PETALING JAYA: The motorcycle lanes along the Federal Highway are not wide enough to accommodate motorcycles with large engines, according to motorcycle group Ikatan Silaturrahim Brotherhood.

The group was responding to a statement by Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department Director SAC Maha­mad Akhir Darus who said riding bigger motorcycles, such as superbikes, cruisers or scramblers, was not an excuse for the riders not to use the dedicated lanes.

In June, Mahamad Akhir was reported as saying that no motorcyclist had an exclusive right over others and that engineers had done their research and designed the lanes to accommodate all types of motorcycles.

Speaking to FMT, Ikatan Silaturrahim Brotherhood Head Azlan Sani Zawawi, also known as Lando, said the number of motorcyclists, including those using high-powered machines, was increasing daily.

If these big bikes were all to use the motorcycle lanes, it would prove a great risk for riders.

“We’ve witnessed firsthand how a Honda Gold Wing could give problems to other riders who want to safely overtake it.

“This, plus the active ‘improvements’ being made by developers with sharp turns is not helping at all.”

Azlan said there were two locations along the Federal Highway where water barriers had to be pushed to the side for the Honda Gold Wing to pass through.

Cement barriers were also dangerous for riders who fell for whatever reason.

“The authorities have to realise that touring bikes with hard luggage, like the Honda Gold Wing, Honda ST1300, Harley Davidson Road King, Kawasaki Voyager, Kawasaki Versys, or even the Honda VFR800 or Honda CBX750, used by police officers, cannot go on these motorcycle lanes side by side.”

Azlan reminded the authorities that the motorcycle lane running along the Federal Highway was used by a large number of motorcyclists.

“This is Kuala Lumpur we’re talking about, not Batang Berjuntai. Thousands of motorcyclists, riding all types and sizes of motorcycles, will be forced to share such a small lane if police insist on them doing so.”

Currently, it is a violation under the Road Transport Act 1987 for motorcycles under 500cc not to use motorcycle lanes if one has been provided.

Meanwhile, Azlan commended Works Minister Fadillah Yusof for taking up the challenge to ride a motorcycle on the motorcycle lane next to the Federal Highway to see the dangers riders were exposed to.

“We are thankful for the continued upgrades to the motorcycle lane and for the minister heeding our requests.”