Extracts reproduced from the MOT Inspection Manual
by kind permission of THE VEHICLE INSPECTORATE.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILED MANUAL
Ukmot provides a guide to the basic requirements of
a motorcycle MOT test below, if you have any particular query on the
test please click here
and we will do our best to answer your enquiry.
As with cars, if you are unsure about adjustment and maintenance to
your bike it is always best to consult a trained service engineer;
remember – SAFETY FIRST.
This guide is for solo bikes only, motorcycles fitted with
a side-car have separate regulations and requirements; you are advised
to check with an official test centre if you have any doubts over
the test.
LIGHTS
Of the 20% failure rate
on bike MOT tests, over half are for defective lights. Quite amazing
since these are amongst the simplest items to check yourself before
going to the test.
The requirements are simple, and quite straightforward to replace
or adjust, without the need of a mechanic.
HEADLIGHTS & TAIL LIGHTS must be free of chips or cracks; the
headlight must also work on main and dip beam, the main beam must
shine directly ahead and the dip slightly lower and to the left.
INDICATOR LIGHTS must all flash at a steady rate and the warning lights
function properly.
If a HAZARD WARNING SYSTEM is fitted, all 4 indicators must flash
at a steady uniform rate.
Bikes must have a red REFLECTOR on the rear of the machine, either
bolted on separately or as part of the tail light lens.
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INFORMATION
STEERING
The next highest fail
rate is on steering, look at the test items below and if you’re in any
doubt as to whether they will pass, consult a qualified service engineer.
- With the front
wheel raised off the ground the handlebar must not hit or foul the
tank when the steering is fully turned lock to lock, the steering
must move freely and without drag or notchiness.
- The handlebar
must be securely mounted and the grips secure.
- With the fork
sliders held, try to push and pull on the forks, there must be no
play in the steering head bearings.
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INFORMATION
BRAKES
In day-to-day riding there is
perhaps no more important part of your bikes equipment that, when working
properly, may just save your life! It is also the third highest reason
for failure in MOT testing.
The examiner will:
- Check the hoses
for fluid leaks, bulges & cracking
- Check disc brakes
are securely mounted and free from cracks
- Check ABS warning
lights, where fitted
- Check the wheel
is free to rotate without brake drag in free-wheel
- Check that brake
pads/shoes are not warn beyond limits
- Check the rear
brake torque arm is secure and that fasteners are secured by self-locking
nuts or castellated nuts with split-pins or R-clips
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INFORMATION
WHEELS &
TYRES
Over one quarter of
MOT test failures are due to worn tyres, remember, safety first – worn
tyres can kill! Here are the main items the examiner will check on the
bike:
- Cast wheels should
be secure and free from cracks, similarly, spoked wheels will be checked
for broken, corroded, loose or bent spokes
- The tyre and
wheel must run free in free-wheel nor must they fould the suspension
or the mudguards
- Worn wheel bearings
will fail and the front and rear wheels will be checked for alignment
- Tyres must be
compatible, suitable for road use and, if fitted with a direction
arrow, fitted to spin in the direction of forward wheel rotation
- Tyres will be
checked for tread depth and condition as well as sidewall condition.
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INFORMATION
SUSPENSION
As the tests are subtly different
we will deal front and rear separately.
For the front suspension the examiner will check:
- No oil leaks
from anti-drive units
- On bikes with
swingarm suspension, there must be no freeplay in the linkage when
moved from side to side
- There should
be no oil visible on the fork tube or leaking down the slider around
the fork oil geras
- The forks must
be adequately dampened
At the rear, the checks
will be:
- No oil leaks
around the shock absorber
- No play in the
swingarm or suspension linkage bearings
- Pivot bearings
will be checked for wear
- The shock absorber
must give adequate damping
- The suspension
must not foul on body parts or acessories
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INFORMATION
EXHAUST SYSTEM
The decibel level will be assessed
at the discretion of the tester, other checks are:
- The exhaust mountings
must be secure and not fouling any part of the rear suspension
- The exhaust must
not be holed and free from leaks from both joints and box(es)
- Replacements
units, other than bikes registered before 01.Jan.1985, must have the
BSAU 193 stamp
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INFORMATION
FINAL DRIVE
- The chain/belt
must not have excessive slack and be in good condition, the guard
must be secure and not fouling
- On shaft drive
bikes, the drive unit must be free from oil leaks
- Both sprockets
should be securely mounted and not excessively worn
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INFORMATION
MORE CHECKS
In addition to the items mentioned
above the examiner will:
- Check that the
HORN is of reasonable volume and a continuous single tone
- Check for CORROSION
on the frame and any load bearing components
- The FOOTRESTS
must have an anti-slip surface
- All major components,
bodypanels and mudguards must be securely fitted
- The footrests,
handlebar levers and brake pedal must be securely mounted
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INFORMATION
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