daily on the Auckland motorway and enjoy the twisties as often as I can. My bike and my gear (apart from the helmet) is all black. It's not a problem because I look after myself and never assume someone will do it for me.

[MrKiwi]

Simple answer - YOU DON'T. Learn to ride defensively. It doesn't matter how "visible" you or your bike are. Some twat (as in a lot of twats) still won't see you.

My bike is my only transport. I commute daily on the Auckland motorway and enjoy the twisties as often as I can. My bike and my gear (apart from the helmet) is all black. It's not a problem because I look after myself and never assume someone will do it for me.

OK, that is your view and I certainly believe we should look after ourselves and assume no one is going to see us. There is a lot we can do that enables us to have fun while making it easier to be seen to to ride in a way that minimises us getting in harms way. However I do believe there are some other measures that increase the conspicuousness of the bike. I've recently purchased some very very bright LED's and installed them on my bike. My bike is now harder to ignore and more visible to cars coming out of side roads. Still doesn't change my thought process about the car, I ride as if they don't see me but I know they can and that they are more likely to notice me now, just my opinion.

[GrayWolf]

Simple answer - YOU DON'T. Learn to ride defensively. It doesn't matter how "visible" you or your bike are. Some twat (as in a lot of twats) still won't see you.

My bike is my only transport. I commute daily on the Auckland motorway and enjoy the twisties as often as I can. My bike and my gear (apart from the helmet) is all black. It's not a problem because I look after myself and never assume someone will do it for me.


OK, that is your view and I certainly believe we should look after ourselves and assume no one is going to see us. There is a lot we can do that enables us to have fun while making it easier to be seen to to ride in a way that minimises us getting in harms way. However I do believe there are some other measures that increase the conspicuousness of the bike. I've recently purchased some very very bright LED's and installed them on my bike. My bike is now harder to ignore and more visible to cars coming out of side roads. Still doesn't change my thought process about the car, I ride as if they don't see me but I know they can and that they are more likely to notice me now, just my opinion.

The UK Police in the 1980's were using 'day lights' a diffused bright light, rather than a beam light. I dont know if they are still using them, or if there is research to prove/disprove effectiveness? But your LED's are really doing a similar job. I wonder how effective modulating them would be? especially in an infrequent pattern?

[MrKiwi]

The UK Police in the 1980's were using 'day lights' a diffused bright light, rather than a beam light. I dont know if they are still using them, or if there is research to prove/disprove effectiveness? But your LED's are really doing a similar job. I wonder how effective modulating them would be? especially in an infrequent pattern?

I would think modulating lights would have some merits. I understand some states in Australia and the USA have permitted modulating lights for motorcycles, although I have not seen the research so can't verify. Modulating lights for motorcycles is currently not permitted in NZ :no:

[swbarnett]

OK, that is your view and I certainly believe we should look after ourselves and assume no one is going to see us. There is a lot we can do that enables us to have fun while making it easier to be seen to to ride in a way that minimises us getting in harms way. However I do believe there are some other measures that increase the conspicuousness of the bike. I've recently purchased some very very bright LED's and installed them on my bike. My bike is now harder to ignore and more visible to cars coming out of side roads. Still doesn't change my thought process about the car, I ride as if they don't see me but I know they can and that they are more likely to notice me now, just my opinion.
To each their own. As long as it doesn't become a legal requirement.

I do, however, think that someone (this is not aimed at you necessarily) that concentrates on making themselves more visible to the detriment of their situational awareness has got their priorities all mixed up.

[mashman]

They have to keep themselves in a job somehow ya know. As for lights, had a chat with a fulla and he reckoned that he had less SMIDSY occurrences when riding the bike without the lights on... guess that's just 1 guy though. Wonder why they haven't included bar length, as I woulda thought that would be just as important :innocent:

[BMWST?]

the problem with PAIRS of lights is that the average car drivers looks and judges the distance away as if looking at a car...hence they think you further away than you are esp if bright so the glare actually partly obscures your outline.

