Big bikes to be restricted?

[saorsa]

My wife told me about this article in Thai news today (note, it is in Thai, not English). Google doesn't translate it very well, but the mrs told me it means roughly they are looking at possibly restricting the top speed of large bikes. Usual knee jerk reaction which if they do try to implement will be a disaster!

Thailand is preparing to limit the speed of all big bike due to many accidents caused from big bikes recently. The most recent one was last night at Prachachen area. BMW bike guy was riding very fast,he hit a uni student when he was crossing the street after bar closed. The police needs to discuss with Government and others further. At the moment they plan to present the board that the speed of big bike will limit at 80-90 km/hr in BKK and Pattaya area. It's not finalised yet.

http://www.springnews.co.th/social/200256

[hansgruber]

Won't happen. The authorities couldn't organise a party in a brewery let alone this. Plus the big bike companies will lobby them not to implement this ridiculous law due to severe drop in sales.

Just won't happen. Will hit every road block and is just a knee-jerk reaction.

Edited April 6, 2015 by hansgruber

[robblok]

I highly doubt it.. besides smaller bikes still cause far more mayhem. It would be good if big bikes would get more rights. I hope the big bike manufacturers will push for that (unlikely too).

[gedster]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I highly doubt it.. besides smaller bikes still cause far more mayhem. It would be good if big bikes would get more rights. I hope the big bike manufacturers will push for that (unlikely too).

I wish the big bike companies would petition to allow big bikes on toll roads. I just bought a Ninja 2 weeks ago and found it difficult trying to navigate way back home in Bangkok, trying to avoid the toll roads.

I wasn't aware of the rule until wifey pointed it out to me when I was making the turn to the expressway entry.

I'm trying to find out the reason for this ruling. Wifey found that there was a petition previously with >10K signatures; apparently this was rejected by government.

I've been riding bike bikes for >30 years in various countries and baffled why we can't do the same here in LOS.

[BKKBike09]

What it says is that blah blah all bikes big and small need to follow the law blah blah just because a bike is powerful it doesn't have right to go faster blah blah police may need to get speed measuring equipment to help enforce the law blah blah legally all motorcycles are already not allowed to go faster than 80 kmh in built up areas and 90 kmh in other areas [that's news to me!] blah blah

I wouldn't worry. The ending says that there likely needs to be a meeting between relevant agencies to discuss further, so that's the end of that idea ...

[JonnyF]

Not sure if they mean change the speed limit, or actually restrict the bikes via ECU etc.

Changing the speed limit won't make any difference other than a few more opportunities for the corrupt BIB to extort cash. Actually restricting the bikes would be impossible and extremely dangerous, imagine getting tailgated by Somchai in his Fortuner and not being able to accelerate...

Just another official speaking before they think IMO.

[robblok]

Not sure if they mean change the speed limit, or actually restrict the bikes via ECU etc.

Changing the speed limit won't make any difference other than a few more opportunities for the corrupt BIB to extort cash. Actually restricting the bikes would be impossible and extremely dangerous, imagine getting tailgated by Somchai in his Fortuner and not being able to accelerate...

Just another official speaking before they think IMO.

Yea they should restrict cars then too.. crazy.

[guzzi850m2]

Wont happen, they were also talking about banning all bikes with special sidecars attached, those small mobile fast food/ice cream/coffe thingy we see all over Thailand.

It never happened.

Okay they are talking about a speed limit on 90-100km/h for big bikes in Bangkok and Pattaya, okay but how will they enforce it??

[Gweiloman]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I highly doubt it.. besides smaller bikes still cause far more mayhem. It would be good if big bikes would get more rights. I hope the big bike manufacturers will push for that (unlikely too).

I wish the big bike companies would petition to allow big bikes on toll roads. I just bought a Ninja 2 weeks ago and found it difficult trying to navigate way back home in Bangkok, trying to avoid the toll roads.

I wasn't aware of the rule until wifey pointed it out to me when I was making the turn to the expressway entry.

I'm trying to find out the reason for this ruling. Wifey found that there was a petition previously with >10K signatures; apparently this was rejected by government.

I've been riding bike bikes for >30 years in various countries and baffled why we can't do the same here in LOS.

Not only the toll roads mate but also lots of bridges are off limits and also some underpasses.

