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MOT Inspection Manual Menu
MOTORCYCLE MOT
Bike Basics
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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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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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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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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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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