Tomo Posted March 29, 2007 Share Posted March 29, 2007 LONDON (Reuters) - Powerful motorcycles could have their top speed capped to try to cut the number of riders killed in accidents, an influential group of MPs said on Thursday. Electronic speed limiters, already fitted on some scooters and high-performance bikes, could be required by law if the government adopts the committee's ideas. "Motorcycle accident rates (Advertisement) are far too high. They have been for 10 years," the House of Commons' Transport Committee said in a report. "It is time to consider radical action to tackle this problem." Many "superbikes" with large engines have devices that restrict top speeds to 186 mph (300 kph). The committee did not suggest a top speed limit. A total of 569 motorcyclists were killed and nearly 6,000 seriously injured in accidents on Britain's roads in 2005, according to Department for Transport figures. Giving evidence to the committee, transport author Stephen Plowden said he could not see why anyone needed a bike with a top speed of more than 65 mph. However, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) said it would be difficult to use the law to limit the power of motorcycles. "I have a lot of sympathy with having a top limit on the speed and power of motorcycles and cars," said Kevin Clinton, RoSPA's head of road safety. "Although when the EC ... proposed a 100 brake-horsepower limit on motorcycles, they were not able to get it through because they could not show any real reduction in risk from that." The committee said the government should commission research on speed limiters to "stimulate a sensible debate" on the issue. "A case was made to the committee for limiting the speed of the more powerful motorcycles, though some technical issues still need to be resolved," the committee said. The committee said it appeared to be government policy to encourage greater use of motorcycles, despite concerns over safety and the environmental damage. "This may be another argument in favour of reducing the maximum power and speed that is available on these vehicles," the committee reported. The Motor Cycle Industry Association says road safety can be improved by better training, changing attitudes and improving roads rather than just focussing on speed. Technology that interferes with a rider's control could be dangerous, it says. The Department for Transport had no immediate comment What are peoples views on this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tomg Posted March 29, 2007 Share Posted March 29, 2007 i think they should shove it up there arse really. and teach car drivers the risks they have on motorcyclists. and that that should be added into the theory test as well as some practical application to look for bikers whilst driving. peopel will only strive to make things more powerful etc, and to take that restrictor off bikes such as the zx10 there is a retard eliminater from motrax and the likes that fools the electronic box into giving put all the power to move a planet!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lennie1 Posted March 29, 2007 Share Posted March 29, 2007 i think they should shove it up there arse really. and teach car drivers the risks they have on motorcyclists. and that that should be added into the theory test as well as some practical application to look for bikers whilst driving. peopel will only strive to make things more powerful etc, and to take that restrictor off bikes such as the zx10 there is a retard eliminater from motrax and the likes that fools the electronic box into giving put all the power to move a planet!! I totaly agree! In my 40 years experience of both bikes and Cars, the greater majority and also by personal injury experience have been down to Vehicles (excludes 2 wheels) being driven by people who have no understanding of the concentration required to ride safely, whilst I agree that other drivers who have not had the education of Biking "Never Look for Riders as a natural instinct! ( Oh I didnt see Him!!) an even great majority will do their best to hinder riders (Why Should I let him Pass or Through)?? How Many bike riders do you see looking at their passengers whilst holding a conversation during the course of traveling along the road. How many of us Use mobiles whilst driving? How many of us drink Coffe or Pop whilst driving? How many of us fall asleep whilst at the controls? How many of us drive down the road with mist or frost impaired vision during the winter mornings.? How many of us double park or obstruct entrys and exits.? Ever tried reading a map or paper whilst riding? Ever tried smoking a Fag with Gloves and a full face Helmet? We dont expect anthing other than to be left alone to enjoy FREEDOM!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tomg Posted March 29, 2007 Share Posted March 29, 2007 (Why Should I let him Pass or Through)?? yes exactly!! i am growing increasingly sick of this particular attitude. every day on my way to college i filter through nearly 3 miles of slow moving or stationary traffic. ive been sworn at, beeped at waved like a loonatic at and even threats of other drivers telling other drivers to take my numberplate because i filtered in front of him into a gap. what the hell?? and if you were on a bike you wouldn't do the same. however there are some nice ones who move out the way who get a big thumbs up or a wave. i pride myself on being a good rider, sure i can go extrodianrily fast of a set of traffic lights i can do the speed limit in one gear but i can also crawl through the middle of traffic at 1mph with out so much as brushing another car. and thank you for agreeing with, so nice to discuss things with like minded peopel!