Re: Modifications allowed on BIkes [as per Indian Law]

I have some question guys.
Hello, I live in Mumbai, Maharashtra and I'm looking to modify an old splendor into an electric bike. But i also want to change the look. I want to change the body into more sportier look. Change the front and rear suspension, change the headlight, the wheels, and most things. I read that i can't modify the chassis, but can i bolt anything ti the chassis? I basically want to make it into a new bike but need it to be street legal. Will the R. T. O give permission for such changes? Is it possible to do so? And if yes then what will be my bounds? Please help me with this. Thank you.

Re: Modifications allowed on BIkes [as per Indian Law]

Technically, you are not allowed to do much. Yes you can bolt something, but it should not change the overall design of the motorcycle.
And as far as I know, "modify an old splendor into an electric bike" is also illegal as per RTO and your RC will become invalid.
If you like to modify things, go ahead with it. Legal permission for the same won't be applicable for most of the cases.

Your plan is quite interesting though. Good luck.

Re: Modifications allowed on BIkes [as per Indian Law]

But then how do those custom shops do it then? They change the entire look of the bike and some of them even make entire new bikes. If they can make new bikes then there should be a way to customize an old bike right? Can you give me any insight about that please?

Re: Modifications allowed on BIkes [as per Indian Law]

Understand one thing, we are living in a country where the traffic police has very little knowledge of law, and we are discussing the paper-book law here.
And yes, those modifications are illegal, just as much as ride a motorcycle without a valid RC and Insurance paper.
Theoretically, there is no law on someone opening a custom shop, but if you change the frame, design, engines of a machine, that machine is no longer street legal.
But there are many vehicles even without a valid document run on India, the law is there, but it is not strict enough. It's difficult a point out a electric splendor among thousand petrol splendor. Got the clue?

Re: Modifications allowed on BIkes [as per Indian Law]

So, i could just make myself a bike and then ride it and hope i don't get pulled over? And if I do i just have to show the papers of the old bike which looks nothing like my modified bike and hope that the traffic police doesn't know the laws regarding modifications? Is that what you're saying? Would that work?

Re: Modifications allowed on BIkes [as per Indian Law]

I hope it will. I can not think of a way to legalize the motorcycle through RTO.
Keep the exhaust stock, fit no auxiliary dazzling light, follow traffic signals and I hope there will be very little possibility that you get noticed for your modifications.
Keep your fingers crossed.

----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

BTW do keep us posted about the project. Non conventional fuels are going to be the future of motorcycling someday.
Damn I don't want to ride without a gear.

Re: Modifications allowed on BIkes [as per Indian Law]

The practical situation is such that in different areas of the country, the police have different tolerance levels.

In Rajasthan, you can get away with pretty much everything except a loud exhaust, which again, you might get away. Except for capital city of Jaipur.
In Eastern areas, you're likely to have similarly liberal police, not counting Kolkata.
In Karnataka, you're more likely to fall in trouble as you go up the cc levels, even if you do nothing wrong. The police is relatively stricter. Also, you're more likely to fall in trouble with an out of state bike. Also, check out if there are police checking drives going on from local media, because that could mean problem even if you ride bone stock.

When the situation is at its worst, I'm sorry to say even your riding gear can get you into trouble. Welcome to India.
Roughly the only person who can break rules easily is a poor helmetless middle aged man with his wife and 4 children as pillion, riding a fourth-hand Boxer 100.


So, no general rule exists. But we can give some pointers:-

1. Try cosmetic modifications that look classy, without modifying the parts themselves. Add ons are ok. You can go for weight saving but essentials like fenders, etc better be there.

2. Performance? Instead of aftermarket exhaust, try an intake system/ filter (with precautions in place, as extra dirt may kill the engine). They're easy to hide as they're not visible like an exhaust is, plus the sound doesn't change as much.
A policeman passing by? Relax the throttle, and there, the sound is stock like.
A little better is to have a big bore kit installed, if you can actually get a good one. I remember, someone told me that Pulsar 220's bore piston kit makes a 150 a 200... mighty huge gain considering its just a big piston and bore, right? Most Policemen can't detect that even up close. But remember, a close eye can observe it, and also, for safety, the rest of your machine is on a lower level of brakes, frame, etc.

3. Try LED lights on indicators and rear brake lights, but avoid headlights. Try the regulation 55/60W halogen bulb, if you're on a 35W setup right now.

4. If policemen appear, just talk with a smile. Address them as "sir". And be defensive, never offensive. Sometimes, things are lot easier than they seem. I've myself escaped out of tricky situations as a group leader of 40 bikers!


Still, I would encourage you guys to not indulge in any modification, including cosmetics ones because your Registration papers mention even the colour of your bike. Rest, its upto you.

Re: Modifications allowed on BIkes [as per Indian Law]

Agreed.

Modifications allowed on BIkes [as per Indian Law]? Nothing is allowed if one reads the fine print.

Re: Modifications allowed on BIkes [as per Indian Law]

Modification and fining differs from state to state. The strictest state, which would fine even for a small modification or even a go pro on your helmet would be kerala .They would stop and fine you for anything possible. I'm from TN and I'm running a full exhaust system on my CBR 250r the past year you can say. Not had any issues with police in my state. Mainly as I'm running a db killer with the exhaust, where it's not overly loud to grab attention but then loud enough for blind motorists,drivers or pedestrians to know your behind them.

Re: Modifications allowed on BIkes [as per Indian Law]


I sold off my Karizma ZMR 1.5 years back, remember I used to ask and share about it with you?

So I bought Dominar 400 last year, I like everything about it EXCEPT the narrow headlights. 6 months back I was going on a highway which had no street lamps and tall shrubbery on the divider path. Suddenly a cow (which was standing on the divider) started crossing the road in front of me, my speed was around 90 kmph and I only saw it when it was exactly in front of me! Stock headlight is bright but too narrow like a projector. ABS saved me, allowed to brake and swerve at the same time. That day I decided to get auxiliary lamps no matter what.

Finally I got 2 bright projector LED lamps and installed it on the crash guard. They are slightly brighter than stock headlight and the spread is insanely good, almost as if I am driving a car. But I know it's illegal and now I have to avoid traffic cops as far as possible.

Few people have mentioned that putting a cover on the aux lights will prevent from fines? Others have suggested that it's legal to install aux lights IF they are at a lower height than the stock headlight? I doubt it's true still can you confirm?

Re: Modifications allowed on BIkes [as per Indian Law]

Here is something new...People are being fined for aftermarket handlebars. The Himalayan owner described here seems to have the AOM type handlebars fitted and has been fined for it. So gentlemen riding through Kerala beware. Has anyone in this forum encountered this...Plz share

Re: Modifications allowed on BIkes [as per Indian Law]

Congratulations on the Domi 400.

No, sadly no covers would help. Even cars with mon standard aux lamps (irrespective of caps) are held by cops desperate to make a buck.

Also, with newer pedestrian protection norms (especially for cars), such external lights (bars/bulbs) pose additional issues.
For bikes, aftermarket or modified headlamps must not be below the cowl/console.

As far as caps or covers go they don't provide any additional protection from cops, except maybe not look so obvious from afar.