New braking requirements for motorbikes

New motorbikes sold in Australia will have to be fitted with advanced braking systems from late 2019, in a move hoped to save hundreds of lives.

The federal government on Friday announced the new requirements to bring Australia in line with Europe, Japan and other major markets.

Motorcycle riders were 20 times more at risk of being killed in a crash than someone in a car per kilometre travelled and account for nearly one in five road deaths.

Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher estimates the wider use of safer braking technologies could save close to 600 lives over 15 years.

"Providing bike riders with machines capable of slowing and stopping more quickly and safely is one way we can help ensure that the risks associated with motorcycle riding are significantly reduced," he said in a statement.

The new regulation will require technologies such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and combined braking systems (CBS) to be a standard feature on motorcycles.

Research shows ABS and CBS can reduce motorcycle-related road trauma in Australia by more than 30 per cent, Mr Fletcher said.