MOTORCYCLE MODIFICATION NEW LAWS - Is this the end?

NEW Motorcycle modification laws, is this the end for modifying your motorcycles? Not quite, have your say and REGISTER YOUR PETITION HERE:
www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ETVHG5/
Let us know your thoughts?
Sorry about the late upload...Vodafone fibre failed AGAIN...time for a change.

[@MyMednas]

The best solution is emissions testing on the MOT. You can make any modifications you like so long as it still passes the test.

[@marksntl7632]

I agree, so long as it still passes the test. However, the MOT should include a noise level test with noise / sound level meter.

[@johna6968]

Thankfully Iv now reached an age where standard suits me just fine.

[@robhall5622]

I can't say I believe their "clarification" and will fully expect the final wording to be vague enough as to outlaw all mods.

[@whitevanman9500]

Listen guys if you want to stop modifications you need to stop the traffic by super glueing your hands to the tarmac that should do it 👍

[@Womanwolfrider]

We need to stand up and say no.

[@kevindarkstar]

It's not to late till the end of November, even tho the government has reduced the consultation time

[@edwardbourne4930]

The first cameras have gone up..

[@stevespencer9001]

As another subscriber has already pointed out the issue here is noise emissions. Bike noise is a big problem where I live, especially at summer weekends, our garden is basically unusable. The only saving grace is that the bikes are usually going so fast that the sound is gone within seconds. Back in the 70s I was stopped on my Suzuki GT185 with a 2 into 1 (it was loud, very loud) by a MC policeman and told to get it replaced, I did. Correct me if I'm wrong but it has been illegal to run a motorcycle with an exhaust that didn't comply to a standard maximum decibel level for many years, although that hasn't deterred many bikers from swapping the exhaust back and forth at MOT time. As far as I can see the same law has been there for many years but it hasn't been enforced, making something illegal, doesn't make it enforceable? I wonder how many people have actually been stopped because their bike is to loud? Being a biker myself, I would say not many.

[@Elverdane]

I think that "environment" is more sound than emission here. In Denmark there is a lot of talk about roadnoise. And i must agree. open stubbies have no room on the road. And again in Denmark, the are talking road side MOT. where the police may / can measure DB output. and render a bike illegal roadside. Ofc. emission is a good way of "sneaking" the noise attribute in unnotised. we all know politicians.......... So in short and my opinion. Noise is the real enemy here.

[@WilliamAndrewPhilipBodie]

It's the same here in Germany.

[@randomtraveler3363]

watch out for the "fun police" :-(

[@daisyduke4246]

It will kill the motorcycle industry ,I have a few bikes that have been modified and I'm struggling to get insurance, crazy as I'm 55 39 years riding on the road and they are making it so difficult I've had enough of this crap

[@deanodrives4966]

I've had a feeling for the last couple of years that this day would come regarding decat exhausts. After market companies will come up with alternatives such as sports cats like they do with cars

[@MoroMagrew]

I’d pop in to the shop.. I’d pop into the cafe.. but I’m about 6000 miles away.. another time perhaps! Good luck with the launch!

[@jasonsummerland1904]

Absolutely the worst thing they can do and I believe there will be more accidents because of this change. They absolutely should introduce an emissions test into the MOT but anything more than that is insane. My bike had the original exhaust on and car drivers just never knew I was there because it was so quiet. Honestly, I put on the aftermarket exhaust just so I could be heard and seen. The best decision I ever made, since installing I've never had a car pull out on me or try to swerve into me on a motorway because they could hear me which made them look for me. The government will be responsible for more motorbike road deaths through their stupidity and lack of understanding. The noise from my bike is for my safety first and foremost.