[eisfeld]

How high are the chances of them restricting big bikes in a country where about 80% of motorbikes are operated in an illegal way:

- no license

- no helmet

- driving wrong direction

- kaputt lights

- illegal side cars

- underaged driver

- too many passengers

- smoking

- speaking on mobile phone

... and the new hotness: selfies while driving The list goes on.

The myriad of traffic rules are not being enforced, let's add more - that'll surely help!

[saorsa]

How high are the chances of them restricting big bikes in a country where about 80% of motorbikes are operated in an illegal way:

- no license

- no helmet

- driving wrong direction

- kaputt lights

- illegal side cars

- underaged driver

- too many passengers

- smoking

- speaking on mobile phone

... and the new hotness: selfies while driving The list goes on.

The myriad of traffic rules are not being enforced, let's add more - that'll surely help!

Smoking on a bike is illegal??

[Briggsy]

The easiest thing to do is to make the manufacturers do all the work for them. They do this by only approving the models that comply. Previous examples include:-

No more 2 -strokes.

No more carb bikes.

All vehicles with catalytic converter.

No modifications.

Power or speed restriction is certainly possible, as you can see using the method above.

Far better option would be compulsory motorcycle training and a different, harder to obtain licence for bikes over 250 cc. Of course, that won't happen for the reasons I detailed in my first sentence. Just load everything on to the manufacturers and collect the kickbacks is the (Thai) way to go.

[Brit_Doggie]

Lol wayback when i had superbikes hit 180 mph ouch it hurts and can't maintain that speed for more than a few seconds 120mph ok but keep a sharp lookout for that elderly volvo driver who is intent on killing you,and you aged bikers know where i'm coming from.

[Rhys]

How high are the chances of them restricting big bikes in a country where about 80% of motorbikes are operated in an illegal way:

- no license

- no helmet

- driving wrong direction

- kaputt lights

- illegal side cars

- underaged driver

- too many passengers

- smoking

- speaking on mobile phone

... and the new hotness: selfies while driving The list goes on.

The myriad of traffic rules are not being enforced, let's add more - that'll surely help!

Smoking on a bike is illegal??

But like in some of the photos..making bacon pretty on the seat is not....5555

[CarolJadzia]

How high are the chances of them restricting big bikes in a country where about 80% of motorbikes are operated in an illegal way:

- no license

- no helmet

- driving wrong direction

- kaputt lights

- illegal side cars

- underaged driver

- too many passengers

- smoking

- speaking on mobile phone

... and the new hotness: selfies while driving The list goes on.

The myriad of traffic rules are not being enforced, let's add more - that'll surely help!

Smoking on a bike is illegal??

Depends what your smokin

[Familyonthemove]

I'm guessing that this is about setting speed limits for bikes in the cities - as they can't mean an ecu speed limiter that only functions in Bangkok and Pattaya?

But restricting the speed of bikes but not cars would make it much less safe for the bikes as we can't use our speed to get out of danger.

Same problems as the stupid rule about bikes using inside lane only - it forces bikes into unsafe road positions.

But if they changed the rules about bikes then they'd need to pay the police properly.

[mikebell]

How about limiting the noise big bikes make?

[JonnyF]

How about limiting the noise big bikes make?

No thanks, my Termi's sound awesome

[Gweiloman]

How about limiting the noise big bikes make?

Lots of small bikes make a lot of noise too, not just big bikes.

Anyway, the law's in place regarding excessive noise. Just not enforced well.

[papa al]

Mis-interpretation of a mis-translation?

A speed limit ≠ restricting performance.

Already =/< 90kph on all of LOS public roads.

Remain vigilant.

Edited April 7, 2015 by papa al

[smedly]

How about limiting the noise big bikes make?

Lots of small bikes make a lot of noise too, not just big bikes.

