Sri Lanka's traffic police have cautioned young riders against overspeeding on lightweight Indian motorcycles, citing a rise in accidents linked to the vehicles' design limitations at high speeds.
The Police Traffic Control and Road Safety Division has issued a public warning regarding dangerous riding practices on lightweight Indian motorcycles, which have become increasingly popular among young people in Sri Lanka. According to Deputy Inspector General W.P.J. Senadheera, these motorcycles were originally introduced as an affordable transportation solution to address commuting needs, including travel to work and school.
However, Senadheera noted that many riders, particularly those aged 18 and younger, have begun using the vehicles for high-speed riding rather than their intended purpose. The police official highlighted a critical safety concern: lightweight Indian motorcycles lack the braking capability of heavier Japanese models. When riders operate these bikes at extreme speeds and apply sudden braking, the vehicles tend to lose traction and become difficult to control, sometimes resulting in skidding or brake failure.
Police have documented multiple incidents where overspeeding and abrupt braking led to riders being thrown from their motorcycles and subsequently struck by oncoming traffic. Senadheera emphasized that these bikes were not designed for racing, stunts, or wheelies, and stressed that their purpose was to facilitate everyday transportation needs. The police leadership has urged young riders to abandon dangerous riding practices and use the motorcycles responsibly, warning that reckless behavior poses serious risks to both riders and other road users.
