Motorcycles are more than just a mode of transport for many people. They are a symbol of freedom, an expression of personality, and even a hobby. However, before you take your bike to the garage and start making modifications, it’s important to understand the legal aspects surrounding motorcycle modifications in the UK. This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive guide to what changes are legally permissible for your beloved motorbike.
Understanding Motorcycle Modification and Its Impact on Insurance
Modification of a motorcycle refers to any change made to the vehicle’s original specifications. These changes can range from installing new accessories, changing the engine’s performance, or altering the bike’s appearance.
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However, it’s crucial to bear in mind that any modifications made to your motorcycle can potentially impact your vehicle insurance. It’s a legal requirement in the UK to inform your insurance provider of any changes made to your bike. Failure to do so may result in your insurance being invalidated, leaving you exposed to financial and legal consequences in the event of an accident.
The reason for this lies in the risk assessment of insurance companies. They base their policy premiums on various factors, including the make and model of your bike, its engine size, and its potential risk on the road. When you modify your bike, you change those variables, and hence, you must inform your insurance provider. Some modifications might increase your premium, but others may not affect it; it all depends on how the insurance company views the changes.
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What Modifications are Legally Allowed?
Before you decide to give your motorcycle a new look or boost its performance, you need to understand the legal modifications that you can make. Here are some modifications that are generally considered legal, as long as they comply with the UK’s road regulations.
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Exhaust System Modifications: You can legally modify your motorcycle’s exhaust system, provided it remains within the permissible noise levels. The noise limit for motorcycles manufactured before 1st April 1983 is 82 decibels and for those manufactured after that date, it’s 80 decibels.
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Frame Changes: Altering the frame of the bike is allowed, but it should not affect the stability of the motorcycle while riding. The frame change should also comply with the ‘Construction and Use Regulations’ to be considered legal.
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Electrical Modifications: Any electrical alterations, like installing additional lights, are allowed as long as they adhere to the UK’s lighting regulations for motorcycles. All lights should be correctly positioned and should not dazzle other road users.
Modifications that Require an Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS) Certification
For some modifications, you must have an Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS) certification to ensure your ability to handle the changes made to your bike safely.
This includes engine modifications that significantly increase your bike’s performance. If you make your bike faster, you will need to demonstrate your ability to handle the increased speed and power. The ERS is a scheme designed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to check the competency of riders who have undertaken major performance upgrades on their bikes.
Additionally, any modification that changes the bike from a manual to an automatic or vice versa requires an ERS certificate. The reason being that the riding style and control mechanisms for manual and automatic bikes vary significantly.
Modifications that are Illegal
It’s equally important to know what modifications are illegal to avoid inadvertently breaking the law. The following modifications are not allowed for motorcycles in the UK:
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Removing the Front Brake: It’s illegal to remove the front brake from your bike. Both brakes are essential for safe riding and any attempt to remove one is considered a violation of UK road regulations.
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Tinted Visors: Tinted visors that restrict the rider’s vision are illegal, especially if they restrict vision during low light conditions.
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License Plate Modifications: Any attempts to alter the license plate, such as changing the font, size, or colour, are illegal. The license plate should be clearly visible and adhere to the prescribed regulations.
Modifying your motorcycle can bring a new level of enjoyment to your ride, but it’s imperative that you understand and adhere to the UK laws regarding motorcycle modifications. It’s not just about avoiding fines or legal action; these laws are designed to keep all road users safe. Be sure to check with your local DVSA office or motorbike community if you have specific questions about modifying your bike. Happy riding!
Electric Bike Modifications
Another category of bikes becoming more popular is electric bikes. Electric motorbikes, just like conventional motorcycles, have a set of regulations they must adhere to, especially if they are to be used on public roads. It’s worth noting that the law distinguishes between electric bikes that are equivalent to pedal bikes and those that are similar to mopeds or motorcycles.
For the bikes equivalent to pedal bikes, often referred to as ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPCs), certain modifications are allowed without changing the bike’s legal status. These include adding or replacing components like the saddle, pedals, or tyres. However, making changes to the motor, such as modifying it to exceed the maximum legal speed limit of 15.5mph, or tampering with the system to remove the requirement for pedalling, could legally reclassify your bike as a moped or motorcycle.
For electric motorbikes that are equivalent to mopeds or motorcycles, the modification laws are similar to those of standard motorcycles. Changes to the motor, frame, or any other substantial changes could significantly impact the bike’s classification and thus require an update to the vehicle registration.
Just like conventional motorcycles, electric bike modifications can affect your motorbike insurance. It’s crucial to notify your insurance provider about any significant changes to your bike, otherwise, your insurance could potentially be invalidated. Ensure that your insurance covers your specific type of electric bike and any modifications made.
Conclusion: Keeping Your Motorcycle Modifications Road Legal
Motorcycle modifications can add a personal touch to your bike and potentially improve its performance, but it’s essential to consider the legal implications. Always remember to check whether these modifications are allowed under UK law and consult with the DVSA or your local motorbike community if unsure.
It’s also crucial to update your motorcycle insurance provider about any modifications made. Whether you ride electric motorbikes or conventional ones, modifications can affect your insurance coverage and premium.
Finally, when modifying your bike, consider the safety and comfort of other road users. The law, including emissions regulations and the requirement for front rear brakes, is designed to ensure everyone’s safety on the roads.
Modifying your motorcycle can be a fun and rewarding project. However, it’s important to approach it with a thorough understanding of the rules and regulations. Ensuring your bike remains road legal will not only keep you on the right side of the law but also ensure that you can enjoy your ride with peace of mind.
