What's an MOT?
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 wor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
