Motorcycle tuning guide

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Motorcycle conversion and tuning guide

Approval marks, entries, general operating permit

A few rules of the game must be followed when converting the motorcycle. Therefore, at this point, the most important information about paperwork around certification marks, entries and the famous general operating permit.

JEvery motorcycle on our roads requires an operating permit in accordance with the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). The general operating license – known under the abbreviation ABE – is issued by the Federal Motor Transport Authority for a manufacturer’s series vehicles. The ABE is, so to speak, the confirmation that a motorcycle complies with German standards. However, modifications to the vehicle can invalidate the ABE, namely if …

Motorcycle conversion and tuning guide

Approval marks, entries, general operating permit

Components subject to registration

All modifications to the motorcycle mentioned here are subject to registration. ABE (correct in this case: operating permit for vehicle parts) or parts certificate are required for accessories. Components for which there is an ABE do not have to be approved by the TÜV, but are still subject to registration, unless the ABE is constantly carried. A parts certificate is usually required for more complicated conversions. This is issued by the officially recognized expert or inspector after successful acceptance; entry in the vehicle documents is mandatory. This particularly applies to the following components:

  • Brake discs
  • Struts
  • fork
  • Rear (raising and lowering)
  • Handlebars
  • Tires (with dimensional changes)
  • Swing arm
  • tank
  • Carburetor
  • Disguise

Registration-free components

On the other hand, there are components that not only change the look of the motorcycle, but also influence comfort or functionality. These changes do not have to be entered, nor do they require a parts certificate, ABE or EG-BE. The most important principle, however, is that they do not affect the road safety of the motorcycle. If you are unsure, you should inquire in advance at a test center on site (TÜV, Dekra, GTÜ).

  • battery        
  • Tachometer
  • Luggage rack (unless there is a significant change to the vehicle)
  • Heated grips
  • Kickstarter
  • Motor protection tray
  • Pinion (with identical number of teeth)
  • Seat (while maintaining the original length; note holding device for pillion passenger)
  • Hazard warning lights
  • Spark plugs (but must meet radio interference removal specifications)

Type approval, registration free

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In the case of mini indicators, the code that provides information about the installation location (front, rear) must be correct.

This category mainly includes components that belong to lighting. These do not require any registration, they simply have to have an EC or ECE certification mark. The ECE test mark can be awarded by the approval authorities of all states that belong to the ECE legal group. The EC test mark is awarded by an EU member state with validity for the entire European Community. However, this is just a matter of bureaucracy, in practice there is no difference between the symbols. The national test marks that are issued by the Federal Motor Transport Authority and thus confirm the general operating permit of a component under German law are now rare, but still valid. However, certain basic rules must be observed when growing. Ideally, this is described in well-documented instructions. Therefore, you should also pay attention to this when buying. These parts, among others, must have a type approval:

  • indicator
  • lightbulbs
  • horn
  • License plate lighting
  • Mini indicators
  • Headlights
  • mirror
  • Taillight
  • Reflector (when mounting, the angle
  • perpendicular to the road)

TÜV, Dekra, GTÜ: Who can enter?

As a rule, TÜV, Dekra, GTÜ and KÜS are equally responsible for all approvals, entries and reports. However, if an individual acceptance test is required to issue an individual operating permit (EBE) due to custom-made or one-off productions, massive modifications or other reasons in accordance with Section 21 StVZO, this may only be carried out by technical testing centers which, in the old federal states, are only carried out by TÜV and in the new federal states are only operated by Dekra.

If you are not sure whether your planned conversions can be approved at all, you should first seek advice from the responsible expert or inspector and of course have the relevant details ready. Because these can very quickly be decisive as to whether a permit can be granted and what kind of expert opinion is required. You should also inquire about what the fun will cost in advance, because the prices for approvals and entries increase with the effort involved in the assessment. There are no nationwide uniform prices for this, but the differences between the individual federal states are rarely more than a few euros. An individual acceptance costs at least 30 euros, the mandatory entry costs at least as much.

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