what's legal? - Motorcycling Matters

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An E-stamp is essential for the exhaust system dream. It would help so many people if they had a proper number plate because we'd be able to retrieve a lot more stolen bikes.' By the same token, some riders believe that a miniature number plate will help them avoid identification by speed cameras. Think again! Tony states that speed cameras will pick up a small plate: 'the resolution is so good on these new Gatso and Truevelo cameras that they can zoom in no matter what the size'. He lays down the law by saying 'it must be within the regulations set out within the Highway Code, and mounted on the back of the bike. And don't fiddle around with the typeface either. Our rule of thumb is that if it can't be read by the ANPR cameras then we'll deal with it by prosecution'. Swapping silencers is a straightforward customising ploy. The official line on aftermarket exhausts is that bikes must have an E-stamped exhaust or one with the British standard kite mark. As Tony says, 'we don't need a decibel meter; it's a case of either it does or doesn't conform, and if it doesn't conform then it's an offence'. Summer brings the complaints, and the police are duty bound to deal with them: 'The Shefford by-pass is a very fast route and you hear the bikers winding the throttle up one after another. So naturally people relaxing in 20 Number plates have to be standard size WHAT’S LEGAL? the garden on a Sunday afternoon make a complaint'. It is easy enough to check a motorcycle silencer's E-stamp because it's mounted on the side of the bike. The majority of police motorcyclists are keen civvy street bikers as well, so they're sympathetic when they preach their safety mission to regular riders. But it's not a simple matter. 'We're caught between the devil and the deep blue sea,' “That MoT certificate is only as good as the moment the bike was tested ” says Tony. 'We don't want to spoil people's fun, but when that causes safety problems we have to deal with it. For example, lads going round a roundabout trying to get their knee down is something that we'll deal with robustly, because they are causing a nuisance, and who's to know whether there's been a diesel spill. If you want to do that, go to a racetrack'. Mini-motos and off-roaders are Tread depth is very easy to check becoming an issue in green lanes and quarries. Tony clarifies the position starkly: 'mini-motos are illegal anywhere unless the rider has been given permission to ride it on someone's property or they are riding it on their own property. Riding it in a playground, play area, recreation ground or in a farmer's field is illegal. We deal with them under a section 59 notice, which means anyone riding on land other than the highway or being a nuisance will be given a warning. On the second warning the bike is confiscated. They can claim it back but they have to pay a fee. If the rider gets caught twice on different bikes, the second bike gets taken away, and that applies to off-road bikes as well'. Which brings us to mudguards. 'They come into the category of "construction and use" offences,' says Tony. 'If mudguards, indicators and mirrors are fitted they must be in good working order. You're not legally required to have them, so you can take them off, but its stupid to do that because you really do need them'. And as for the pillion, riding astride is the only way, no side-saddle please. Tony has some warnings > www.bedfordshire-biker.org
Bike servicing and repair • Vehicle diagnostics Tyres & Exhausts • M O T’s • Moped performance accessories • Bike Recovery • Tracker RX125 R RX50 R £2,995 £2,500 Unit 7 Kingfisher Business Park • London Road • Bedford MK42 0NY 01234 354222 www.bedfordbikeandcar.co.uk Rick Stringer Motorcycles Est 1971 Bedford’s Oldest Bike Shop Broadlakes Lodge Social Club Thursday night is bike night. We are open to all keen motorcyclists with all makes and models of bike. Our facilities include: Bar • Pool Table Music • Hot Drinks Large Car Park Café open 7:30 am - 2pm Mon-Sat We are holding 3 events by Busy Bee Motorcycle Club called Big Bash from 12-12 on April 24, June 26 & September 25. Includes Rock ‘n’ Roll band! For details of other evenings Tel: 01727 822240 or visit our website www.broadlakes.com Shenley Lane, London Colney, Herts AL2 1DQ 01234 352951 Opening Times Tuesday - Friday 9am - 5.30pm Saturday - 9.30am - 5.30 RICK STRINGER MOTORCYCLES & SCOOTERS 20 LONDON ROAD BEDFORD MK42 ONS TEL: 01234 352951 FAX: 01234 343798 EMAIL: info@rickstringer.co.uk M.O.T. Tuesday - Friday 10am - 1pm 2pm - 5pm Saturday 10:30am - 1pm 2pm - 4pm Appointments Only www.rickstringer.co.uk
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Page 4 and 5: HIGHPERFORMANCE H I IGGH GGH P E R
Page 6 and 7: Defensive Commuting Tony Clarke pas
Page 8 and 9: 8 Truck Reversing Pedestrian A busy
Page 10 and 11: Roadworks are a fact of life as hea
Page 12 and 13: 12 Help From Above When accidents h
Page 14 and 15: been adopted as Charity of the Year
Page 16 and 17: fly the patient to hospital because
Page 18 and 19: You don't have to be an outlaw bike
Page 22 and 23: Even an off roader has to have an o
Page 24 and 25: Pillion Paradise The rider has bars
Page 26 and 27: What to do at a Crash Scene You're
Page 28: Holding the head still > Conscious
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Page 48 and 49: WHEEL SPINDLE SUSPENSION > Grease t
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