Helmets
Helmets now have a new
standard, the old British standard although valid has been superceded
by the European standard (ECE22), most helmets in shops and dealers
are road legal, if you have any questions ask the sales person.
Remember when buying a
helmet, a new £50 one (ECE 2205,06), is tested to the same
standard as the £400 one (ECE 2205,06), you pay extra for the
brand name and paint job.
Visor
Some new helmets come
with internal dark visors, these are legal and comply with latest
legislation, new ECE helmets, like Lazer Revolutions and other brand
names such as BMW, ROOF etc; are all legal.
To keep upto date check
it out with BMF.
Fliptop
Flip top helmets can be
used with the fliptop up while driving, there is no
legislation or byelaw or any regulation which outlaws or restricts
the use of the fliptop while in motion, it complies with the latest
ECE safety standards, the helmet was designed tobe used this
way. It would be wise to point out however, you would have tobe
stupid to travel at high speed with the fliptop up, due to the drag
and discomfort exerted on your neck.
The DSA frown upon riders
who drive with the flip front up, and so do some individual police
officers, they see it as possibly unsafe if you get a bug in the eye,
but then what about riding with your visor up, or an open faced
helmet with no visor or retracting visor, retracted? you can't
receive a fine, endorsement or points on your licence it is not
an offence.
The Law & Your Trailer
It's simple, it say's.....towing speed's ...Motorways 60 MPH, Dual Carriageways 60 MPH, all other roads 50 MPH except if other speed resrictions are in force.
Uk legislation was changed in 1984 to allow trailers to be towed by solo motorcycles.
The motorbike, must be more than 125cc.
The gross weight of the trailer and its load must not exceed 150 Kgs or two thirds of the bikes kerbside weight whichever is less.
The motorbike should be marked with its kerbside weight.
The maximum width of the trailer is 1 metre (39 inches)
The maximum length of the trailer is 2.5 metres measured from the motorcycles rear wheel spindle to the end of the trailer.(Most USA imported trailers must be cut down)
The trailer should be marked with it's unladen weight.
The lighting regulations are exactly the same as other trailers of it's size. (a standard lighting board with reflectors)
Some other countries have different laws, however our trailer would normally be allowed as a visitor, but check first.(Spain is totally out of step with the rest of Europe)
Combinations as above except the weight is increased to 254 Kgs.
Tow ball heights should be set at or about 16.5 inches from the ground, which is the European standard.
Electrical connections should be standard 7 pin.