Public oppose ban on motorbikes less than 100 cc

The owners of motorbikes less than 100 cc are at discomfort as the Transport department has stopped the registration of such motorbikes. Showrooms selling motorbike brands with less than 100 cc have worn a deserted look.

The owners of the showrooms are terrified at the thought of the possible loss. The sudden decision by the Transport department has created aggression among the public.

There are about 20,000 motorbikes with less than 100 cc. As per the order passed by the transport commissioner, Bengaluru, on October 13, more than one person cannot travel on the motorbikes less than 100 cc. The registration of such vehicles will only be valid if it is clearly mentioned in the drivers' license that the seating capacity of the vehicle is one and if there is only one seat on the bike. The violation would attract penalty, said Madikeri Transport department official.

Kiran Kumar of Rajarajeshwari Show Room said that 30 to 35 motorbikes of less than 100 cc-Hero HF Deluxe, Hero Splendor Plus, Hero Passion Pro i3s (all 97.2 cc)-were sold in a month. After the ban, the showroom has had no customers. The new showrooms belonging to Hero company in Kushalnagar, Shanivarasanthe and Gonikoppa too, do not have any customers. As the registrations of the purchased bikes have been declared invalid, the customers are in the state of panic. The business is down by 80%. Such motorbikes are generally opted by financially less-privileged, who will face difficulty, Kiran said.

The TVS company has sent an instruction to its showrooms not to receive the bookings for the motorbikes less than 100 cc.

Mahadevapete resident Ramesh said the new rule saying two persons cannot travel on a bike having less than 100 cc is not fair. There will be a requirement of another motorbike which will increase traffic density and pollution, he said. The traffic congestion due to tourist vehicles in the city is high anyway, he felt. The rich may purchase cars. What should the poor do, he wanted to know. The government should, instead, impose a ban on the private and government buses which ferry passengers, more than the required capacities.

RTO superintendent Shivanna said the RTO will check the motorbikes for violations, as per the new order. The reason saying the registration is done before the passing of the order, will not be considered. The registration of motorbikes less than 100 cc has been completely banned in Kodagu as well.