Anyway, the law's in place regarding excessive noise. Just not enforced well.

and is one of the most annoying growing trends around Pattaya, Thais modifying the exhaust system (effectively removing it) on a 100 -125cc Honda click automatic then riding around like lunatics thinking they are in a Motogp and it's cool - it is actually childish and exceedingly annoying and there are more and more of them doing the same thing, I am now having to close my windows at night to try and reduce the noise of these (pricks) racing around at 4am in the morning

as for limiting a big bike to 90kmph - not possible or practical by using any mechanical or electronic method, might also be worth noting that small bikes are quite capable of over 90kmph

if they want to improve road safety here it might be an idea to focus their attention in the right place anyway

a list of news "reported" incidents a fraction of the actual real numbers in Thailand

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782917-suspected-drunk-driver-in-fatal-road-crash-on-pattaya-beach/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/777579-8-turkish-tourists-rescued-from-sinking-speed-boat-in-pattaya-bay/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/777652-three-killed-30-injured-in-bus-pickup-crash-in-ayutthaya/#entry8691899

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/777671-another-no-barricades-railway-crossing-collision-leaves-two-dead-in-thai-south/?p=8692018#entry8692018

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/779526-hunt-for-woman-gang-leader-after-italian-tourist-stabbed-in-phuket/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782704-bus-crash-kills-driver-injures-15-on-phetkasem-highway/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/784155-five-chinese-tourists-severely-injured-in-phang-nga-bus-accident/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/784139-russian-pedestrian-shot-by-police-as-they-chase-two-bag-snatchers-in-jomtien/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/784740-bus-crash-in-surat-thani-province-injures-21-people-three-seriously/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/784993-three-truck-pile-up-kills-driver;-43-hurt-in-bus-smash-in-thailand/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/786005-13-rescued-after-phuket-cruise-boat-hits-rock/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/786089-norwegian-tourist-fatally-injured-by-speed-boat-rotors-near-koh-tao/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/787240-one-child-dies-25-injured-in-school-bus-crash-in-chiang-rai/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/787670-indian-tourists-killed-in-van-crash-on-elevated-road-to-suvarnabhumi-airport/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/787882-tour-bus-crashes-in-phuket-10-hurt/

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Three-Myanmar-killed-six-people-injured-in-van-cra-30251673.html

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792363-seven-people-killed-in-van-accident-in-songkhla/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793620-cement-truck-rams-into-phuket-food-shops/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793933-thats-the-way-they-drive-here/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793933-thats-the-way-they-drive-here/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794117-1-dead-15-injured-in-horrific-east-pattaya-road-crash/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794583-korean-tourist-bus-crash-leaves-one-dead-in-chiang-rai/

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/19-hurt-two-seriously-in-pickup-collision-30252763.html

http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/84378

http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/bus-crash-khao-kor-kills-three

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/798621-12-tourists-injured-in-samui-island-road-accident/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799035-7-injured-in-minivan-crash-in-north-pattaya/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799821-one-killed-three-injured-in-multi-vehicle-phuket-crash/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/800716-four-hong-kong-tourists-severely-injured-in-road-accident-in-chon-buri

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801354-three-french-tourist-injured-after-phuket-tour-van-flips/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/802250-several-chinese-tourists-injured-in-patong-accident/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/802250-several-chinese-tourists-injured-in-patong-accident/#entry9100460

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/802433-around-the-world-cyclist-killed-near-korat/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/802806-man-killed-in-phuket-crash/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804998-20-passengers-injured-in-thai-tour-bus-accident/

http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/98700

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/806000-several-farang-tourists-injured-in-van-crash/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/806775-two-women-killed-and-five-other-people-injured-in-car-pile-up/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/807888-east-pattaya-fatal-hit-and-run-road-crash/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/807926-two-russian-tourists-injured-by-fleeing-pickup/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/808803-one-dead-four-seriously-injured-in-three-vehicle-smash-north-of-phuket/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809168-three-killed-17-injured-as-van-rams-at-back-of-parked-bus-in-isaan/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811756-three-chinese-tourists-dead-as-tour-bus-crashes-off-phuket-hill/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812067-two-dead-in-early-morning-phuket-crash/

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Speeding-bus-causes-5-vehicle-pile-up-crash-at-int-30257047.html

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814705-phuket-tour-bus-overturns-in-krabi/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814999-family-believed-to-be-from-phuket-killed-in-songkhla-crash/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815282-10-passengers-injured-when-tour-bus-hit-earth-mound/

[papa al]

Stop making sense.

