On Wednesday afternoon, several hundred passionate motorcyclists united in protest against the recently implemented inspection and registration regulations for their bikes. With over

500 participants assembling at the Stekene inspection center, they embarked on a journey to the Grote Markt in Sint-Niklaas, accompanied by a police escort.

As of January 1st, new legislation mandates the inspection of motorcycles with cylinder capacities exceeding 125ccm. This requirement applies when a motorcycle is sold or has undergone repairs after an accident. Moreover, the ruling dictates that older or foreign motorcycles with sidecars are not permitted on the road. Belgian law stipulates that these vehicles require approval from a specialized entity, which is currently non-existent. Unlike new motorcycles, there is no mandatory certification process to ensure adherence to sales standards.

Organizer Chris Verschueren highlighted the illogical nature of the inspection process, stating, "The inspection is done in a way that doesn't really make sense. Absurd things happen." In response, GOCA Flanders, the organization responsible for vehicle inspection, underlined the credibility and competence of the inspection centers.

The demonstration served as both a political statement and a gathering of motorcycle and vintage car aficionados. The rally proceeded peacefully, marked by the absence of any incidents. Photo by Kevin.B, Wikimedia commons.