New opportunities for motorcycle modification centers with equipment proposals from CESVI.
By Aftermarket International
Considering the alarming figures of accidents in motorcycles, CESVI, the Center for Experimentation and Road Safety Colombia, evaluated the conditions of motorcycles and how they should be equipped for greater safety.
Thanks to their low cost and versatility, motorcycles are a quick solution for transportation and are the main method of transportation in Colombia.
By 2022, and according to a report by the RUNT (National Single Traffic Registry), Colombia's vehicle fleet was made up of 60% motorcycles, the remaining 40% was divided between cars, buses, dump trucks, trailers and others.
In this context, the study aimed to evaluate the safety equipment of motorcycles marketed in this country, mainly in terms of lighting and brakes, in addition to "contextualizing the motorcycle sector of the reality in accident and mortality figures of this road actor, referencing the main active safety systems that impact the reduction of injuries and deaths worldwide, to raise awareness among government entities of the current problem and to encourage the taking of actions and standards for the commercialization of this type of vehicle, safeguarding the life of the motorcycle driver," said the research coordinator of CESVI Colombia, Juan Gabriel Quiroga.
In the analysis of the total number of motorcycles sold during 2023, CESVI found that 91.2% of the examples did not meet the basic safety features. Compliance with the suggested safety standards with respect to total sales in that year increased to 7.8% compared to 2021. This increase is attributed to improvements in equipment.
So, how should motorcycles be equipped in Colombia? These are the suggestions from CESVI:
Motorcycles with a cylinder capacity of up to 125 cc:
CBS brakes, a system in which the braking power is distributed between both wheels to gain stability, but does not prevent the wheels from locking.
Daytime running lights or lamppost with LED position lights to identify the position of the motorcycle in daytime conditions, improving its visibility against other road actors
LED stop lights that, having a higher intensity compared to halogen lights, improve visibility.
Motorcycles with a cylinder capacity greater than 125 cc: in addition to the above
ABS brakes to maintain control of the motorcycle and maneuver in an emergency braking situation, thanks to which the wheels are prevented from locking.
Rear disc brake.
The study represents an area of opportunity for workshops specialized in motorcycle modification.
"From the assembly of the motorcycles, an opportunity can be given in the issue of implementation of new equipment and safety systems, which leads to the suppliers of these systems supplying the factories with these elements. For example, a supplier of brake system elements can supply the integration of the ABS or CBS system in its product. In the same way, it can occur in manufacturers of lighting systems that can integrate LED technologies," said the research coordinator of CESVI Colombia, Juan Gabriel Quiroga. He also added that the auto parts market is a key player in road safety: "It should be noted that this integration of systems that mitigate deaths and injuries to motorcycle occupants can be given by the auto parts sector itself, which begins to supply these components to have a positive impact on the figures of this road actor."
Among the modifications allowed by Colombian regulation are: modifying the color, appearance or altering the mechanics, as long as it is to improve performance and the pertinent modifications in the vehicle's registration are updated.
The study concludes that, after the analysis of the various brands and models of motorcycles, there is an increase of 7.8% in compliance with suggested safety standards with respect to total sales in 2023 compared to 2021. This increase, mainly noticeable in the 126 to 250 cc segment, is attributed to improvements in the original equipment that motorcycles come with.
However, CESVI emphasizes that when resolution 20223040062115 of October 13, 2022 of the Ministry of Transport is implemented, which requires CBS or ABS brake systems depending on the cylinder capacity, they will also continue to suggest improvements in lighting systems.
Engineer Juan Carlos Ovalle, research director of CESVI Colombia, highlighted: "CESVI establishes a baseline based on the requirements of motorcycles that will enter the European market, which establishes active safety systems (ABS, CBS), disc brakes hopefully on both wheels and with this the possibility of reducing accidents by having this equipment."
It is important to note that, although improvements in active safety equipment are crucial, they are not the only factor that influences the reduction of accidents. Other aspects such as road conditions and, above all, the human factor, must be addressed to reduce the numbers of injured and deceased motorcyclists, as well as other vulnerable users affected in collisions with motorcycles.