[Happy Grumpy]

First get speedlimiters on all the minivans, and electronic devices that stop them from tailgating, actually first just ban all drivers from South-East Asia. They haven't made the leap from buffalo cart of motorized vehicle gracefully. But to be fair, they've pretty much only had two generations to do it.

[WingNut]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I highly doubt it.. besides smaller bikes still cause far more mayhem. It would be good if big bikes would get more rights. I hope the big bike manufacturers will push for that (unlikely too).

I wish the big bike companies would petition to allow big bikes on toll roads. I just bought a Ninja 2 weeks ago and found it difficult trying to navigate way back home in Bangkok, trying to avoid the toll roads.

I wasn't aware of the rule until wifey pointed it out to me when I was making the turn to the expressway entry.

I'm trying to find out the reason for this ruling. Wifey found that there was a petition previously with >10K signatures; apparently this was rejected by government.

I've been riding bike bikes for >30 years in various countries and baffled why we can't do the same here in LOS.

Not only the toll roads mate but also lots of bridges are off limits and also some underpasses.

Flyovers too. My friend often rides down Rama 3 and goes over the Rama 4 Road flyover by Siriket Convention center. They often have a trap when he gets down on the other side and nick him for 100-200 Baht.

[WingNut]

How about limiting the noise big bikes make?

Lots of small bikes make a lot of noise too, not just big bikes.

Anyway, the law's in place regarding excessive noise. Just not enforced well.

Yes, there is a legal 95 decibel limit: http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=th&u=http://fixedbikeworld.weebly.com/360736563629360436333591-3648361136213637365636183609360736563629----3612363636043585359936273617363436183627361936393629365236173656.html&prev=search

[Gweiloman]

First get speedlimiters on all the minivans, and electronic devices that stop them from tailgating, actually first just ban all drivers from South-East Asia. They haven't made the leap from buffalo cart of motorized vehicle gracefully. But to be fair, they've pretty much only had two generations to do it.

You were making sense until the end of your first sentence. Ban all drivers from SEA? Why stop there? Why not all of Asia including China and India? Why not Russia and all former Soviet bloc countries? Add in also Australia (they might have ridden hundreds upon thousands of km's but considering that there is very little traffic even in the cities much less in the outback, quantity does not equate to quality).

How about Americans and Europeans? After all, they drive on the wrong side of the road, like that blonde American girl down in Pattaya. That pretty much leaves just the Brits. Ban them too, seeing how crap their football team is.

I hope for your sake you don't ride or drive here in Thailand. The nonsense you see daily on the roads will give you a nervous breakdown, haha.

[wow64]

I read on a thai news website that the government is thinking of banning people under 30 from riding big bikes.

Edited April 7, 2015 by wow64

[WingNut]

I read on a thai news website that the government is thinking of banning people under 30 from riding big bikes.

With 80 lives lost on the road every single day in Thailand, perhaps they should ban everyone who learned to drive in this country from being permitted to drive any vehicles at all. Seriously, that would save 80 lives per day. If they want to improve safety on the roads that would make a big difference

If you think I am joking, see here:

http://asiancorrespondent.com/131679/thailand-road-deaths/

Edited April 7, 2015 by WingNut

[Anthony5]

Not sure if they mean change the speed limit, or actually restrict the bikes via ECU etc.

Changing the speed limit won't make any difference other than a few more opportunities for the corrupt BIB to extort cash. Actually restricting the bikes would be impossible and extremely dangerous, imagine getting tailgated by Somchai in his Fortuner and not being able to accelerate...

Just another official speaking before they think IMO.

that the speed of big bike will limit at 80-90 km/hr in BKK and Pattaya area.

This is the clue that it has nothing to do with restricting the bike, or are there chips that only work when you cross a certain city border?

Edited April 8, 2015 by seedy
font

[Rhys]

How about limiting the noise big bikes make?

Lots of small bikes make a lot of noise too, not just big bikes.

Anyway, the law's in place regarding excessive noise. Just not enforced well.

Yes, there is a legal 95 decibel limit: http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=th&u=http://fixedbikeworld.weebly.com/360736563629360436333591-3648361136213637365636183609360736563629----3612363636043585359936273617363436183627361936393629365236173656.html&prev=search

Wingnut,

Thanks, I had always wondered about this..but as you say, enforcement is lax and tea money required.

Cheers

On the pegs