[mashman]

the problem with PAIRS of lights is that the average car drivers looks and judges the distance away as if looking at a car...hence they think you further away than you are esp if bright so the glare actually partly obscures your outline.

So if they judge a single light in a similar way, then must must think that the vehicle is even further away? and perhaps don't even look for an outline?

[BMWST?]

So if they judge a single light in a similar way, then must must think that the vehicle is even further away? and perhaps don't even look for an outline?

not sure a single headlight is seen as a bike i think but it is difficult to judge speed and distance from a single light.A bright bright single light makes judgement of speed distance more difficult i believe

[mashman]

not sure a single headlight is seen as a bike i think but it is difficult to judge speed and distance from a single light.A bright bright single light makes judgement of speed distance more difficult i believe

I guess too much light entering the eye blurs, if not hides, the outline of what's actually shining at you. I wonder why lights are mandatory sometimes.

[MrKiwi]

To each their own. As long as it doesn't become a legal requirement.

I do, however, think that someone (this is not aimed at you necessarily) that concentrates on making themselves more visible to the detriment of their situational awareness has got their priorities all mixed up.

I'm quite clear that situational awareness is much the higher priority. But I believe additional lighting also helps, or put another way situational riding is not always enough (and neither is additional lighting alone). It's the combination of things that keeps us upright.

But as you say, each to their own. If every rider was good at situational riding then we would have fewer accidents.

[Muppet]

Article in June issue of 'Bike'.

When I read this, I thought it was a piss take. The poms are VERY worried.:shit:

The main points are:

In October 2011 the European Commission released a proposal for a new regulation governing the spec of all road motorcycles i the EU.

...the regulation bans all modification of the powertrain, from the air intake to the rear tyre diameter, whether by you or a bike shop, forbids the sale of race parts for the road (or any device which overrides a standard system), ends the culture of building specials, may threaten home servicing and raises the prospect of onboard diagnostics that could disable the bike if an unauthorised change is detected.

The truth is we don't know the full effects of this regulation, and we aren't allowed to. Those details will only be revealed AFTER the Parliamant has voted, probably on July 3, 2012.

We know, however, that they will set as-yet unspecified Type Approval limits for bikes' chassis.



Christ almighty!

[SMOKEU]

I call bullshit.

[bogan]

I call bullshit.

If only! I saw that proposed a while back, I think its the kind of thing that will cause many to opt-out of being a legal biker. I know I would. Unfortunately mass opting out is only going to lead to more and more regulations and fines and checks etc; hope they can axe this shit early on.

[mossy1200]

Might lead to manufacture of up spec R version bikes equipt with ohlins,yoshi and other bling and current models becoming base line bikes.
They must have a certification for bikes with mods already when they do the change or maybe they will just have to export them cheap to places like NZ to sell them.

[tigertim20]

I call bullshit.

nope. has been talked about at length. Not that exceptional really given the 100 bho limits in france already.

[Muppet]

I call bullshit.

You think so? Go and buy the mag then: 'Bike' June 2012, pages 20 and 21. It has a green ZZR1400 being chased by a yellow sports car on the cover with the words 'Speed Lives!' above it. Then read page 35, which is a column written by Rupert Paul. And then you can tell me I'm talking shit.

[Muppet]

nope. has been talked about at length. Not that exceptional really given the 100 bho limits in france already.

Do you mean 100 bhp limits? And have they already passed that law in France??

[misterO]

France has had a 106bhp limit for several years. AFAIK it has done nothing to reduce accidents. Perhaps it's time for them to legislate the limit down to 80bhp, y'know- if it only saves one life blah, blah... Think of the children!

[GrayWolf]

I posted this thread a while ago... its the document Europe was considering introducing, looks like the French are going to 'lead' and the rest will likely follow suit.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/146623-European-developments-that-may-knock-on-worldwide

[98tls]

I posted this thread a while ago... its the document Europe was considering introducing, looks like the French are going to 'lead' and the rest will likely follow suit.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/146623-European-developments-that-may-knock-on-worldwide

Just had a read through that thread you posted mate,i noticed in particular the mentioning of Germany and tough modification laws,i spend some time on the German TL site which is huge and of the 3 major TL based forums on the internet the German guys take modifying to a whole higher level than most on the other 2,many of the members bikes are using single side swingarms off Triumphs etc etc etc,the laws dont seem that tough or just not enforced.

