The proposed new regulation on motorcycle type approval has reached the parliamentary stage with preliminary meetings having taken place in the past week as reported by FEMA (See FEMA page here). We now have the initial indications of where the European Parliament’s view may differ from those of the EU Commission.
ACEM, the motorcycle industry association in Europe, has capitulated on the provision of mandatory ABS, and it is now very likely that all new bikes over 125cc will have to be fitted with ABS by 2017 at the latest, quite likely sooner. There were also calls for ABS to extend to all bikes capable of more than 80 kph which would include 125cc bikes.
Emissions:
Elsewhere, there were calls for the Euro 4 emission requirements for mopeds to be brought forward to 2014 (they were to be in place by 2017). Currently, small 2 stroke mopeds have poor emissions figures, and are dragging down average emissions for powered two wheelers overall. ACEM believes that the 2014 proposal will spell the end of 2 stroke engines on the road. This is an issue because small 2 stroke mopeds are very popular in the EU as a whole, particularly in countries such as France & Italy where many youngsters get their first taste of powered two wheel freedom on a small 2 stroke moped.
As a founding member of FEMA, MAG Ireland has worked together with other European national riders rights organisations to help shape FEMA policy regarding type approval as a whole. While we’re disappointed to loose on the mandatory ABS, we still firmly believe in the right of the rider to choose, and will continue to push for your right to modify your bike.
There are 3 further committee meetings planned before the final draft is voted on in September, and MAG Ireland through our colleagues in FEMA will be keeping a close eye on proceedings, particularly in relation to the other aspects of the proposals including automatic headlight on (AHO) and the anti tamper measures as well as the proposed restrictions surrounding small series production & emissions.
Watch this space.