BVI News

Plans to increase bike engine capacity to 600cc | Not all bikers will be allowed to ride

Though there are plans to possibly allow motorcycles with engine capacities of up to 600 cubic centimetres (CC) into the territory, not all riders will be permitted to operate these larger bikes.

This is according to the head of the police Traffic Division, Sergeant Augustus Bruce who said the proposal to increase the territory’s motorcycle CC limit is still at the conceptualization stage.

Currently, motorcycles with an engine capacity of more than 125 CCs are not permitted in the territory. But, Sergeant Bruce told BVI News in a recent interview that motorcyclists will have to fulfil certain criteria to be eligible to upgrade to more powerful bikes, whenever the increase happens.

“The age will be a factor, his/her driving experience and what size cycle he/she intends to ride will also be a factor because it’s not everybody who will be qualified from a 125 to a 600. So all those factors will be factorized into the equation when it comes to the issuing of the license,” Sergeant Bruce said.

The top traffic cop added: “I’m of the opinion — and I would hope that will be the trend — that persons would go back to the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) where they will do the motorcycle test … on the cycle for which they want to ride to ensure the competency of that rider.”

“A motorcycle is a separate class, it is different from a regular license in that the manoeuvre is different. So, therefore, it takes a person with specific skills to mind a scooter than to sit still in a car and drive, so all these factors have to take into consideration when upgrading a person from a 125 license to a 600,” he further said.

A lot of unlicensed scooter riders in BVI

Sergeant Bruce also told BVI News there are “a lot” of motor scooters on the territory’s roadways that are neither insured or licensed.

“Even the riders do not have motorcycle licenses. Most persons say they do not know that you need a motorcycle license to ride a motorcycle,” Sergent Bruce said.

Since being elected into government, both Premier Andrew Fahie, as well as Transportation Minister Kye Rymer, noted plans to allow larger motorcycles in the BVI. Just last month, Rymer stated in the House of Assembly that his ministry was currently reviewing the engine capacity restrictions on the importation of motorcycles.

A month prior to the minister’s announcement, Commissioner of Police Michael Matthews had said he believes the BVI should improve its road network and develop a comprehensive safety programme before larger motorcycles are introduced in the territory.

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94 Comments

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  1. Is that Sense?! says:

    This is not necessary and the Minister.will be signing his people’s death warrant. They don’t police the small bikes they have and they want bigger bikes. Look at the stats on injuries and deaths….those attributed to bikes is out the roof…look how many riding without helmets, insurance, licence …overtaking on the left, webbing and weaving in traffic and running red lights. Noise pollution. Unnecessary accidents. Use for crime. What is wrong with the leadership…BVI DONT NEED THIS!!. If anything bikes should be banned again. SAVE LIVES!!

    Like 63
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  2. BS! says:

    No, no, no, a million times no. The roads are in a generally poor state of repair, the speed limit is 50mph and you can drive from one end of the island to the other in less than 1 hour. Why would we want or need bigger bikes?

    Like 42
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    • Fool fool says:

      Well if 125CC is causing such a nuisance to this so-called “Nature’s Little Secret” imagine what they’ll be doing with 600??

      Like 36
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    • Larry Shaft says:

      We can carry cement and blocks in a small truck, why do we need big trucks?

      Like 21
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      • Stupid says:

        That statement was unbelievably stupid. Why larger trucks because you carry more, one trip in lieu of many, more productive, less fuel, less harm to the environment. Larger motorcycle? More people? No. More noise? Yes. More fuel? Yes. More stupid African dying? Yes. Hoorah

        Like 8
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        • Derek Meech says:

          I think what Larry Shaft was trying to say is that the larger displacement bikes are genuinely safer than the smaller ones in terms of technology used and better safety devices to support the extra weight of said vehicle, I’m 250lbs and a 125cc struggles to get me up the mountain terrains of the island, especially fort hill and joe’s hill

          Like 16
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        • Tosh says:

          We sat outside Pussers in town last night and saw a bike that must have been at least a 750cc shoot away from a few other bikes, revving the engine almost to the point of destruction. How can he be on the road with that machine, never mind the fact that he was driving so ridiculously?