[@whitevanman9500]

They really want us to modify these bikes by putting electric motor and lithium batteries in them that's what this is all about I should imagine

[@mdr_random]

There is so much to go at with a topic like this and so many questions we could ask ourselves. They'll be strong opinions on both sides. And both sides will not easily back down as they will both feel they are correct or have a valid point or two. Hence a long post... Now bearing in mind I actually have a bike with an aftermarket exhaust (and quite like it)... Pretty early on you mention rights. Straight away, that there, are the heels digging in that so many people do. "It's my right to modify my bike" or more likely "It's MY RIGHT to modify MY bike" (shouting). But what if we start to question what rights we have? We could start to bash the government but without a government we have zero rights. We could look at rights vs privileges. Is it just a privilege to have a bike and - so far, up until now - be allowed to modify it? What rights should we have if the children today and tomorrow will grow up in worse place than our parents because we demand to live our lives exactly how we feel from minute to minute? Order something from Amazon today. It’ll come tomorrow. You didn’t know it existed yesterday but you’ll freak out if it’s late. That’s the world many are in and they cannot see the problem. To achieve that service the “stuff” has to be made and shipped to a warehouse ready to be bought. It has to be waiting when the adverts start to go out. How much “junk” must be made and moved around the world so I can get it next day? It must take its toll on the planet. Back to bikes… Is it my right to buy a 1000cc sport bike, modify the fuelling with an engine remap, swap the exhaust so I can turn heads and get people to notice me (don’t dare pull out, it’s MY right of way!), and clad myself in thick cow skin in case I fall on a Sunday blast? Is it my right that there is an ambulance or helicopter to take me to hospital (working on a Sunday) if I fall off and the NHS should be there to make it all better. Or are all of those things purely privileges gained from passing a test and saving money to put towards a pursuit I enjoy. Plus continuing to live in a country of my choice. Maybe the new rules are just another step on the road to helping the planet try to change direction regarding its climate. A bag for life, then wash all your jam jars out and put in a different box for recycling; now a motorcycle that's as green as engineers can make them and a policy to enforce adherence. Who knows the answers. Maybe it's too little too late. Maybe they should pick on the single occupancy cars, smokey old buses and lorries first - maybe they will get to them. Maybe the planet will be fine and it's just a blip in the weather (they do happen). Maybe we'll go extinct even if everyone surrenders their licence and we could all have driven V8's on max revs up and down the street and had a bit of fun while it lasted. Who knows. If we're being responsible I guess we have to just try our best.

[@benzinschnueffler187]

IMO, it's stupid to make exhausts illegal or raise the fuel prices. Here in Germany one litre of normal super 95 fuel costs 1.90€, on the other hand we still have coal power plants wich is just beyond stupid you can't tell me that an electric vehicle is better for the environment if it's basically powered with coal

[@fgwt6126]

Great talking piece - it’s not just the UK that this will affect. Most governments are being leaned on to bring in similar legislation. Hopefully the cut off point will be bikes registered after 2016 or thereabouts which won’t be as painful as it first appears

[@Blackhart50]

Hi love your video I think motorbike would be way less emissions than any motor vehicle cars and trucks would be way higher emissions than motorbike if everyone rode a motorbike would be less traffic jams and emissions for sure

[@aswetman]

I bought a new HD Low Rider ST and am in the process of changing the exhaust to the new Vance and Hinds Eliminator 300, I believe that these have a new technology and a Cat incorporated so they don’t change the bikes emissions. Would be good to know before I spend a grand on these slipovers what the new law will be.

[@Mil-Keeway]

