Also included on the list are anti-tampering measures and new emissions limits, which have been proposed for safety reasons, without having any proven safety benefits.
As expected, this caused a stir among motorcycling enthusiasts that are currently involved in a process that aims to put an end to such regulations. Riders think they should be free to choose whatever bike they like, while ABS brakes should also be an option, both for the buyers and the manufacturers as well.
“The DfT has been asking us for our opinion on this and we’ve very clearly come out against a power limit for the UK,” a spokesman for the Motor Cycle Action Group (MAG) was quoted as saying by the aforementioned source. “A 100bhp limit is back on the EU agenda as part of a package of fresh controls which includes mandatory ABS.”
A draft version of the proposals published last year said of the current inconsistency between countries: “This creates a situation where a motorcycle above 74 kW [100bhp] type-approved in one country is refused in another one. This type of situation is not in line with the spirit of the internal market.”
“On the other hand, it emerged from dedicated studies that the link between engine power and increase of safety cannot be demonstrated. Based on this, the Commission intends to propose an harmonisation of the EC legislation on that matter.”
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