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomo Posted March 29, 2007 Author Share Posted March 29, 2007 Pretty much the responses I expected really and also may I add the ones that I totally agree with. It really annoys me that our government can waste time on suce pathetic issues when there are far more serious issues to concentrate on. Yes speed is a factor in accidents but what percentage are actually caused by a significant speed over the limit? What is I want to go to Santa Pod for the 1/4 mile session, a track day or maybe a visit to Germany or the Bruntingthorpe proving ground. I wonder just how long it will be till a mandatory speed limit is imposed on all of the German motorway network. Lennie. I think you have got it pretty much spot on with your post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomo Posted March 29, 2007 Author Share Posted March 29, 2007 yes exactly!! i am growing increasingly sick of this particular attitude. every day on my way to college i filter through nearly 3 miles of slow moving or stationary traffic. ive been sworn at, beeped at waved like a loonatic at and even threats of other drivers telling other drivers to take my numberplate because i filtered in front of him into a gap. what the hell?? and if you were on a bike you wouldn't do the same. however there are some nice ones who move out the way who get a big thumbs up or a wave. i pride myself on being a good rider, sure i can go extrodianrily fast of a set of traffic lights i can do the speed limit in one gear but i can also crawl through the middle of traffic at 1mph with out so much as brushing another car. and thank you for agreeing with, so nice to discuss things with like minded peopel!! I have not really had many bad experiences with filtering yet. a lot will not make an effort to move out the way but I find this to be becuase they just simply aren't looking. The ones who use the mirrors and see you tend to pull over and make some room. The odd idiot has seemed to race in an effort not to let me filter in front but then I just hold back and pull in behind. Whats the point in doing any other. Its such a good feeling going past staionary traffic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lennie1 Posted March 29, 2007 Share Posted March 29, 2007 I have not really had many bad experiences with filtering yet. a lot will not make an effort to move out the way but I find this to be becuase they just simply aren't looking. The ones who use the mirrors and see you tend to pull over and make some room. The odd idiot has seemed to race in an effort not to let me filter in front but then I just hold back and pull in behind. Whats the point in doing any other. Its such a good feeling going past staionary traffic I agree, but I can also understand the Car drivers getting Pissed at us being able to do excactly what we are permitted to do within the bounds of the Law. I moved over to Mallorca 3 years ago to get away from the Rat race, resigned myself to not being able to continue with Riding Bikes due to the above mentioned state of affairs! (Russian Roulett). But ! Yet again got a Bike YZF750R, to my amazement it is a pleasure driving a bike over here, of course always driving with head lights on drivers take great effort to let you pass? its unusual to get stuck behind a Car, even on the narrow but fun Country roads the Spanish will pull over the nearside line and let you through then pull back out again. The Spanish Car drivers in Mallorca are totaly ignorent of other Car drivers as they seem to think that it is there given right to act and drive how they want and SOD all the rest! But God bless them all they alwys are on the lookout for the Bikes!! More than likely expecting their Uncle, Dad or even Grandfather coming up behind them. The Biggest "Knobs" on the Roads over here are Rich Brits with their Range Rover Sports, Porches and over expensive SunDay Sports Cars, But hey we know how to deal with them!!!!!!!!!! Come over on the Ferry its cheap and Fun Riding with Great Roads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomo Posted March 29, 2007 Author Share Posted March 29, 2007 I agree, but I can also understand the Car drivers getting Pissed at us being able to do excactly what we are permitted to do within the bounds of the Law. I moved over to Mallorca 3 years ago to get away from the Rat race, resigned myself to not being able to continue with Riding Bikes due to the above mentioned state of affairs! (Russian Roulett). But ! Yet again got a Bike YZF750R, to my amazement it is a pleasure driving a bike over here, of course always driving with head lights on drivers take great effort to let you pass? its unusual to get stuck behind a Car, even on the narrow but fun Country roads the Spanish will pull over the nearside line and let you through then pull back out again. The Spanish Car drivers in Mallorca are totaly ignorent of other Car drivers as they seem to think that it is there given right to act and drive how they want and SOD all the rest! But God bless them all they alwys are on the lookout for the Bikes!! More than likely expecting their Uncle, Dad or even Grandfather coming up behind them. The Biggest "Knobs" on the Roads over here are Rich Brits with their Range Rover Sports, Porches and over expensive SunDay Sports Cars, But hey we know how to deal with them!!!!!!!!!! Come over on the Ferry its cheap and Fun Riding with Great Roads. Might just have to do that at some point I can understand why you have done it entirely going slightly OT. I am 26 and if i could get out of this country tomorrow then I would. For sure the grass may not always be greener but you got to give it a try. Thats probably a big problem with our car drivers is the lack of driver education in relation to bikes. If filtering is a legal practice then it should be incorporated in the driving test / lessons to always be aware of the presence of motorbikes in busy traffic and move over if safe to do so. I now have bike, car, and articualted HGV licence so I understand things from all vehicle types. you will probably find the people who move over are wither bikers or hold a HGV/PCV licence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lennie1 Posted March 29, 2007 Share Posted March 29, 2007 Might just have to do that at some point I can understand why you have done it entirely going