Suzuki joins Australian ATV exodus
Suzuki is set to withdraw its farm ATV range as a result of a new ATV saftey standardSuzuki is the latest manufacturer to fight back against the new Australian ATV (all-terrain vehicle) safety standard, with the company set to withdraw from the agricultural ATV market in Australia.
The new safety standard was passed in October 2019 and is split into two phases. Phase one, which comes into effect on 11 October 2020, requires quad bikes to fit rollover warning labels and undergo stringent stability testing. Phase two will begin on 11 October 2021 and will require all ATV’s to fit Operator Protective Devices (OPDs).
OPD’s, which act as a rollbar, are designed to prevent ‘crushing’ injuries in the event of a quad bike rollover. OPD’s have been the main source of contention for the manufacturers. There is a widespread belief that the new devices lack evidence and testing. Some commentary has suggested that OPDs could actually increase risk.
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A statement from Suzuki Australia explained the company’s position: “Suzuki Australia does not accept these requirements, and will not fit Operator Protective Devices to our ATV’s.”
Suzuki will continue to offer its range of QuadSport fun ATV’s, but it will end distribution of its farm ATV’s from 11 October 2021, when the OPD requirements come into effect.
The Japanese firm joins Polaris, Yamaha and Honda in exiting the Australian agricultural ATV market. All companies agree that proven methods, such as mandatory helmet use, rider training and law enforcement, are the best approaches to protecting ATV riders.
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