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MOTORCYCLE
MOT TEST
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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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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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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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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