UK ANNUAL MOTORCYCLE INSPECTION CRITERIA

"the MoT Test"

This test is due on the 3rd anniversary of the bike's first registration and annually thereafter. It is an offence to use or keep the bike on the public highway without a valid MoT Certificate. You do not receive an automatic notification that the test is due, this is entirely your own responsibility.

As at 21st March 2004, the cost is fixed by the Government at £14.30. Athough test centres may give lower prices, they cannot charge more than this.

You may ride a bike without an MoT Certificate on the shortest route between where you live and the nearest test centre, provided that the test has been prebooked. You may also ride to the test centre to have the required repairs done.

You can apply for a test up to one month before the expiry of the previous Certificate. If the bike passes the MoT Test, the new certificate runs one year from the expiry of the old one.

You cannot apply for a Road Fund Licence ("tax disc") without a valid current MoT Certificate.

The MoT Certificate is not proof of a vehicle being either roadworthy or safe.

An examiner may declare a bike as being in a dangerous condition and prevent you from riding it.

A : LIGHTS

1. 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.

2. INDICATOR LIGHTS must all flash at a steady rate and the warning lights function properly.

3. If a HAZARD WARNING SYSTEM is fitted, all 4 indicators must flash at a steady uniform rate.

4. Bikes must have a red REFLECTOR on the rear of the machine, either bolted on separately or as part of the tail light lens.

B : STEERING

1. 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 steering must not hit the fuel tank as in the phot.

2. The handlebar must be securely mounted and the grips secure.

3. With the fork sliders held, try to push and pull on the forks, there must be no play in the steering head bearings.

C: BRAKES

1. Check the hoses for fluid leaks, bulges & cracking.

2. Check disc brakes are securely mounted and free from cracks.

3. Check ABS warning lights, where fitted.

4. Check the wheel is free to rotate without brake drag in free-wheel.

5. Check that brake pads/shoes are not warn beyond limits.

6. 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.

D : WHEELS & TYRES

1. Cast wheels should be secure and free from cracks, similarly, spoked wheels will be checked for broken, corroded, loose or bent spokes. In the photo, the rider has used a wheel lock and then tried to ride away with itin place, severely damaging the Comstar spokes.

2. The tyre and wheel must run free in free-wheel nor must they foul the suspension or the mudguards.

3. Worn wheel bearings will fail and the front and rear wheels will be checked for alignment .

4. 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.

5. Tyres will be checked for tread depth and condition as well as sidewall condition.

E : SUSPENSION

Front suspension:-

1. No oil leaks from anti-drive units.

2. On bikes with swinging arm suspension, there must be no freeplay in the linkage when moved from side to side.

3. There should be no oil visible on the fork tube or leaking down the slider around the fork.

4. The forks must be adequately dampened.

Rear suspension:-

5. No oil leaks around the shock absorber.

6. No play in the swinging arm or suspension linkage bearings.

7. Pivot bearings will be checked for wear.

8. The shock absorber must give adequate damping.

9. The suspension must not foul on body parts or accessories.

F : EXHAUST SYSTEM

1. The decibel level will be assessed at the discretion of the tester.

2. The exhaust mountings must be secure and not fouling any part of the rear suspension.

3. The exhaust must not be holed and free from leaks from both joints and box(es). In the photo, the asbestos ring seals have failed, showing black exhaust stains over the silencer throats. You can see how to make your own "asbestos seals" on the Fountain of Wisdom page.

4. Replacements units, other than bikes registered before 01.Jan.1985, must have the BSAU 193 stamp. This does not apply to any of the CX or GL models as they are all registered before this date.

G : FINAL DRIVE

1. The chain/belt must not have excessive slack and be in good condition, the guard must be secure and not fouling.

2. On shaft drive bikes, the drive unit must be free from oil leaks.

3. Both sprockets should be securely mounted and not excessively worn.

H : MORE CHECKS

1. Check that the HORN is of reasonable volume and a continuous single tone.

2. Check for CORROSION on the frame and any load bearing components.

3. The FOOTRESTS must have an anti-slip surface.

4. All major components, bodypanels and mudguards must be securely fitted.

5. The footrests, handlebar levers and brake pedal must be securely mounted.