We already have those laws in some EU countries, like Austria and Germany. In Austria for instance, we have to pass emissions tests (NOx, unburnt Hydrocarbons, and CO2 I think) on our MOT, plus we have to be at or below OEM spec for noise if stopped by police - and they do control popular routes with real professional test equipment at peak times (Sunday mornings in the canyons). You also get defected if you modify pretty much anything that has something to do with the structure or interface of the bike - frame, suspension, control levers, lights, footrests, seat, or anything that could possibly have some effect on safety. Therefore, we get pre-certified parts that are compliant to all rules for any single combination of make, model and year. In general, the EU suggests that anything that is compliant as a part can use the "E" in a circle (plus a number signifying the country it was tested in, 1 through 27) logo on it, and that should be enough for police or MOT not to defect the vehicle. Of course lawmakers in Austria are especially stupid, requiring you to also carry the test and certification documentation with your vehicle for any of these pre-certified bolt-on parts. So you replace your R6 exhaust with a full titanium Akra system, power commander to run better with the new exhaust and at our higher altitudes, get light rear sets, steering damper, a tinted windshield, pillion seat cover, and a bunch of other mods that lighten and objectively improve the machine in every way, and then you have to get a top case so you can carry an 2 Kilo binder full of A4 test results and certificates for all the shit you mounted, plus in some cases even shop receipts from the mechanics that installed those parts, certifying that it was done professionally... So we just slap on a muffler, print the cover sheet of the certification document and fold it up real small, and don't mod anything else or risk getting caught and having to get towed on the spot (in addition to the fine...).

[@LushmanGB]

I have bought a few new bikes and after market exhausts are available as an optional extra how would they police that?

[@nobbyvalentine4535]

I've fitted a pair of Zard silencers to my Royal Enfield Interceptor. Apparently they're Euro 4 compliant and come with a certificate stating this. I would like to think this would be acceptable with regards to the MOT emissions testing.

[@stevetaylor8698]

I doubt that any new legislation will require existing equipment to be changed. Retrospective legislation is rare and if something was fitted which was perfectly legal at the time of modification then it will be left alone.

[@davidtiddy6881]

I think that the main purpose of the future legislation is to prevent tampering with black-box data-loggers and automatic speed limiters..... ie, technology not yet mandatory...... but planned for. But if they can also include emissions, they will......

[@stevendavies8496]

If this goes through it's a start of a slippery slope,,tha say one thing and mean another,,the boris way ,,,,,,,,,and wot a johnson he is ,,,,,,wots next's, showing papers b4 we can to the pub or restaurant,,,,,,,,,,,,,O Shit we do ,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@wolfburgman]

Seems pointless doing this now considering the fact that soon we are going electric. Also what about all the boy and girl racers out there. We as bikers are in a minority and the impact we have on the environment is far smaller than other vehicles. Just another excuse to get bikers off the road.

[@achilleasanastasiou4597]

Is chopping the rear of a Honda Shadow or any bike for custom looks allowed?

[@thekingoftheworld9553]

Just to add another perspective, I absolutely love modifying my bikes. But I get why these law changes are being done, noise pollution does increase peoples chance of heart attack(which is already the leader killer in the UK). Also more emissions increases people chance of stroke and cancer. I think what would be the best option is if the gov had emissions limits for the MOT and banned loud exhausts in certain areas, like they do with emissions in London for example. I have never thought that really loud exhausts did anything good for bikers, it's bad for them and everyone they pass. If anyone here as ridden in Germany there are so many amazing roads bikers and just bikers can't go because of the noise pollution they cause. Even if you had a little c90 that makes less noise than walking you are still banned.

[@seankearney6915]

I think it is more serious. It affects cars and non road going motorised vehicles too so unsure how anyone will police that. The version I read covered any safety items as well, which in loose terms could mean everything mirrors, tyres, lights etc too. If left unchecked this could mean only oem or manufacturers homologated accessories will be permitted and the after market industry could be decimated. You certainly wouldn't be able to lower a bike or change the front forks affecting geometry. If they deem it to be important enough they could make it retrospective especially for vehicles that have not yet had their first MOT. Up to now the only retrospective one I know about is windscreen washers on cars, that was a retrospective one and you had to get them fitted for the next MOT if you didn't have any fitted.

[@dogshome7110]

I filled out the survey. Jeezz talk about missing the point. I understand it and have responded accordingly though.

[@violetspider_]

so what about sports cars in uk. london is filled with them and the noise can trigger car alarms , i think they get to 5 bilion db, but i guess the police is more worried about our db than the motorbike thieves

[@daveross7]

I know what would cut pollution a lot faster, introduce emission tests on all aircraft and ban private jets.

