I was quite taken with Triumph's new Thruxton R and was in the mood to splash some cash on a sweet weekend bike such as this. Reading the test of the T120 in Bike magazine the journalist commented on the usual (new bike) poor fuelling caused by meeting EU stage 4 regulations. An easy fix with the right software however, the marketing director was quoted saying the ECU has anti-tamper software mandated by the EU making this impossible.


As most bikers will know, the EU five years ago attempted legislation to criminalise us for making the slightest modification to our own bikes/property, institute a surveillance regime compelling dealers and their mechanics to report us to the authorities and implement draconian penalties such as confiscation of our bikes for transgressions. Needles to say, the UK would gold plate such legislation, as is their way.


Happily, organised protests managed to water down the legislation and limit it to smaller bikes.


Confused, I wrote to the Triumph director quoted and good enough, received the following reply within 24 hours:

Dear Mr xxx


Thank you for making contact and raising the issue of anti-tamper as featured in Bike Magazine. I must also point out that I am marketing manager and not director as quoted!


Triumph ride by wire motorcycles do come with anti-tamper feature, this has been introduced by Triumph ahead of EU legislation coming in. You are correct, it is not mandated at present.


I hope this helps


Kind regards


Haydn

Clearly, Triumph are ahead of the game and know what's coming. Sadly for Triumph (and me) I will not be buying a new Triumph. The only way we can avoid such draconian legislation affecting us here in the UK, improve our bikes and freedoms is to vote leave.

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