The Future of Euro 5 Motorcycles: Regulations and Timelines

The discussion revolves around the Euro 5 emission standards for motorcycles, clarifying the timeline of regulations and dispelling misinformation. It’s important to understand the deadlines related to homologation, production, import, and sales of Euro 5 motorcycles.

Euro emission standards are a set of regulations that limit the exhaust emissions for new vehicles sold in the European Union and European Economic Area countries. These standards are progressively tightened to reduce air pollution. The timeline for Euro 5 implementation for motorcycles was initially set out in 2013, with a planned transition from Euro 4 to Euro 5.

Originally, the Euro 5 standard was scheduled to be implemented in 2020, following the Euro 4 standard introduced in 2016. However, in 2019, due to requests from manufacturers, the Euro 5 standard was divided into two phases. The first phase focused on emission limits, while the second phase, often referred to as Euro 5+, included aspects like On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) systems, catalyst durability, and monitoring. This division effectively pushed back the stricter aspects of Euro 5.

Let’s break down the key dates and what they signify for Euro 5 motorcycles:

• January 1, 2020: Euro 4 motorcycle homologation ended. This means that new motorcycle models could no longer be homologated under Euro 4 standards. However, production and import of Euro 4 motorcycles that were already homologated continued.
• January 1, 2021: Euro 4 motorcycle production and import ceased. After this date, manufacturers could no longer produce or import new Euro 4 motorcycles. However, dealers could still sell existing stock of Euro 4 motorcycles.
• January 1, 2022: Euro 4 motorcycle sales were largely stopped. With minor exceptions, dealers were no longer permitted to sell new Euro 4 motorcycles.

Now, focusing on Euro 5, the timeline continues in a similar fashion:

• January 1, 2024: Euro 5 motorcycle homologation ended. As with Euro 4, new motorcycle models can no longer be homologated under the Euro 5 standard. Production and import of already homologated Euro 5 motorcycles are still ongoing.
• January 1, 2025: Euro 5 motorcycle production and import will end. From this date, the production and import of new Euro 5 motorcycles will stop. Sales of existing Euro 5 stock will continue.
• January 1, 2026: Euro 5 motorcycle sales will cease. This is the final deadline, after which dealers will no longer be allowed to sell new Euro 5 motorcycles.

It is crucial to note that Euro 5+ is a further development of the Euro 5 standard and is not the same as simply extending the Euro 5 timeline. The idea that Euro 5+ is arriving in 2025 is incorrect. The current timeline outlines the phasing out of Euro 5, not the introduction of Euro 5+.

In summary, the regulations regarding Euro 5 motorcycles are following a clear schedule, moving through homologation, production/import, and finally sales deadlines. Understanding these dates is essential for both consumers and the motorcycle industry to navigate the transition to newer emission standards.