[@michaelglynn2638]

Wonder if this applies to the trombones driving flat out and back- firing their way around my area?

[@anthonyhall1372]

Hi guys I've just recently found your KZbin channel and I'd like to say you do some great informative videos 👍 ,so where about are you based in UK

[@motorsforthemasses]

East of East Anglia

[@paulwilson9616]

Hi, I am confused about the emissions I’m just about to buy a Yamaha Tenere 700 world raid euro 5 . I would like to put a akrapovic can on but it’s a euro 4 would this damage my engine??. as I have contacted Yamaha they were unable to help as the would only say use the configuration on line . I have seen this can on lots of tenere psi 2021/2022 would you be able to enlighten me?.please regards paul

[@motorsforthemasses]

Hi, exhausts do not usually do a huge amount unless it is more of a straight through pipe. Bikes like the Tenere and many others adjust the fuel mix through the ECU usually to compensate. At the moment emissions on bikes do not come into MOT's so no worries there...although it is probably coming. Obviously no guarantees but as far as damaging the engine, a change in co'2s are very unlikely to damage an engine.

[@oliverwhittington9461]

Moving to america after the more recent news

[@curlytheunacceptable.4298]

Will the same be applied to applying Cherry Bombs to cars? So when me old bones dictate what I can ride and I need to modify Ye Olde Steed with disability aids ??

[@crm2507777]

Time to buy all the standard exhausts off eBay and sell them on at a profit!

[@davidmacgregor5193]

I installed a pair of Python slip-on mufflers on my 2011 H-D XL883N during the UK Covid-19 lockdown, the machine hasn't been on the road since the start of the lockdown in March of last year. Have you an idea whether or not I'll have any problems with getting her back on the road in the spring of 2022?

[@motorsforthemasses]

We will have to see if the legislation passes and it's stipulations.

[@davidmacgregor5193]

@@motorsforthemasses Thank you for taking the time to reply, the government shouldn't be able to tell UK citizens what they can or can't do with their own personal property, after all we pay our taxes on the initial purchase of our motorcycle, fuel for it to run on and the road fund licence (road tax). This government has been trying to drive motorcyclists off the road since they took office. Let's wait and see what happens.

[@kevindarkstar]

The whole green thing is bullshit and a bike is already a lot more green than the average car

[@mark.e.p]

Surely this relates to new bikes? It's impossible to find original parts even for my 14 year old Beema.

[@steve00alt70]

Mine has a euro 5 catayltic converter on my 125 it restricts it so much. So I installed a legal decat black widow full system exhaust and it sounds so much better and accelerates faster. Not much the law can do about it lol. I think slip on ones are illegal tho

[@darrylredmill4376]

I don't think they can retrospectively apply a modification law to new bikes sold before it comes into force or any already owned bikes. They haven't forced any eco mods on anything before , just applied them to new vehicles (apart from E10)

[@davidbesant]

And unleaded petrol.

[@terrymoore4208]

They may go down the German route have a certificate on mods parts

[@chairmakerPete]

Loud bikes are a curse. If a law stops this happening, then it gets my vote. Ride your bike however you want - knock yourself out - just don't annoy and disturb the rest of us whilst you're doing it.

[@nickpaull2362]

As long as this across the board, I.e. cars too, I don’t think there’s a lot to complain about. If such a law is brought in then it is likely to be applicable to vehicles post the passing of the bill so is very unlikely to have an effect on anything on the road today. I think it’s best not to scare monger until all the details of this paper are clear. I can’t find anything giving all the details. If it does pass then manufacturers are going to have to consider how their product sounds if they want to make attractive to the market.

[@crm2507777]

Yes the new laws will apply to cars to from my understanding

[@Mr.Tony.01]

Im in the uk,is it legal to make my own motorcycle with a welder and poles,my question is if it can pass a mot will it be a legal motorcycle if i can keep the emitions low and keep the engines to a modded 100cc so they will be cheap on the insurance??im new to all this so i wana know the legal side to it please go easy on me

[@motorsforthemasses]

If you make the frame from scratch, you will need an MSVA test, AND an MOT and will receive a Q plate. If you use an already established frame, it will just become a custom motorcycle and the log book will state the manufacturer of the original frame, then 'custom' as the model, as long as you write that. You can always use another bikes frame, then modify it, as long as it doesn't change the strength or integrity of the frame.