    • Fallacy says:

      Based on this argument, lets ban Large jeeps and fast cars. They heavier, faster and have more power than even a 1000CC bike

      Like 8
      Dislike 10
  3. Correct me if I am wrong. says:

    “Even the riders do not have motorcycle licenses. Most persons say they do not know that you need a motorcycle license to ride a motorcycle,” Sergent Bruce said…. So why are only the residents ticketed for the offences of driving a scooter without a “M” class license , but non-residents who are visiting can ride a scooter without a motorcycle license? Is it not the Law of The Virgin Islands?

    Like 9
    Dislike 4
  4. Motorcyclist says:

    This is madness. The idiots Who refused to wear a helmet clearly don’t understand anything about Road regulations, split lanes go through red lights and do wheelies in the middle of the road. Everyone of these kids should have their bikes confiscated

    Like 36
    Dislike 2
    • the Duff says:

      Peter paying for Paul and Paul paying for all, there’s riders who follow all the laws but doesn’t get recognize because of the mischievous riders.

      Like 21
      Dislike 1
      • Exactly says:

        The ones who follow the rules of bike riding is getting shaft for the idiots who is messing things up. Tortola and the roads is not equipt to handle this type of thing.

    • Rubber Ducks says:

      And the cops are in the doughnut shop.

      Like 4
      Dislike 1
  5. vip heckler says:

    This was a promise to fool the youth for the young votes

    Like 14
    Dislike 5
  6. Wow says:

    Are you funk and crazy?
    Most of them can not drive a 125cc properly.
    More accident to come, that’s for sure

    Like 17
    Dislike 4
  7. school children says:

    DAH MEK SENSE ?

  8. granny says:

    “dead man enough”

    Like 8
    Dislike 1
  9. granny says:

    “t’ain’t going got enough living to bury the dead”

    Like 10
    Dislike 1
  10. Meh Son says:

    This is a VERY backward decision. Motorcyclist, for the most part, are already so careless on the road. The last thing you want to do is give them bigger bikes.

    Also, it not important that not all will be permitted to ride. How many of those riding currently are licensed and insured to ride the bikes they are on? Very few, and they get a pass because they are not down islanders or expats.

    Like 23
    Dislike 3
  11. LMAO says:

    I didn’t realize BVINews had a comedy column!! We cannot control these little scooters in terms of proper licensing, insurance, safety, age limits etc. but we will magically be able to control bikes that are almost 5 times more powerful? Good luck.

    Like 23
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  12. So... says:

    Where are the public meetings for input on this? They fool people off with the status meetings, bus transportation meetings, education meetings but on this one, they already decided they are raising the CC limit on the bikes. VIP this will be another Biwater fiasco around your neck, don’t say you haven’t been warned. Focus on building the Territory instead of setting up the young men in particular for early graves!!!

    Like 19
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  13. Agree says:

    Please move forward with this initiative and don’t mind the noise.

    Like 10
    Dislike 15
  14. Truth says:

    Unless the sitting government pushes this initiative then it will not happen because certain key technocrats trying to kill it.

  15. Canadian says:

    Coming from a background of racing motorcycles in my early 20s I can tell you the death toll is going to go through the roof. These modern motorcycles can go from 0 to 100 miles an hour in under 10 seconds I hope this new policy is in conjunction with a huge expansion at Peebles hospital

    Like 17
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    • prakash says:

      Everyone is not into racing and speeding, it’s just a case of few bad apples spoiling the bunch.. some just like the advantage of having adequate power to commute

      Like 13
      Dislike 10
      • Remco says:

        Its the other way around. Only a few observe the rules of the road. 90% of them are always speeding.

        Like 2
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      • Canadian says:

        You mean the 2 idiots who zoomed into town today no helmuts drove onto the curb to pass traffic

        Oh yes BVI STRONG

  16. Amazing says:

    This is what happens when you win by any means necessary. They lied. They schemed. They slandered. They caused division and they made promises Willy nilly just to get votes. No real plans for the country. With all the important things that need to be done in the country, increasing bike speed and size is on the top of their priority list. They want to increase the bike limit but decrease the pass mark for exam. These people are amazing! We voted for them so it’s our cross to carry.

