Most of us want to customize our motorcycle to our heart’s content as we desire. Most of the time we don’t pay attention to the legality of modification. Our main motive for customization is to enhance its performance, aesthetic appeal, and comfort. However, not all modifications are legal and safe enough. Not being concerned and understanding the legality of modification can be extremely risky for the rider and others on the road. Let’s understand the illegal modifications and their consequences.
The most common illegal modifications
1. Exhaust
One of the most common modifications for changing a motorcycle’s sound is installing a louder exhaust or removing the muffler from the exhaust pipe. Most of the time the aftermarket exhaust sound does not meet the legal requirements of local law. Due to the
Lack of emphasis on the validity of the modification and neglecting the local noise ordinance will lead to legal consequences.
2. Lights
The lights that come with the motorcycle are met with the requirements of the local law. Aftermarket light installation can lead you to legal issues if you do not know about the restrictions of the lighting regulation. Overpowered LED or HID lights, Colored lights, underbody neon lights, not installing lights in the right place, and adding excessive lights are considered the most common illegal lighting modifications. This kind of modification not only causes you legal trouble but also causes problems for the other drivers on the road and leads to accidents. Before bringing any changes to your motorcycle lights know about your local lighting regulations first.
3. Engine
Illegal engine modification indicates enhancing engine power by tempering the air-fuel ratio or installing aftermarket parts not approved by local regulations. Engine modification is not only risky for beginners as well as for experienced riders. It is inconvenient to control and also leads to excessive wear on engine components.
4. Catalytic Converters
The catalytic converter is mainly a filter of motorcycle exhaust that transfers toxic exhaust gases into less harmful substances. Catalytic converters are made with metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium that help reduce harmful air emissions. Catalytic converters are usually located towards the end of the exhaust pipe. By removing the catalytic converter the exhaust flow, engine power, and fuel efficiency increase a bit and the exhaust sounds more aggressive. However, in the long run, the engine may get damaged by overheating. Removing catalytic converters is strictly prohibited almost in every country because of air and sound pollution.
5. Frame or chassis
Changing a motorcycle frame structure is illegal almost in every country. Frame or chassis modification can reduce the rigidity of the frame and affect stability, and handling especially at high speed. Your motorcycle manufacturer warranty and insurance can be void of heavily modified frames. Before modifying a motorcycle frame you should consult with qualified professionals. To avoid legal issues take an authorized certificate from the local authority of chassis modification.
consequences of illegal modifications
1. Safety
When you are doing illegal modification to your motorcycle it means you are compromising with safety. Whenever you modify a motorcycle avoiding local laws and regulations there is a high chance of something untoward happening. Especially when you are modifying your motorcycle chassis, brakes, engine, and lights. A fresh motorcycle usually comes with maximum safety, stability, and performance. Modify your motorcycle in such a way that does not compromise your and other’s safety on the road.
2. Legal issues
Motorcycle modification should be per local laws. Otherwise, it is òvious to lead to fines, impounding of the motorcycle, or your rider’s license may get suspended. After such kind of modification, if you have an accident, your motorcycle gets damaged and you need medical support and if your insurance authority can find out that, the way you modified your motorcycle is illegal, you will not get the coverage for sure.
3. Resale value
Just imagine, you modified your motorcycle and that was an unprofessional modification also did not meet the local laws and regulations and you already got penalties for that. Now consider yourself how much money you can get for such a motorcycle, or whether you can sell it at all.
4. Environmental impact
When you modify your exhaust system in such a way that can cause air and sound pollution will lead you to legal troubles. Before doing such kind of modification don’t forget to think about the environmental impact.
Modification indeed presents your creativity and taste for sure. To be shown more professionalism and responsible in riding you have to respect your local laws as well as keep in mind the environmental impact, and safety of yourself and others on the road. Every rider wants safe, sound, and hassle-free riding. My suggestion would be to get your motorcycle done by a professional and do your research broadly on what changes you will bring to your motorcycle next.