[@Mr.Tony.01]

@@motorsforthemassesthankyou soo much,there need to be content videos of this as its impossible information to find for new mechanics to become a bike engineer

[@Thegeordiemonkey]

I do not think it will apply to end cans, anything after the catalyser should be ok maybe even header pipes but the cats have to stay to comply.

[@andrewparry814]

I responded to the online .gov consultation. I thought the proposals were actually vague and possibly far reaching . I objected to their choice of language, referring to "tampering" all the time. Very pejorative in my view. I am having a hazard warning system fitted to my Honda Vision ( why is this not standard and mandatory? ). This technically falls foul of the proposals because it is tampering with the electrical system. Just hope the proposals are not retrospective.

[@craigevans810]

Just another way for the government to fine people and make more revenue,but it has to be said standard exhausts sound crap on most bikes,the bike companies will have to work on it and I geuss up prices and factor it into the retail price

[@Signals927]

Should wait and see exactly what it is they are going to do before jumping the gun.

[@shaunwhitten6728]

I think loud exhaust keep us safe

[@CiBi1968]

I'm still worried about how Jamie is gonna cook all that food ! .... Seriously though . They will find a way to strangle the "Combustion Powered" Motorcycle industry. they want everyone to be green & ride Electric "Quiet" Bikes so Mrs Karen Karenson can't complain! , Then they will moan that Motorcycle deaths are on the increase because more Car drivers pull out on them because A) Most don't see Motorcycles anyway & B) Now they won't hear them . This will then in turn lead to the demise of motorcycles in the not too distant future .☹

[@roverchap]

Traditionally, DfT has not applied any new requirements retrospectively, i.e. notice is served that as of a certain future date of manufacture or registration, new rules will apply. I doubt that this initiative will be any different, so it's unlikely that any owner will be required to restore an existing bike to OEM. Just don't buy any new bikes - enjoy your old ones!

[@victorrsmk2]

Well i do hope your right.it does not matter how green the uk is if rest of world like china russa ect does nothing then there is no point

[@monomakes]

Is this still a thing? There was a lot of chatter about it 12 years ago.

[@charlesuk5358]

I suspect they will use laws like this to force earlier adoption of electric bikes, especially given new petrol bikes will vanish in 2035. I mean look at the 125 and below segment, most new riders over the coming 10 years will probably not even start out on a petrol bike. Biking in general has dropped over the years and is a niche market with a lot more emphasis on "commuting " There may be a resurgence due to the high cost of electric cars and a weak 2nd hand market for them in the run up to 2030, I know my daughter has switched from wanting a bike to wanting a car, despite her rebuilding an old SR125 cruiser

[@philliplum3845]

If.. The government is going to introduce emissions testing what about the road tax? Low emission cars pay little or no tax, fairness would say the equivalent system should prevail to bikes.. My 2019 Tracer has a British made after market system.. Obviously meets all current legislation.. How can they change a legitimate purchase in such a limited amount of time

[@davidbesant]

Err no they don't. New cars have pay £155/ year.

[@Andythenurse]

Most laws aren't retroactive so unless they state it is the law won't apply to bikes registered before it.

[@robhall5622]

they've said it will be retroactive

[@ricksharpe338]

So where's the link?

[@motorsforthemasses]

Look above in the description

[@henrywhite1279]

I hope they have the same thing on classic scooters or motorcycles if more then 40 years old should be exempt from this nonsense.

[@danbaker5648]

Does a different exhaust change the emmisions? Surely irrelevant of the exhaust used the engine will still emit the same?

[@motorsforthemasses]

Depends on the fuel/air mix altered by the ECU, due to back pressure changes and flow of gasses of the exhaust difference. If more fuel is allowed through, the emissions figure will change.

