Motorbike rule change

A requirement to modify rear mudguards on new motorcycles to meet Australian Design Rules (ADRs) is being canned because it’s outdated and has no bearing on vehicle safety. Abolishing the provision will mean about 70,000 new motorbikes no longer required to be retrofitted with rear mudguard extensions every year. This change is expected to deliver AU$14.4 million in industry compliance and manufacturing savings annually, which should lead to lower prices for consumers. Buyers will finally have access to motorbikes as originally designed by marques in the move that brings Australia in line with other major markets, including the European Union and Japan. The initiative is also in line with the government’s response to the Productivity Commission’s report on Australia’s automotive manufacturing industry to accelerate harmonising ADRs with UN Vehicle Regulations. “Harmonisation ensures we strike the balance between appropriate safety standards in line with international best practice and consumer access at the lowest possible cost,” says the government. “An important part of the process will involve unique content in the ADRs being removed when it cannot be justified. We expect to announce further reforms in coming months with savings to the industry and consumers.”