[The Pastor]

the question is WHY?

[Oblivion]

the question is WHY?

Because the nice people in the government are trying to save the people from their own stupidity with stupidity. And it doesn't seem to be working.

[Katman]

the question is WHY?

They probably see it as payback.

[Scuba_Steve]

It's only a matter of time until the dictators here push the same oppression. It won't be long until only shops can do mods, including even wheel/tyre swaps to something other then manufacture stock

[98tls]

If and when what do they do about stuff thats already been done?Theres plenty of much modified bikes out there getting around legally can they mess with them or just deal to new bikes...

[Ocean1]

It's not new.

Mate of mine used to make a very tidy living un-modifying cars in Sydnee for their annual WOF. And re-modifying them the next day.

If you don't like it tell your local polly. Use language any meddling fuckwit can understand.

[rastuscat]

Yup, those long forks have caused sooooo many crashes and deaths.

What a bunch of dicks...<_<

Yeah, the longer the forks, the safer the bike, coz the front wheel arrives at an intersection several seconds before the rider, meaning the rider can take evasive action before he gets there.

:weird:

[george formby]

HERE (http://www.superbike.co.uk/viewers/viewcontent.aspx?contentid=1648&catid=news&subcatid=mainnews&longtitle=The+bikes+that+Brussels+built) is Superbikes take on things from a few months ago.

A taster..



PROPOSED RULE
Anti-tampering measures
Of all the elements of the new proposals, this one – which, on the face of it, appears to ban engine tuning – is perhaps the most concerning. But, as with so many other elements of the new regulations, the fears are being overplayed

THE FEARS
The proposals say that bikes “shall be equipped with designated measures to prevent tampering of a vehicle’s powertrain” with the aim:
A) to prevent modifi cations that may prejudice safety, in particular, by increasing vehicle performance through tampering with the powertrain in order to increase the maximum torque and/or power and/or maximum designed vehicle speed as declared by the manufacturer of a vehicle upon type-approval, and/or
(B) to prevent damage to the environment. Sounds pretty bad, doesn’t it? But dig a little deeper and fears start to evaporate.

THE REALITY
There’s a key word in the text above that’s easily missed. It’s right at the end of section ‘A’ where it says “and/or”. The truth is that the first part – the scary bit about preventing modifi cations that increase power, torque or maximum speed, is aimed at mopeds and scooters, i.e. bikes that already have limits on their power and performance to make them learner-legal. It’s only for these restricted bikes that manufacturers have to declare maximum power and speed during type-approval to ensure they’re approved as restricted, learner-legal machines. It doesn’t mean that you’ll be prevented from modifying bigger bikes.

The second part, about damage to the environment, is again not dissimilar from current rules which state that you must stick to using EU-stamped road-legal exhausts. After taking the effort to make bike emissions lower, they’re understandably keen that you shouldn’t turn yours back into an environmental disaster as soon as it’s wheeled out of the showroom. The fact that tuning will not be prohibited is spelled out in a later section of the proposals, saying “After a modifi cation of the powertrain, a vehicle shall comply with the technical requirements of the initial vehicle category and subcategory, or, if applicable, the new vehicle category and subcategory.”

In other words, you can modify your bike as long as it stays legal – rather like the rules that already apply. And in a separate document which assesses the impact of the new regulations, the Commission even suggests that the rules will provide more opportunities for the aftermarket tuning industry, listing an economic benefi t the “Number of additional products for the large after-market industry that supplies equipment/services for the modification of vehicles.”

[puddytat]

heres how the germans see it. It will help if you understand German.....

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ijfHJHjhA-o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Tigadee]

It can be argued that long forks and ape hangers make a rider highly conspicuous and so serves the function of enhancing a rider's survival on the road, thus they should be made compulsory for all motorcycles... :whistle: