Government negligent towards local motorcycle manufacturers

Chinese motorcycles cost 40% less than Japanese ones

KARACHI: Three million registered motorcycles are used for everyday commutes in Karachi. The city has more than 35,000 motor mechanics and workshops and a large number of roadside mechanics to cater to the repair and maintenance of motorcycles.

Thousands of families depend on motorcycle-related businesses to earn their living. Due to terrible traffic and poor road conditions, the monthly expenditure for motorcycle maintenance can go as high as Rs500. The monthly revenue of the motorcycle maintenance and parts industry stands at Rs1.5 billion, which consists of maintenance sales and services like engine oil change, servicing/washing, spare parts, replacement of tires, tubes and spokes, wheel alignment, repairs of seats and shock absorbers.

The provision of transport and earning through motorcycles has become easier as motorcycles built using Chinese technology are priced 40% cheaper than motorcycles built using Japanese technology and therefore are more in demand. However, motorcycles built using Chinese technology have a lower functional life, which means that they also require more maintenance.



Local production halted

Pakistan Motorcycle Assemblers Association Chairperson Muhammad Sabir Shaikh told Express News that the government is neglecting the local motorcycle manufacturing industry.

Production in 70% of Pakistan’s 117 motorcycle factories has stopped and another 25 to 30 factories are nearing the point of shut down. Yearly motorcycle production in the country is 2.5 million units, of which one million represent Japanese brands and 1.5 million represent Chinese brands. The industry is currently working at 50% of its production capacity. Import duties on motorcycle parts, which should be under 10%, have jumped to 50%.

Shaikh also mentioned that half of the three million registered motorcycles in Karachi are being used beyond their functional life, which is an imminent threat to the environment and adds to the burgeoning problem of traffic in the city. The global standard for validity of motorcycle registration is seven years, after which the vehicle must be taken off the road. He also said that Pakistani motorcycle manufacturers were interested in making cost-effective and environment-friendly motorcycles. However, government policies and preferences were not in their favour.

Shaikh pointed to the need of a comprehensive five-year policy, targeting assistance and incentives for local motorcycle manufacturers. He demanded the government to allow commercial import of second hand motorcycles. He also demanded cuts in import duties levied on fully-assembled motorcycles, enabling companies to produce different models in addition to the commonly used 70cc.



Poor infrastructure

Motorcyclists travelling on shoddy roads of the city are prone to several hazards, including spinal injuries and pain in their joints, back and shoulders. Motorcyclists who ride without helmets are affected by dust and smoke and develop eye and lung related diseases and allergies.

Mechanics maintain that poor road conditions in the city can damage motorcycle shock absorbers within a year. Those can only be put to order either through repairs or replacement. Shoddy roads also quickly damage the alignment of motorcycle rims. Wheel alignment becomes necessary to restore the balance of the motorcycle. Road cracks can also frequently damage the wheel spokes, which is why many 70cc motorcyclists install spokes meant for 125cc bikes.

Washing stations spring up

Motorcycle service stations are on the rise in the city. People seeking to keep their motorcycles in order frequently make their way to these stations that charge between Rs50 and Rs100. The washing process also involves application of detergents and polish for adding shine to the motorcycles. Diesel oil is often used in the end to protect them against rust.

The atmosphere of the city has a lot of sea breeze, frequently adding rust to various parts of the motorcycle. A large number of businesses specialise in deterring rust from motorcycles. Motorcyclists often get various steel parts of their vehicles disassembled before sending them to polishing factories.

In addition to this, some also get engine covers polished and renewed through application of sandblast. An end-to-end rust removal and shining costs between Rs2,500 and Rs3,000. Mechanics usually charge between Rs800 and Rs1,000 for assembling and disassembling.



An unpopular accessory

Helmets are a must when it comes to safety. However, 80% of the city’s motorcyclists do not wear one. Those who use a helmet find it difficult to ride in heavy traffic conditions. Motorcyclists also generally do not use their rear view mirrors.

Helmet sales surge in times of police crackdown on riders not complying with traffic rules.  Over 90% of all helmets sold in Karachi are made from light plastic materials. Such helmets do not promise adequate safety to the riders. Good quality helmets cost between Rs3,000 and Rs5,000, while the lighter ones range between Rs700 and Rs1,200.

Helmets are not offered as mandatory add-ons from most motorcycle manufacturing companies, discouraging motorcyclists from using helmets. They consider providing helmets a costly affair. They say that they can only offer the most ordinary of helmets, which may not guarantee safety, to avoid legal claims arising out of accidents.