There has been plenty of speculation around recently on the exact requirements for motorcycle mudguards and tail tidy's with word of ADR changes.

Recently the Federal Government made changes to these ADR standards, 'removing the requirement that normally led to manufacturers fitting a tail tidy'.

We've just received documentation from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads outlining the new changes that have been made and what you will need to do so that your motorcycle will comply.

Read on as it's another great step from the Federal Government towards removing unnecessary red tape for new and old bikes.  

Transport and Main Roads has produced this vehicle standards instruction which explains the changes that have been made and what you will need to do if you choose to change your motorcycle in line with the revised Australian Design Rule (ADR). What has changed?
 Previous version of the ADR Under the previous version of the ADR, the mudguard fitted to the rear wheel of a motorcycle had to meet the following requirement. To satisfy the requirement, manufacturers would often fit a tail tidy. Revised version of the ADR Under the revised version of the ADR, the mudguard on the rear axles must continue to:

• cover the entire width of the tyre; and 
• protect other road users, as far as practicable, against thrown-up stones, mud, ice, snow and water; and 
• reduce the dangers due to contact with the moving wheels. 
- The 45°angle requirement has been removed.

What does this mean for my motorcycle? If you have a motorcycle that was built to meet the previous version ADR, Transport and Main Roads recommends that you do not modify the mudguards or remove the tail tidy fitted, as this was how the vehicle was built and tested by the manufacturer. However, if your motorcycle was built and fitted with a tail tidy so that it met the 45°angle requirement that was in the previous version of the ADR, you can remove the tail tidy if you choose. If you do, there are a few simple rules you have to follow to make sure your motorcycle stays compliant:

• Only the tail tidy may be removed. Any other part of the body or mudguard must be left fitted to the vehicle. The remaining mudguard (which may include part of the motorcycle’s body that acts as a mudguard) must cover the entire width of the tyre.
• If the number plate for the motorcycle was attached to the tail tidy, you must make sure it is reattached to the motorcycle correctly. The number plate must be visible from 20m at all points within the arcs marked ‘A’
• If you make any other modification to the mudguard of your motorcycle, other than removing the tail tidy, you should talk to an Approved Person (Engineer) who can help you ensure your motorcycle is safe and compliant.

Download the full update document from Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads here. (PDF; 237Kb)