    Like 18
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  17. Be Careful What You Do says:

    I am totally against this plan of upgrading the bikes limit from 125cc to 600 cc. Lets look at the statics of motor sccoter/bikes accidents. How then are driven by those individuals on the roads and the foolishness they does, I am begging as a former Law enforcer please dont make a decision they you have to regret for the rest of your life,
    I see deaths and more accidents, please, please dont play a deaf ear to all the warnings that is going forth, Too late shall be the cry. The Police and Government has enough to deal with already, we dont need any family to be crying because of a love one they loose , Please. I do hope that all state holders involved in this serious decision will seek God and do the right thing. Let it not be said to the end if i had know,

    Like 9
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  18. The Truth says:

    If the idiot them want to dead, let them dead. What you saying VI people don’t have common sense?

    Like 5
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  19. GixxerJay says:

    So much negativity and ignorance in these comments. Needless to say, I hope bigger bikes are allowed. It may be one of the solutions to our traffic and parking problems. Plus these larger bikes are safer as they have power better suited for climbing our steep hills and much better braking systems than any 125cc motorcycle/scooter on the road today. Please educate yourselves before posted ignorance.

    Like 14
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    • Bunny Wailer says:

      Preach! half of the individuals commenting never rode a motorcycle in their life to know the ins and outs of a motorcycle with different engine displacements……e.g you wouldn’t put the same brakes and suspension of a car in a 3 yard truck,etc

      Like 8
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    • Rubber Duck says:

      Civilised countries are trying to rid themselves of these public nuisance death traps.

      Like 1
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  20. hit the nail on the head says:

    Honourable Minister, did you get the statistics of the injuries and hospital bills of the scooter accidents for the last ten years? Please get the data from the Hospital and from the RVIPF before making this decision! Pleaaasssseeeeee….read the data. We cannot afford the expense! The NHI scheme is already drained!

    Like 9
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  21. Gsxr says:

    The BVI is one dumb back word place??‍♂️Can’t with here no more setta ignorant people.. stop making decisions for people. It’s there decision to make… and were the only on in the world with this dumb a** law.. only 125 cc allowed??‍♂️. And is some a ayo does cause these deaths with ayo can’t drive mudas***ts ?… legalize err thing 125-1000……. drop and stretch.. tola goin be fun.. and we could put on a show for the tourists ?

    Like 1
    Dislike 23
    • Gandalf says:

      Yup – perfect snap shot of this island’s mentality that pretty much tells you all you need to know about the subject!

    • Tourist says:

      As a tourist, I have no say in what your goverment does, nor should I. But on a Sunday afternoon, driving through Cane Garden Bay, there was a group of scooter riders that scared the crap out of me. There was probably 50+ scooters riding together.

      They were doing wheelie, weaving in and out of their lane and going fast. I thought for sure one of them was going to come through my front windshield.

      I don’t think the tourist want you to put a show on for them, at least not this one!

      Like 8
      Dislike 1
  22. What!!!! says:

    Before allowing bigger bikes how about all the small ones are 1 -Insured 2 -the riders wear helmets as per law 3- the riders obey the law and stop riding like fools weaving in and out of traffic ,wheeles. etc. and most importantly have functioning mufflers so as not to disturb everyone.You think a small bike makes a lot of noise imagine a 600cc.

    Like 11
  23. nalyd says:

    Since we have been with the 125cc for so long, I support incremental change. Raise it to 300cc first and have a set time before you review it again. Most 600cc bikes have the capacity for up to 1000cc engines, so there would be absolutely no control. 250-300cc bikes have the ability to get up our hills with reasonable power, so that could be a first step.

    Like 7
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    • Isaac Hunt says:

      Nah fam, 600 is life.
      What 600 bike do you know that can fit a 1000 engine without chopping up the frame? name the make and model…asking for a friend.

      If you’re talking about modding frames then one can already fit a 600 engine into a 125 bike. its not done because its illegal and extremely costly/difficult to do.

      you are another example of a non biker talking about things you know little to nothing of.

