Uk Gov 'thinking About' Anti-tampering Regs!

MAG have just revealed that during a recent meeting their political dept had with government officials, it came to light that the government are looking at the possibility of introducing anti-tampering laws, along similar lines to some other European countries. No details yet or any reason given. But we all know how some parts of Europe are very restrictive when it comes to modifying or customising motorbikes, for example Germany. I can't think what might have brought this on except it could have something to do with complaints about noisy exhausts, but that's just me speculating. If that is the reason then it would be easier for the government to bring in a blanket ban on ALL mods, rather than mess about being specific and then trying to deal with loopholes further down the line.

All you non-MAG members out there will be pleased to know that MAG are taking up the issue and investigating on your behalf. No, no, you don't have to thank me for handing over my (paltry) £27 membership fee, so it can be used to fund the fight against idiotic bureaucrats and their daft rules.
However, should this type of regulation be introduced because MAG couldn't muster the support needed to prevent it, then I hope non-MAG members don't complain when after-market exhausts, shocks and whatever else can't be fitted to their bikes. If we don't stand up for ourselves no-one is going to do it for us!

 

As Bikerman has rightly pointed out, the best way to let the government know how you feel about this issue is to cough up the measly £27 and join MAG and let them do the work on our behalf. Alternatively, you could write to the appropriate government department (if you can find out who to address it to), lobby your MP (who won't know what you're on about..or care) and stand outside the Houses of Parliament with a placard (yeah, right).

If this happens it could affect just about all of us (yes, even you). This is about more than just noisy exhausts. If you wait until the government has a firm plan then it's already well on the way to being done'n'dusted. They don't usually like to backtrack. There aren't enough motorcyclists out there to make even this pathetic government do a U-turn on this one. The key is to get involved as early in the planning stage as possible, which is exactly what MAG does.

So instead of thinking 'it's got nothing to do with me', 'we won't be able to make a difference' or (and I love this one!) 'I don't do politics', get involved or join MAG (preferably both).

 

I'll keep you posted.

 

Right, I said I would keep you posted, so here it comes.

I will try to keep this brief and relevant but if you are at all interested in modifying or changing your bike in any way then read all of it.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has issued a document called 'Future of transport regulatory review consultation: Modernising vehicle standards'.
The DfT says this is their THIRD opportunity to gather information on regulation. The other two took place during 2019 and 2020, when people had other things on their minds.
In it they state they are '..seeking powers to amend, repeal or replace relevant sections of EU law'. Are they referring to German-style type approval? Possibly. Then they say '..we propose to create powers..to amend legislation on the type-approval of vehicles'. Ah, so they are.

On page 11 (of 18) they deal with 'Tackling tampering' and open with 'We will create new offences for tampering with a system, part or component of a vehicle intended to be used on the road'. They follow that with '..and for advertising tampering services or products'.

This is all done under the umbrella of '..regulating safety, security and environmental performance'. Which on the face of it sounds very commendable and I can see people nodding in agreement. But if it happens it MAY (and probably will) completely alter the world of motorcycling that we know and love.

So there you have it. Changes are coming. Or at least the DfT want changes, so they can control what we do with our bikes. You will have your own opinion on this and should look at the whole document. As I said before, this is about a hell of a lot more than exhausts. It could potentially cover everything. Yes, this sounds bonkers to us because we know that OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are sometimes inferior to the after-market parts we can replace them with. For example we can actually improve safety. But the DfT DON'T KNOW this unless someone explains it to them. Remember, we are a tiny minority and the vast majority of people have no concept of motorcycle ownership and use.

So, instead of saying 'I hate loud exhausts' or 'I don't see why anyone would want to change a standard bike' (or get distracted by petrol powered lawnmowers FFS), think about the next time you want to upgrade the crap shocks that Triumph fit to some bikes, or fit different mirrors, or replace that rusty end can, or switch camshafts to give a bit more oomph (yes, I did that). Or a 100 other things. You might not be legally allowed to unless the manufacturer of those parts has paid to have each part tested on each model, in other words 'type-approval' (that's what it means).

Now you need to decide whether you care enough to actually DO SOMETHING. If you do, then give the document a glance (it really isn't that long or complicated) and respond to the bit at the end where they ask your opinion. Alternatively (as I may have mentioned before ) support MAG and they will do it on your behalf.

Now I'm going to put the kettle on

 

Not quite sure what you mean by 'all the tax the government will lose'. It's the government who are proposing these changes. I know this government is dim but they must feel advantages outweigh any disadvantages as far as they're concerned.
I would think it's totally enforceable. A bike has to stay exactly as it left the showroom. Your annual MOT test will be one way of checking as will every time you put it in for a service. Would you go to the trouble of switching everything back to standard? Doubt it. Will after-market manufacturers go to the trouble or cost of getting type-approval? If they don't the market will dwindle.
Yes, it applies to cars but how many changes have you made to your car? In recent years I don't think I have ever altered my car in the same way I have changed every bike I've owned.