Thinking “out of the box” is an expression that reflects a different approach to a certain subject or giving it a different meaning than that with which it is normally connoted. This does not mean to say that this is the correct way, but it tries to widen the horizons of discussion.
The subject that torments me, due to the way it has been approached, is the Periodic Inspection for motorcycles. The most common discussion is that we are going to pay another tax, this has nothing to do with motorcycles or that it will not solve the issue of accidents.
I rarely see this issue being addressed in a constructive way, because there is no doubt that the Inspections will take place. The issue of customizing motorcycles has been the major driver of the existing disagreement. But it is not a new issue, as it already exists in cars with Tuning, and there are ways to resolve it. Cars, after being modified with approved parts, require an Inspection to validate the changes made.
There is, however, in motorcycles, a big difference. Many of the pieces and parts of the motorcycle that are subject to customization are handcrafted. Mudguards, gas tanks, levers, bars, license plate holders or seats, are very good examples. The quality of the work and materials involved is not at stake, the problem could be the non-existent homologation. But still, most of these parts are not an evaluation factor.
Most of the mechanical or lighting elements used in these changes are homologated, so there should be no problems.
Regarding exhausts, the story is different. But honestly, because I’ve already written about it, I’m not in favor of changing it to get more decibels.
Sometimes, the desire to show-off with the noise produced is so great that it seems that along with the new exhausts, the gearboxes only have first and second gears…
The missing exceptions, mentioned by the President of the Portuguese Motorcycling Federation, namely for enduro or TT motorcycles, are a huge fault in the legislation, as well as for old motorcycles. But for the latter, once again we have the example of cars with the classification of historic vehicles that gives them some differences.
More serious in my opinion is that these inspections are only for motorcycles from 125 cm3. The Portuguese motorcycle market reality and the rate of accidents on two wheels is revealing, as the percentage of accidents involving two-wheel vehicles with engine capacity of/up to 125 cm3 is much higher than others.
The courier service and car drivers who started driving this type of vehicle have frightening accident rates, which should make decision makers reflect on. It is not about being “truer than the truth”, but giving some justice to the law, reflecting the national reality (Portuguese reality).
I challenge anyone to observe the state of conservation and safety of many of these vehicles and reflect on why the motorcyclist who spent money altering his motorcycle, most of the time with superior quality materials, will be penalized, and these Vehicles with very serious faults are not even checked.
The numbers of the motorcycle fleet speak for themselves, and between January and September 2023, 16,877 motorcycles with engine capacity above 125 cm³ were registered. As for motorcycles up to 125 cm3, registered in the first nine months of 2023, 18,528 units were counted by ACAP (Portuguese Automobile Trade Association).
I understand that to have rights, I must honor my duties.
I ride on the road, and I must ensure that I do not jeopardize my safety or that of others. This is a duty!
Have you ever thought that the day inspections are implemented, the stupid argument that accidents occur because of the condition of motorcycles, tends to end? And that the real state of the streets and roads, the expansion joints in bridges and viaducts that look like butter when wet, the liquid tar they use on road patches that melts in the heat, the paints used in horizontal signage and so many other traps we face, will have another relevance in the demand for road safety? That’s a right!
The secret, I think, is the equity when applying the Law, and to fight for this we must recognize our duties and demand our rights. Seeing just one of these parts tips the balance.
Enjoy your ride in safety.
