Europe soon to see end of motorcycle modifications?

Dodsfall · 12-12-2011, 10:02 AM

The Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) want motorcycle manufacturers to start building machines that can't be modified for more power. Tougher emission limits and ABS as standard is also being considered for all motorcycles with a displacement higher than 50cc.

MEPs has recently placed the preliminary vote to bring this measure into law and will vote again next year to finalize the ruling. If passed, the new standards for anti-tampering will go into effect in 2014, with the ABS and emission standards taking effect in 2016. New inspections for motorcycles to check for compliance will start taking place with the ruling.

A statement released by the EU parliament states: “MEPs support new anti-tampering measures designed to make it impossible to increase the speed of the vehicles by tampering with their powertrain, while ensuring that these measures will not prevent bikers from modifying their vehicles in other ways.”

This ruling, as expected, has some motorcyclists upset. MCN Brussels staged a protest ride on November 22. About 200 participants joined to voice their opposition to the new rules.

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This action may set a precedent in other countries like the USA. There are several localities that are cracking down on exhaust noise, equipment, and emission standards. It may not be as difficult as some may think to start adopting European motorcycle standards in the United States.

Making motorcycles "modification resistant" may also make them "repair resistant". Those that maintain their own machines may have trouble fixing them as well.

[Motorcycle News]

Neognosis · 12-12-2011, 10:47 AM

I don't think it is possible to build an engine that can't be improved by a good mechanic.

zmago · 12-12-2011, 12:10 PM

Back in 1975 I improved the engine of my Norton Commando. It done blowed up real good.

Squisher · 12-12-2011, 12:17 PM

Why just motorcycles and not include cars?

Seriously, what's the difference?

BTW: I do not support any measure like this at all. Also, it's going to be very difficult (probably impossible) to make any vehicle "unable to be modified to increase its speed." So the issue will then be enforcement, which means more power given to the police state, amiright?

Ugh. Not like the European Parliament will be relevant for much longer as the Eurozone economy crashes and burns around their ears.

Neognosis · 12-12-2011, 12:47 PM

Probably because a much higher percentage of MC owners modify their engines and exhaust than do car owners.

12-12-2011, 12:17 PM	#4
Squisher Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Franklin, IN Posts: 238	Why just motorcycles and not include cars? Seriously, what's the difference? BTW: I do not support any measure like this at all. Also, it's going to be very difficult (probably impossible) to make any vehicle "unable to be modified to increase its speed." So the issue will then be enforcement, which means more power given to the police state, amiright? Ugh. Not like the European Parliament will be relevant for much longer as the Eurozone economy crashes and burns around their ears. Last edited by Squisher; 12-12-2011 at 12:18 PM.. Reason: kant spel tooday

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12-12-2011, 10:47 AM	#2
Neognosis Master At Arms Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 117	I don't think it is possible to build an engine that can't be improved by a good mechanic.

12-12-2011, 12:10 PM	#3
zmago Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Slovenia Posts: 752	Back in 1975 I improved the engine of my Norton Commando. It done blowed up real good.

12-12-2011, 12:47 PM	#5
Neognosis Master At Arms Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 117	Probably because a much higher percentage of MC owners modify their engines and exhaust than do car owners.