Crossers escape emissions ban

Fans of off-road riding can breathe more easily – off-road bikes will escape tough new emission laws – until 2005 at least.

The Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations won the reprieve after it (FEMA) successfully lobbied the European Parliament, arguing that by making off-roaders meet the rules, due to come into force in 2003, the Parliament would cause an ” unreasonable increase in their price ” due to the small numbers which are produced.

Bikes with a minimum seat height of 900mm and ground clearance of at least 310mm are included in the clause.