| Information |
Method
of Inspection |
Reason
for rejection |
| A.
Roller Brake Test |
Serious
under inflation of tyres is not a reason for failure however
a tester may decide not to conduct a brake test if tyre damage
is likely.
When using a roller brake tester the wheel not on the rollers
must be braked and chocked against the reaction force. This
is especially important for lightweight machines and those with
small wheels.
In the case of a linked brake system, it may not be possible
to apply the brake of the wheel not being tested prior to starting
the test.
If a roller brake test is repeated, the chock should be removed,
the machine resettled in the rollers and the chock replaced.
The retardation force of a side car brake is not to be included
unless it is operated by one of the motorcycle brake controls.
The efficiency of each system operated by a single brake control
is the ratio of the total retarding force generated by that
system divided by the weight of the machine and rider
Total retarding force for one system/weight of machine plus
rider (tester) x 100
Most machines have two controls, one operating the front wheel
brake and the other the rear wheel brake. The efficiency for
front and rear wheels can then be calculated as above (or checked
by a gradient test).
Where a linked or dual system is operated by one control, the
retarding force used in the efficiency calculation is the total
from both wheels when operated by that control only. In this
case, the other control will probably operate on one wheel.
The reasons for failure 1 and 2 apply whether single or dual
systems are fitted.
Motorcycles first registered before 1 January 1927 are only
required to have one means of operating the brakes, which shall
have an efficiency of at least 30%.
The tester may know that a higher brake efficiency
Is normally obtainable for the model tested, although the machine
has passed the performance test. In this case the owner should
be advised that the braking system appears to require adjustment
or repair,
Where there is doubt about the effect
of a defect noted during the brake test, the tester may at his
discretion, carry out a road test. (See Introduction item 5).
The assessment of bind, grab and judder in sub-sections 3.3C
and 3.3D can be
performed at any appropriate point during the test.
|
A. ROLLER BRAKE TEST
With the tester seated on the machine locate the front wheel
in the rollers of the brake tester, ensure that the machine
is lined up in the straight ahead position and settled in the
rollers, (see information column)
Select the correct direction of operation so that the wheels
rotate in the forward direction.
1. Start the brake rollers and allow the front wheel to stabilise.
With the rear brake fully applied (see information column) gradually
apply the front brake until maximum effort is achieved or the
wheel locks and slips on the rollers. Note the reading at which
the maximum braking effort is achieved and release the brake.
Start the rollers, gradually increase the front brake effort
to about half the maximum reading and observe the way it builds
up. Hold steady and check for fluctuations. Release the brake
and observe the way in which the braking effort reduces.
Move the machine forward until the rear wheel is located in
the rollers. Repeat procedures 3.3A1 and 3.3A2.
Check the side car wheel brake if applicable (see information
column) as in procedures 3.3A1 and 3.3A2.
2. Calculate the efficiency of each braking system, (see information
column)
|
1.
a sticking or binding brake, (see information column)
b. severe grab or judder, (see information column)
c. a braking effort that does not rise or fal( in proportion
to the lever or pedal force applied
d. excessive fluctuation of brake effort with steady application
of the brake. (see information column).
2.a. an efficiency of less than 30% when one of the brake controls
is operated. This will normally be calculated from the retarding
force at either the front or the rear wheel, [see information
column)
b. an efficiency of less than 25% when the other brake control
is operated. This will normally be calculated from the retarding
force at the other wheel (see information column).
|
| B.
Plate Brake Test |
| As
3.3A |
To
calculate the brake efficiency it is necessary to determine
the combined weight of the motorcycle and the tester while seated
in the normal riding position.
1. At a steady speed of approximately 4 mph drive the machine
onto the plate tester. As soon as the front wheel is on the
plate high friction braking surface gradually apply the front
brake until maximum effort is achieved or the wheel locks and
skids.
Note the way in which the brake effort increases and the maximum
value achieved.
Repeat procedure 1. above for the motorcycle rear wheel and
in appropriate cases (see information column) the side car wheel.
2. Calculate the efficiency of each braking system, (see information
column)
Repeat procedures 1. and 2. above a second time to confirm any
reasons for
failure.
|
1.
a. a sticking or binding brake (see information column).
b. severe grab or judder (see information
column).
c. a braking effort that does not rise or fall in proportion
to the lever or pedal force applied.
d. excessive fluctuation of brake effort with steady application
of the brake. (see information column)
2.
a. an efficiency of less than 30% when one of the brake controls
is operated- This will normally be calculated from the retarding
force at either the front or the rear wheel (see information
column).
b. an efficiency of less than 25% when the other brake control
is operated. This will normally be calculated from the retarding
force at the other wheel (see information column).
|
| C.
The Floor Test |
| AS
3.3A |
The
apparatus required for this test comprises a spring balance
and system of pulleys so arranged that the effort required to
pull a machine and rider forward against the brakes may be measured.
The spring balance may be used to determine the weight of the
motorcycle and rider.
With the machine held upright and in a straight ahead position,
attach the cable from the spring balance to the front of the
motorcycle using a strap around the front forks or the headstock.
The tester should sit astride the machine operating each brake
in turn and note the readings while the assistant operates the
spring balance system.
1. With each brake applied in turn record the effort required
to move the motorcycle and rider forward. Calculate the efficiency
of each braking system, (see information column).
|
1.a.
an efficiency of less than 30% when one of the brake controls
is operated. This will normally be calculated from the retarding
force at either the front or the rear wheel, (see information
column).
b. an efficiency of less than 25% when the other brake control
is operated. This will normally be calculated from the retarding
force at the other wheel -reference 1 above (see information
column).
c. a sticking or binding brake (see information column).
d. severe grab or judder (see information column).
|
| D.
The Gradient Test |
As
3.3A and
To check the efficiency of 25% one end of the platform must
be raised to a height equivalent to 25% of the platform length
(ie 700mm for a 2.8m platform). Similarly to check a 30% efficiency
one end must be raised to a height equivalent to 30% of the
platform length fie 840mm for a 2.8m platform). Each brake must
be tested separately and the tester must not exert any other
retarding force.
|
The
equipment required for this test consists of a platform one
end of which can be raised.
Raise the end of the platform by the appropriate amount, (see
information column )
1. Sit astride the 'downhill' facing machine. Apply each brake
in turn and confirm that the machine can be held stationary.
|
1.
a. an efficiency of less than 30% when one of the brake controls
is operated. This will normally be from the retarding force
at either the front or the rear wheel (see information column).
b. an efficiency of less than 25% when the other brake control
is operated. This will normally be from the retarding force
at the other wheel - reference 1 above (see information column).
c. a sticking or binding brake (see information column).
d. severe grab or Judder (see information column).
|
| Issue
Date: July 2001 |
