European Bike Industry Disaster
European Bike Industry Disaster
The contentios Third Directive Licensing law has been passed in the European parliament and is being labelled as the kiss of death for the bike industry. The nonsensical new legislation will force 17 years olds to ride 15bhp 125s until they are 19, when they will then be able to ride 47bho bikes for another two years before a full license can be gained. Direct access age shofts from 21 to 24. Craig Cary-Clinch of the Motorcycle Industry Association has called the news 'a disaster of the worst possible magnitude'".
Bike (English magazine). page 17.
Ain't that suck! Hopefully no effect will be on US!
Bike (English magazine). page 17.
Ain't that suck! Hopefully no effect will be on US!
Proud parent of 2006 CanOfTuna 600
I don't think that's a bad idea.
I do think that some form of motorcycle training should be compulsory for all who want to drive a car so that the half-wits in cages have a basic understanding of what a bike is about. I think that would make a reduction in the number of accidents involving bikes.
I do think that some form of motorcycle training should be compulsory for all who want to drive a car so that the half-wits in cages have a basic understanding of what a bike is about. I think that would make a reduction in the number of accidents involving bikes.
1998 Suzuki GSX750F - all fixed but seriously multi-coloured...
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- jstark47
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I don't understand how this would be the kiss of death for manufacturers who are savvy about bringing attractive smaller-engine bikes to the market? It might be a great opportunity for a smaller company to get the jump on the more established companies and gain market share.
47bhp (19 to 21 year olds) isn't so bad, either. A Ninja 250 doesn't have that much, and will go almost 100mph.
47bhp (19 to 21 year olds) isn't so bad, either. A Ninja 250 doesn't have that much, and will go almost 100mph.
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2009 BMW F650GS (wife's)
2012 Triumph Tiger 800
2018 Yamaha XT250 (wife's)
2013 Kawasaki KLX250S
If it caused Ducati to fold that would be an effect on the US. Indirect, but an effect. If it was used as a model for US laws that would be another indirect effect.MetricRider wrote:Well, since it's an EU directive, it would be kinda hard for it to affect the US...
Ride it like you think owning it matters.
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Newsflash: the vast majority of ducatis customer base is well above the age of 21. Most 17-20 year olds cant afford a ducati.dieziege wrote: If it caused Ducati to fold that would be an effect on the US. Indirect, but an effect. If it was used as a model for US laws that would be another indirect effect.
When those kids see the hoops they have to jump through for several years to even ride they may not bother.
That they can't afford them when they are 17-21 becomes irrellevant when at 40 they never even started riding in the first place. It is the same result for manufacturers either way.
"Won't somebody please think of the children!"
That they can't afford them when they are 17-21 becomes irrellevant when at 40 they never even started riding in the first place. It is the same result for manufacturers either way.
"Won't somebody please think of the children!"
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It won't hurt the industry. Well, not in Italy, anyway. The law won't be enforced. There's a gang of kids (7 - 12 yr olds) in my neigborhood who are constantly riding their vespas, and minibikes all over. (Including up my driveway!!) Biking is a way of life - not a "Luxury" like in NA. Currently, a 14 year old is allowed to ride a 50cc scooter or moped on city and residential roads, just not on the freeway.
These kids start riding shortly after they learn to walk. Laws like this aren't going to change anything.
and please don't forget that (most) european cultures embrace small-engined vehicles as legitimate transport. These are the people who invented 50cc and 125cc racing. Kids actually ENJOY riding thses small bikes - because there is a race culture behind these vehicles...
They'll adapt.
Now. Introduce a law like this in the USofA and watch all the numbskulls crawl out of the woodwork.
These kids start riding shortly after they learn to walk. Laws like this aren't going to change anything.
and please don't forget that (most) european cultures embrace small-engined vehicles as legitimate transport. These are the people who invented 50cc and 125cc racing. Kids actually ENJOY riding thses small bikes - because there is a race culture behind these vehicles...
They'll adapt.
Now. Introduce a law like this in the USofA and watch all the numbskulls crawl out of the woodwork.

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