      • Jim Wolf says:

        Modifications of a smaller bike with a bigger engine is highly dangerous because the frame, suspension and brakes cant manage that extra power/weight for extended periods of time

        just lift the ban and put regulations into place just like any other vehicles

        i don’t know whats the big issue with bikers, reckless drivers are in every aspect, we have individuals who don’t even have a captain license sailing waters at ridiculous speeds in go fast boats ans no one bats a eye, Big Trucks speeding throughout the island with loud mufflers no one bats a eye, But God forbid u ride a motorcycle over 30 mph then the wrath of the community shall be upon you

        Like 9
        Dislike 3
        • Spider man says:

          Meester, finally somebody with sense. Police can better regulate the bike because they will know what is registered to who. much better than our current big bike situation. Motorcycles are like the herb, you can stop them for entering and being used in the country…its not hurting anybody….so just legalize the thing and done.

          Like 3
          Dislike 2
      • nalyd says:

        @Isaac Hunter,I’m not sure how you can just figure I’m a non biker because of my comment. I actually am a biker and I know that you can fit a GSX R 1000cc into a 600 cc frame with mou ting brackets, no mods.i see you conveniently ignored the main point of my post though, which was incremental steps. You seem to be the expert though.

        • Isaac Hunt says:

          Your point about incremental steps was ignored because its BS…just like the BS you’re spouting about gsxr 600 frames being able to fit a 1000 without cutting. You’re talking to someone that actually has a gsxr. Before I go, let me leave you with some words of wisdom. “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt.”

          Like 2
          Dislike 1
  24. strupes says:

    I say leave it how it is until they start to ride with sense…A 125cc can well get up the hill because it have scooters belle vue, meyers, carrot bay and cane garden bay…Who ayo trying to fool??

    Like 3
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    • Seven cashaintgoingso says:

      Yes because the riders have to modify their 125cc to add more power to climb those hills, then the population complains bikes are to loud, purchase a factory 125cc and tell me how many cars pass u along the journey climbing those hills

    • Dead Molungo says:

      you ever tried riding a 125 up a long steep hill? No, I’m sure. Hearing the scooter’s little 125 bawling bloody murder while having some a**hole in in an SUV ride ya tailpipe is not a safe feeling.
      HYMC

      Like 8
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  25. mosa says:

    Y’all ain’t got more important things to do buddy.Hurricane season here.Free the Cannabis for example.

    Like 4
    Dislike 1
  26. OZYMANDIAS says:

    Show of likes….how much people believe majority of the scooter/bike riders are full idiots and half dim wits? The accidents will be SPECTACULAR. The CARNAGE will be video worthy. I for one caaaan’t wait.

    Like 7
    Dislike 6
  27. Jane says:

    This is a bad decision on so many levels. As most bloggers have noted the road conditions, the enforcement of existing road rules, the competency of riders all mean we’ll see many people in the grave. Aside from that, environmentally, we should all be moving away from the internal combustion engine to electric vehicles. We have wonderful solar resources here but we do not harness them. Government needs to be incentivising the import of electric vehicles by making zero duty, requiring all new buildings to be built with charging ports, introducing charging ports in existing locations etc. Oh yes, and ensuring that there is a proper public transport option with a comprehensive bus service. I was hoping this new government might not be as wrong-headed as the last but I fear my hopes have been misplaced. Remember, we are supposed to be Nature’s Little Secrets.

    Like 2
    Dislike 1
    • Tarzan says:

      I dont want no Nissan Leaf and tesla that i have to plug in like a samsung Galaxy, Give my Suzuki Hayabusa and let me enjoy life plz

      Like 3
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  28. Carli says:

    I thought this was already done. Those big bikes are on the road. I am enjoying them too. One passed me on fort hill last night like a jet – fascinating!

  29. BVISLANDER says:

    A dumb move. The thieves will continue to steal these bikes from the neighboring USVI. Moreover they will be up and down making noise and being a nuisance on these big bikes Erving their engines just for the fun of it. As if this VIP doesn’t have enough thing ps that could be done to better the BVI instead of this crap.

    Like 4
    Dislike 1
    • LittleBigMan says:

      thieves will steal regardless of whether bikes become legal or not. The police can enforce the law against noise pollution…don’t have one? make one.

