Two major safety requirements will become mandatory from today on all new or second-hand imported general-use quad bikes.
Following several years of investigation, and at times fierce debate, stage two of the federal government's mandatory Quad Bike Safety Standard has been enforced.
Well-known brands Honda, Suzuki, Polaris, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Can-Am have exited the ATV market as a result of the legislation.
However, farmers looking to invest in a new quad bike have a number of options to choose from among the five brands that have chosen to continue selling ATVs in Australia.
CFMoto, Kymco, TGB, Crossfire and Segway quad bikes are fitted with operator protection devices and meet the lateral stability and front and rear longitudinal pitch stability requirements.
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Mojo Motorcycles is the national importer for CFMoto and Kymco products and its director Michael Poynton said the company had chosen to remain in the market following its own assessment of the legislation and after performing independent testing.
The company sought out Sydney-based Crashlab, a division of the NSW Centre for Road Safety, to perform tilt angle testing on the CFMoto and Kymco line-up.
It has engaged Australian-owned company Quadbar as its OPD supplier.
"There was a bit involved, however it wasn't overly difficult given that all CFMoto and Kymco ATVs already exceeded the minimum tilt requirements," Mr Poynton said.
"Mojo Motorcycles, via CFMoto and Kymco, is committed to the Australian quad bike market."
TGB have been manufacturing ATVs since 1978 and have also opted to continue selling products that suit the needs of Australian customers.
TGB Australia director Gary Olsen said meeting the new safety standards was not a difficult process.
"All the TGB quad bikes have industry-leading stability, with a certified tilt angle of 34.2 and 34.4 degrees, and the Argo XTV 6WD closer to 50 degrees stability," Mr Olsen said.
"I would say the resistance to the new regulations from the departing manufacturers has caused more confusion to the general public, and additional grief to their own dealer network, than any of the simple compliance requirements."
Australian Community Media has compiled a list of the quad bikes available for sale that adhere to the new requirements.
CFMoto
- CForce 400
- CForce 400 EPS (electronic power steering)
- CForce 520 EPS
- CForce 625 EPS
- CForce 625 EPS Touring
- CForce 850 EPS
- CForce 1000 EPS
- CForce 1000 EPS Touring
Kymco
- MXU 300R
- MXU 400
- MXU 550i EPS
- MXU 700i LE EPS
TGB
- Blade 520
- Blade 520 EPS
- Blade 600 SE
- Blade 600 SE-X EPS
Crossfire
- X2
- X400
- X600 EPS
Segway
- Snarler AT6 S
- Snarler AT6 L
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