With the passage of the new Motorcycles and Auxiliary Bicycles Amendment Act, Bermuda is about to see the shape and size of motorcycles change. With a focus on cleaner and more efficient four stroke engines, the Act sets out to reduce the emission levels of Bermuda's vehicles.

In anticipation of the new Act, the Island's largest seller of motorcycles, the HWP group, has already begun to prepare for the switch through advanced training for their employees. President and CEO of the HWP Group Jonathan Brewin explained: "In anticipation of the law change toward higher cc bikes, HWP has recently sent two of our cycle technicians to Italy to train with Piaggio and undergo an intensive training programme.

Lorin Rubaine and Alvin McIntosh were given the opportunity to upgrade their skills at a Piaggio intensive training course in Pontedera Italy.

The course allowed them to see the intricacies and workings of the 125 and 150cc four-stroke engines, and learn from the mechanics and engineers that assemble the bikes. Piaggio is one of the world's largest motorcycle manufacturers and produce the Vespa, Liberty, DNA and many other models.

HWP Cycle Division AVP Harry Andrews said: "The new cycles are substantially different than those of the past and we thought it prudent to anticipate and ensure that our technicians were prepared to service our customers. We are extremely excited about the range of new bikes that we will now be able to offer from Piaggio and the Honda Motor Company. we will be getting a number of new bikes to the Island as well as remakes of some of Bermuda's favourites like the Honda Scoopy and the Piaggio Vespa."

The new Act will prohibit the import and sale of two stroke motorcycles over 50 cc as of December 31, 2004 and allows four-stroke motorcycles up to 150 cc to be imported into Bermuda.

Importation of 50 cc two stroke motorcycles will still be allowed after the December 31 2004 deadline.

HWP says the benefits of high-powered four-stroke engines include better gas mileage and lowered emissions and as the cycles are larger, they offer more comfort and room for storage.

The HWP group also made a donation to the Bermuda Career Centre yesterday to ensure a brighter future for Bermuda's youth.