slightly OT. I am 26 and if i could get out of this country tomorrow then I would. For sure the grass may not always be greener but you got to give it a try. Thats probably a big problem with our car drivers is the lack of driver education in relation to bikes. If filtering is a legal practice then it should be incorporated in the driving test / lessons to always be aware of the presence of motorbikes in busy traffic and move over if safe to do so. I now have bike, car, and articualted HGV licence so I understand things from all vehicle types. you will probably find the people who move over are wither bikers or hold a HGV/PCV licence. I agree if you dont try it you may a some stage wish you had. Been here 3 years now came over at the age of 52 its the same as anwhere you get what you work for! The Beaches, the beer and the fags all have to be paid for ! But at far less expence. We went out last sunday (Boys on their Toys) covered over 200ks for €14.00 in Fuel (About a Tenner). Its quite common to see large groups of bikes going all over the place, we have an average of 300 days Sunshine a year so its got to be done. There is a a region called "Soller" where all manner of Bikes gather at a Bar to watch the Mental Spanish Lads on top road legal track Spec bikes with super Soft rubber race through the twisting Mountain roads, some are amazing riders others are just plane F------g Nuts. Not wanting to Piss you Off by mentioning all this but its got to be sampled at least once in a life time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomo Posted March 29, 2007 Author Share Posted March 29, 2007 . Not wanting to Piss you Off by mentioning all this but its got to be sampled at least once in a life time. It does far from piss me off. It gives me something to work for Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tomg Posted March 29, 2007 Share Posted March 29, 2007 The Biggest "Knobs" on the Roads over here are Rich Brits with their Range Rover Sports, Porches and over expensive SunDay Sports Cars, But hey we know how to deal with them!!!!!!!!!! Come over on the Ferry its cheap and Fun Riding with Great Roads. don't i just know it, my enemy of the road is bmw drivers allways in their f**cking x5 or 5 series in the way, pulling out, looking at me like shit, ive yet to find one i actually like, but there is always hope, and if not theres always my 15k red line to help out when needs be :D i would love to come over and play!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomo Posted March 29, 2007 Author Share Posted March 29, 2007 don't i just know it, my enemy of the road is bmw drivers allways in their f**cking x5 or 5 series in the way, pulling out, looking at me like shit, ive yet to find one i actually like, but there is always hope, and if not theres always my 15k red line to help out when needs be :D i would love to come over and play!! Well I am more than up for the ride out some time I hate X5's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tomg Posted March 29, 2007 Share Posted March 29, 2007 this is such a brilliant discussion!! err cool where abouts you live? glad someone else dislikes them too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc01 Posted March 29, 2007 Share Posted March 29, 2007 Well I am more than up for the ride out some time I hate X5's Excellent views I agree with all. Tomq How people would buy an X5 if restricted to 65mph Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tomg Posted March 29, 2007 Share Posted March 29, 2007 Excellent views I agree with all. Tomq How people would buy an X5 if restricted to 65mph the thing wouldn;t move!! :lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc01 Posted March 29, 2007 Share Posted March 29, 2007 the thing wouldn;t move!! :lol: Problem solved Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xions Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 the next bmw i see im gonna stick my fingers up 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willenium Posted April 1, 2007 Share Posted April 1, 2007 the thing wouldn;t move!! :lol: Wrong. It would probably be an improvement That's not good because the driver will think that because his car goes faster, his dick must be bigger too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomo Posted April 1, 2007 Author Share Posted April 1, 2007 Have MAG made their comments known on this subject yet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kendo phil Posted April 1, 2007 Share Posted April 1, 2007 OK so on Thursday I was riding down the dual carriageway, maintaining a 2 second gap between me and the car in front (nice day not in any hurry) I had my lights on and was wearing my High Viz vest over my jacket and still a total retard in an Escort covered in spoilers managed to pull out in front of me and cause my to lock the rear, not to much of a problem as it was now about a foot in the air as I was pulling an endo. I missed him and he gave me a nice little wave to say sorry. Please tell me how limiting my top speed would have been any use in that situation? Also, we are heading back down the old argument about restriction, you are restricted to a 125cc on a learners licence, no restriction on the size of car a learner can drive. Now with the 2 tier system you can be stuck on a 33bhp bike for 2 years. There is no equivalent for cars, once you have passed your test in a 1.0l nissan micra you can then hop into a Scooby Doo and drive at what ever speed you want. Come on, all we ask is for a little balance, I can see the argument for power / speed restrictions, but please make it across the board - make it fair, cars as well as bikes. And any biker worth his salt will know how to get round these systems anyway, so its not going to knacker us, just cost us another £150 for the chipped ECU. So, just remember to watch out for retard boy racers, who are most likely the real reason there are so many biker accidents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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