[@linopontes]

Can't trust the government with any rule change because they will have no issue banning all mods after they get through the initial rule change. I wouldn't modify a bike if the government bought it for me but since I paid for my bike I should do what I want with it... What is the Euro 5 rules for already?

[@windy33a]

Illegal does not mean unlawful. Do not comply.

[@rodrigomercader3926]

What about, if you ride lass than 5k you can use whatever, that solves the issue for classic and most track riders. If you go up and down the country or commute I belive you should worry about the health of people. Catalitic converters are not about reducing co2 and climate change, there are to reduce poison levels out of the exhaust

[@darnstewart]

We all know about mission creep and over zealous plod.

[@stevesanelli90]

Rubbish in the UK. This is a ripe ol time for anarchy & mass protests. These politicians get chauffeur driven around in petrol guzzling bullet proof limousines & tell the plebs to go green. Mark, please don’t get an MVA brutale. It’s a rubbish bike that only looks tough but has the reliability of a 737Max. I’ve had one & never trusted it. So many return trips to the dealership only to return home by train. Remember, LOUD pipes save lives!

[@earlebacciochi9796]

Then we should pay less tax! We have 2 petrol cars which we pay zero vehicle tax on, both do around 50mpg. My 750 motorcycle,which i don't use as much, £96 tax ,55+ mpg. Level playing field please!

[@owny0607]

More and more laws telling us what we can't do. The country is a joke.

[@BBFSGaming]

Looks like the second hand market is going to go mental and the new bike market will collapse

[@MsDenver2]

If they are so against emissions make all car drivers go on motorcycles as cars are far worse

[@miniman9133]

Like all the other great things they make illegal........how are they going to 'police' it !!!!!!?????

[@davidbesant]

The aftermarket already make street legal exhausts that can be used to replace damaged or worn originals. Th fact that people then take the db killers out is another matter. This idea that noise equates to power is frankly childish. And the "loud pipes save lives" thing is just bs. Can't get my head around why even people like TMF fit loud pipes, then wear made-to-measure ear plugs so they're the only people that don't have to hear the racket. It's easy to dismiss emissions issues as coming from the looney left. But don't forget these people have the power to ban bikes altogether and if we don't even pretend to comply, they surely will.

[@jamescunninghamniven]

Sadly people become old and mostly conservative in their thinking, hence all the shit that rains down upon us....

[@stevetaylor8698]

On the brighter side, they will probably make it legal to marry a tree in your garden.

[@derekcostello1016]

Yes - I am flying around on my private jet saving the planet but I'm very concerned with how much pollution your little Vespa is putting out.

[@silktvPDR1]

Just don't buy a new bike anymore buy a classic and enjoy. The industry would soon start shouting lol

[@STEALTH1DAN]

In my opinion most modifications I see are just ugly, really looks like that people change or modifie their bike just for the sake of it, regardless if the end result is a more aesthetic good result (most often it isn't, in my opinion) or a bad one ..doesn't matter if the bike looks better or not as l9ng it looks different. ...that for me is just stupidity....that being said I think people should have the right to choose to be stupid...not the duty to be stupid but the right..slightly different. As for sound modifications, I hate noise anyway... so if these new laws prohibit vehicles to be even more noisier I do agree and would vote for that. I understand as a driver and biker the sound is a way to have feedback from the vehicle, but it doesn't to be offensively loud to have that feedback....hate noise! And again if a modification causes more emissions then yes, it welcome too....

[@krystalgazer5196]

Your gonna have to keep up with the changing face of life, global warming brigade is gonna getcha, so put your bikes in the garage and every so often go and give it a polish , invest in a lecy scooter 🛴, .

[@motorsforthemasses]

I'm crying inside

[@ilveverythingdaft]

Any thing that's not a bike put out more crap into the atmosphere bikes use way less fuel plus as we say loud pipes save lives with a good majority of car drivers not seeing bike