  30. Lilly says:

    While we are on larger bikes and boats etc. Why is it that people are allowed to park their boats on the road. Sometimes there is a boat on either side of the road going up Fort Hill (just before the bar) making the traffic a one way. this is unfair to the motorists, and someone needs to look into these types of nuisances. The roads in the BVI are already narrow and people are allowed to park boats on them. Please look into this.

    • Monkey Magic says:

      This is a issue Lower estate also,that whole stretch from Dareos till around Simmonds pre school is a boat yard. there’s more boats on the streets than in the ocean

    • The Peggist says:

      Guh siddung ya ms. you ain see this is bike talk?

      Like 2
      Dislike 1
  31. well sah says:

    The BVI is fast becoming the wild wild west (a cowboy town) ANYTHING GOES

    Like 4
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  32. Haha says:

    Some people are so stupid and stuck in their ways. They refuse to accept anything new. They are still stuck in prehistoric times. They expect the BVI to be a bird sanctuary and not develop and be modernized. Nearly everything that is abused can be dangerous but we cannot limit ourselves due to fear. Just because someone has a big bike or big bikes are allowed doesn’t mean that it is automatic that someone would go beyond the speed limit. It is also common every now and again that people with race cars rev up and accelerate at high speeds on long stretches of the road and it would be foolish to suggest that cars be banned. Road Safety laws should be enforced when one breaks the law.

    Like 5
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    • Canadian says:

      Ha Ha I used to race high-performance Motorcycles in Canada in my youth on tracks not on the street and I can tell you with complete certainty that the people I witness doing wheelies and lane splitting here don’t have a single skill whatsoever. In fact there are defiant of rules In a large majority of the morons do not wear a helmet with a motorcycle that can do 100 miles an hour in six seconds without a helmet you will have complete certainty of 100% Death

  33. Tosh says:

    We sat outside Pussers in town last night and saw a bike that must have been at least a 750cc shoot away from a few other bikes, revving the engine almost to the point of destruction. How can he be on the road with that machine, never mind the fact that he was driving so ridiculously?

  34. Tourist says:

    Well, all those near misses we have had on the hills, will become big hits instead. There is no way the heavier, faster biks will be able to swerve like the scooters always do… Another tourist signing out of visiting. I do not wish to put my family at risk. Thank you

  35. Son of the soil says:

    Wow.with the increase i hope the rider have the sense to wear helmet and comply with the safety regulations.

  36. Hit and run 600cc says:

    Perfect murder weapon/getaway vehicle

    Like 1
    Dislike 1
  37. Canadian says:

    Brilliant Idea to save tax revenue

    Close the DMV and let’s all the staff go

    The police do not enforce and helmet laws, speeding, lane splitting, running red lights, or a hundred other offenses by our lively youth So let us not pretend that DMV Serves any useful purpose

  38. Jahlove says:

    Ok,listen up people. As a motorcyclist at heart I could tell you first hand that there’s pro and cons to bigger displacement bikes. Firstly,higher displacement does not always mean more speed. You can have a BMW 1300cc touring motorcycle that a 400cc street bike could be faster than. It all depends on the power to weight ratio and generally the design type of the engine. Sportbikes/Superbikes being the most dangerous but having the best brakes,suspensions and overall handling. 125cc bikes have the worst brakes,suspension and power in comparison to the bigger bikes. Now a days even the 600cc comes with traction control and rider modes for added safety. If the government is serious about increasing the displacement allowed it shouldn’t be a limit of displacement but horsepower. Foe example a 600cc sportbike has about 100 horsepower engine but a 650cc dual sport has only about a 40 horsepower engine,the sportbike can go up to 155mph and the dualsport 98mph. If you had to limit one wouldn’t it be the faster one,so limiting by displacement obviously is not practical. So many great motorcycles that are available but we can only have 125cc with their terrible brakes and suspension,it’s just not fair. I understand these little reckless boys doing nonsense on the road but what the police doing to stop it. Why Peter has to pay for Paul. What about the rest of us that would like to have a nice and take a Saturday or Sunday ride around the island. Limiting peoples freedom the buy safer better motorcycles can’t be a right direction. But I agree there should be restrictions in terms of age and experience. Just wish the government was more informed about motorcycles and the best way forward.

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