“success” of the system according to the government, despite the “boycott” of bikers

Finally becoming mandatory after many twists and turns on April 15, the technical inspection of two-wheelers is gradually adopted, as best it can, despite the discontent of bikers who have widely called for its boycott. In total, “around 800,000 category L vehicles” – that is to say motorized two or three-wheelers, as well as motorized quadricycles and other carts without a license – have already passed the inspection, “including 621,450 motorcycles”according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Transport, as of November 27. A number that “therefore appears satisfactory compared to the estimates”supports the entourage of Minister François Durovray, even evoking the “success” of the device, and all the more “for a first year”.

A first positive assessment therefore, which contrasts with that of the bikers. They, whose voice is carried by the French Federation of Angry Bikers (FFMC), ensure that their mobilization against what they consider to be racketeering is paying off. “Less than 500,000 motorcycles presented themselves for technical inspection, out of a fleet of 4.6 million insured motorized two-wheelers, half of which should theoretically have passed through the caudine forks of inspection in 2024”, they assure. Either “80% non-participation”. One level “which demonstrates the broad opposition of bikers to this measure”, explained the FFMC in a press release published on November 27, which maintains that technical control as “that it is designed today does not meet users’ expectations”.

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Deep-rooted discontent

“We have had some fairly glaring examples of a complete lack of understanding of “auto” technical controllers on “motorcycle” equipment”protests Éric Thiollier, host of the FFMC network, who reminds us that they just need to obtain “provisional approval” After “only 34 hours of training” to be authorized to carry out these checks. This is based on a certain number of testimonies from motorcyclists who have entrusted their two-wheelers to technical inspection, collected on the “Raconte-moi ton MOT” platform. “There are motorcycles that stall because there is play on the brake discs, but they are called floating discs. It's normal that there is some play, they are even built for it.he laments. Before concluding: “We are not satisfied with this absurd decision to impose a motorcycle technical inspection.”

An opinion widely shared by bikers, who proclaim their love for their mount which they would not allow to be damaged under any circumstances. “The vast majority of motorcyclists are aware that maintaining their motorcycle is the basis of safety”notes Clément, owner of a 2005 Kawasaki Z750. He “haven’t seen any bikers with slick tires or worn brake pads yet”. “We had better worry about the state of the roads”says Franck, who drives a 1981 BMW R100. A motorcycle “collectible” according to him, but who does not have the status, and who, as such, must pass the technical inspection. “I would agree if all the money raised was used to maintain the roads and secure everything that is dangerous for two-wheelers such as slippery white lines, manhole covers, potholes, barriers guillotines. But as it stands, general boycott”continues Clément.

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“9 to 10% of faulty technical controls”

A speech that is quite inaudible to professionals in the sector, who explain that the results of the first checks prove that two-wheelers require better maintenance. “There are on average 9 to 10% of faulty technical controls”points out Bernard Bourrier, CEO of Autovision, who ensures that“one in ten motorcyclists have a problem” and mostly “at the level of the tires”. And this, even though he believes he is forced to realize “degraded technical control” as the brakes are not tested. Unlike cars, two-wheelers cannot pass on braking benches “not suitable”. In addition, the boss of this network of 1,050 control centers – a third of which is equipped for two-wheelers – is satisfied with the “attendance rate”Who “correspond to the number of vehicles in circulation” et “at the volumes actually expected”.

Same observation from the Ministry of Transport, convinced that the number of counter-visits shows “all the usefulness” of this new technical control. “More than one vehicle in ten has major faults, and is therefore subject to a second inspection. With an overall rate of 11.7% as of November 27, and 9.5% for motorcycles in the L3 category.we note on the side of the Hôtel de Roquelaure. And among the most common faults are “emissions of pollutants exceeding applicable limits”, “worn and damaged tires” or even “damaged shock absorbers”. In addition, the ministry assures that the figures from the French Federation of Angry Bikers are “wrong” : “Contrary to what the FFMC suggests, the entire fleet of category L vehicles must not carry out its technical inspection in 2024”, but only «environ 1 million».

As a reminder, the entry into force of the system is «progressive»with a first wave this year for vehicles registered before 2017, a second in 2025 for those registered between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019, and a third in 2026 for those registered between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021 . All others, registered from January 1st. 2022, will have to carry out their first inspection “within 4 and a half to 5 years following its entry into circulation”.