REPORT: Australia to wage crushing war on 'monkey bikes'
Attention Australian mini bike riders: law enforcement is going all "iron fist" on your preferred method of transportation. The mini bikes, often referred to locally as "monkey bikes" are a big problem in South Australia, reportedly causing several deaths and numerous injuries. The bikes, which can reach speeds of 70 km/h (42 mph), are already outlawed, but now Drive is reporting that Attorney-General Michael Atkinson is amending the law to give law enforcement the authority to crush the bikes and charge fines of up to $5,000 AUD. That's a lot of coin to ride a bike that makes you look like a total dork. Atkinson says the bikes look harmless, but "they are actually dangerous for riders, pedestrians, other vehicles on the road and other people using parks and open spaces." The primate bikes, which we don't believe are actually driven by monkeys (koalas, perhaps?), do not comply with Australian vehicle safety standards or design rules.
We've actually tried these mini bikes before, and while they're a lot of fun, we can see why they are dangerous. They're hard for other motorists to see, and we've noticed that a lot of parents letting their 10-15 year-old children ride them around the suburbs. Probably not a good idea.
[Source: Drive | Image: Monkeybike UK]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
nastinupe 9:06AM (11/12/2009)
When I was like 14 I wanted one so bad. They were so cool and perfect for scooting around the neighborhood.
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Redline 10:14AM (11/12/2009)
Had a Honda ST70!
Gemtrader 10:32AM (11/12/2009)
CT70. My co-worker makes spare cash (and it's a hobby) from restoring those little Hondas. You can buy Chinese made crate engines 125cc or larger on ebay for a few hundred bucks. Just bring a frame and the rest of the parts are available.
montoym 12:22PM (11/12/2009)
I still want one. I have a friend whose dad had a fleet of these when we were younger. We used to ride around like a mini motorcycle gang all the time. I wouldn't want to use one on the public roads much, but I have a few times. They are actually somewhat capable trail bikes due to their small size as well. Plus their light weight makes them easy to extract if you get yourself too deep. Walking trails and single track can be a lot of fun.
I've actually been fairly serious about purchasing one as a fun toy but they are hard to find and surprisingly expensive for a legit one, as opposed to the Chinese knockoffs.
James 2:24PM (11/12/2009)
I sorely miss my Honda Monkey...aka Honda Z50J. Had em in my high school years back in my old country...
They do tend to be dangerous to ride through busy metropolitan streets..which is why I only ride it around our huge gated community/town. I only venture out on those occasional trips to top off the tank.
fixitfixitstop 9:06AM (11/12/2009)
You can't say the word "monkey" in the US.
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cowboy bob 10:47AM (11/12/2009)
Yes, Politically incorrect. I will be surprised if this isn't deleted. God bless America. Oh, wait, you can't say that either.
cdwrx 1:18PM (11/12/2009)
Pretty soon they'll get around to banning paranoia and false outrage and then you'll have nothing.
Aprime 9:08AM (11/12/2009)
Ban motorcycles altogether while you're at it. I hate double-standards when it comes to recreation vehicles (admittedly some/a lot are used as commuter vehicles).
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Aprime 2:12PM (11/12/2009)
Jesus Christ, are you guys more tired than I am? I was being sarcastic.
fixitfixitstop 9:11AM (11/12/2009)
I think a 125cc or 250cc scooter can hit similar speeds. I think the government wants to fault the type of riders of these bikes, so they're faulting the bikes themselves.
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Avinash machado 9:23AM (11/12/2009)
The word "ban" seems to be a popular word with politicians everywhere.
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05Z88Path 10:12AM (11/12/2009)
Agreed. Ban smoking, ban alcohol, ban guns, ban motorcycles, ban fast cars, ban pocket knifes and scissors...sorry but if you want to live in a perfectly 100% safe world go find a giant bubble somewhere and leave everyone else alone to enjoy their freedoms. That being said I've never ridden a mini-bike, nor do I wish too, but it's the principle of politicians wanting to ban everything under the sun that is irksome.
imoore 11:28AM (11/12/2009)
Careful, Path. Next, they'll ban the bubble too.
imoore 11:29AM (11/12/2009)
Careful, Path. Next, they'll ban the bubble too.
thritter 2:13PM (11/12/2009)
"The primate bikes...do not comply with Australian vehicle safety standards or design rules."
Yes, these pesky government "vehicle safety standards" and "design rules" get in the way of my god-given American freedom! (Okay, it's Australia, but who needs logic in an AB political rant?) Seatbelts, airbags, knee bolsters, padded dashboards, crush zones, etc. are for socialist pussies! (Besides, my head is REALLY thick, so I can survive most anything!)
Brian P 9:32AM (11/12/2009)
Aprime, what is your hobby?
OK, let's ban because it's too dangerous.
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Aprime 10:52AM (11/12/2009)
You know that was entirely sarcastic, but it just shows how little sense there is to bans like this.
imoore 9:29AM (11/12/2009)
"That's a lot of coin to ride a bike that makes you look like a total dork. "
That's the main reason for the ban. They're trying to save mankind from making themselves look like the village idiot.
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Visnick 10:05AM (11/12/2009)
Add yet another thing to Australia's banned list
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