Bob
11th November 2006, 01:39
UK: The availability of aftermarket brakes and tyres could be severely limited, if recommendations put forward are adopted.
In the Department of Transport’s “Government’s Motorcycling Strategy”, released in 2005, concerns were raised over the quality of both advice and product for aftermarket brake pads and tyres. Purchases made over the internet were of special concern, with the report stating that “This (internet advice and purchases) could present a risk to consumers in making poor decisions.”
The possibility of implementing “tougher requirements” for replacement brake linings was put forward, with United Nations regulation ECE 90:01 being specified. Likewise, the need for tyre approval marks was recommended.
Reading between the lines, adaptation of “tougher requirements” could be the thin end of the wedge, the next step being insistence that OE products are used, preventing bikers from being given the freedom of choice to fit higher specification items to their bikes to improve performance.
However, the report stated that public opinion would be sought as part of the process – and there is now an online questionnaire which gives bikers the chance to provide the DoT with information on three areas; quality of mirrors, braking systems and linings and tyres. Space is also available to give additional information and opinions.
To help put forward the biker’s perspective, log to:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_rdsafety/documents/divisionhomepage/613506.hcsp
And complete the online questionnaire. BRILLIANTLY, THE DoT HAVE NOT ASKED FOR WHERE YOU LIVE, SO ANYONE CAN FILL IN THE FORM!
The more feedback the DoT receives, the better the quality of information they have – which might just ensure our freedom to improve our bikes for the future.
In the Department of Transport’s “Government’s Motorcycling Strategy”, released in 2005, concerns were raised over the quality of both advice and product for aftermarket brake pads and tyres. Purchases made over the internet were of special concern, with the report stating that “This (internet advice and purchases) could present a risk to consumers in making poor decisions.”
The possibility of implementing “tougher requirements” for replacement brake linings was put forward, with United Nations regulation ECE 90:01 being specified. Likewise, the need for tyre approval marks was recommended.
Reading between the lines, adaptation of “tougher requirements” could be the thin end of the wedge, the next step being insistence that OE products are used, preventing bikers from being given the freedom of choice to fit higher specification items to their bikes to improve performance.
However, the report stated that public opinion would be sought as part of the process – and there is now an online questionnaire which gives bikers the chance to provide the DoT with information on three areas; quality of mirrors, braking systems and linings and tyres. Space is also available to give additional information and opinions.
To help put forward the biker’s perspective, log to:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_rdsafety/documents/divisionhomepage/613506.hcsp
And complete the online questionnaire. BRILLIANTLY, THE DoT HAVE NOT ASKED FOR WHERE YOU LIVE, SO ANYONE CAN FILL IN THE FORM!
The more feedback the DoT receives, the better the quality of information they have – which might just ensure our freedom to improve our bikes for the future.