EU regulations 'mean less choice for motorcyclists'

Date: 30/4/2012

New European regulations could mean motorcyclists have less choice when it comes to their bikes and what they can do to them.

Called type approval, the changes have been created to "make trade freer between different countries, so everything is of the same standard," Media and Public Relations Manager at the British Motorcyclists Federation Jeff Stone stated.

Part of the regulations includes anti-tampering measures, which mean people in the European Union (EU) will be unable to alter the powertrain of their bikes.

Mr Stone noted enthusiasts often like to tune their vehicles and make them individual - not necessarily to create super high performance machines - and they will no longer be able to do this.

"They're saying once the manufacturer's made it, you can't change anything," he added.

The expert recently claimed motorcycle insurance is currently too high for younger riders, which means they are being discouraged from buying a bike because the premium is often more than the value of the vehicle.

Posted by Mary Treen