All those attending the Farmyard The police around Malton have been stopping bikes that are "loaded"   In some instances they have made folk unpack the bike, (including emptying panniers) and re-pack the load to their (the police) satisfaction   So, please be "aware" of this latest tactic and try to ensure that your load is :   Evenly distributed Firmly secured   Then they have no reason to bother you   Have safe and uneventful journey   See ya'll there   Sorry should have posted this at the weekend but forgot, due to "other" distractions                                                                                                                                                                              

Have the police been trained in load distribution and security? very unlikely as this come's with experiance not in a classroom. I can understand the Idea but if you have just traveled miles with not problem's what is the isuse                                                                                                                                                                             

Jp - For some time, north Yorkshire police have seemed to have a downer on bikes in whatever way they can. Not so long ago  they were in Helmsley Market place with a static display van, inviting bikers (not car drivers) to go and learn how to use the road 'correctly'!!!!

Even on my way there, I spotted 4 patrol cars hiding on tracks along a well known bike road, waiting for their chance to pounce!!!!

Obviously, no other crimes are committed in North Yorks, if they can be so generous with their patrol cars ...... all in the name of road safety of course!
                                                                                                                                                                             

If you fancy upsetting there boss go along to a local meeting where the chief Constable is and confront him as to why thay think its right to disseminate against motorcyclists                                                                                                                                                                              

Dont think there is GVW for bikes so I presume they cant do you for overloading, anyone?                                                                                                                                                                               

A bike can be over loaded its the worked out on the tyre and suspension loading                                                                                                                                                                              

 emzed i'm really grateful that you've posted this as I am SO guilty of taking way to many things and piling it onto the bike - using 4 ratchet straps .   I will take only essential things and make certain it's all even. (I do try to do this anyway - but it does look a bit squiggly sometimes)   Thanks again for this emzed  (not sure if I go that way, however, better to be safe than sorry)                                                                                                                                                                             

These roadside "checks" are being carried out all round the "Farmyard" area ie; Malton, Helmsley, PIckering and York   They are not, repeat NOT official Ministry checkpoints As sometimes seen by the roadside, they are just springing up at random Although that doesn't make them any easier to "deal with"   So just beware peeps   Wouldn't want to spoil your FYP before you get there                                                                                                                                                                              

If they asked me to unload and re-load the bike I'd tell them to piss off unless they can prove there and then that the load was unsafe. They can give me as much shit as they like but as a fully legal motorist with an advanced car license and former racing license who pays particular attention to detail when loading the bike I won't do sod all for them unless they have a justifiable reason, which they won't where I'm concerned. Having said that, I've never actually had any problems with the police and regularly drink with several retired coppers in the pub.
                                                                                                                                                                             

TBH it will be aimed at the ones with well over loaded bikes that are dangerous to road users.  That is to say not properly strapped down or sticking too far out on each side of the bike.

Also if the bike is not loaded properly then it won't be very safe in terms of handling.  Some folk would try get away with plastic bag panniers if they could

Get the right bike for the right job