Moto MOT provides a guide to the basic requirements of a motorcycle MOT test below, if you have any particular query on the test please contact us 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, always remember – SAFETY FIRST.
This guide is for solo motorcycles those fitted with a sidecar 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. It's quite amazing since these are amongst the simplest items to check before going to the test station. 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.
All motorcycles & scooters must have a red reflector on the rear of the machine, either bolted on separately or as part of the tail light lens.
Number Plares
Number plates should be 235w X 180h with text 65h X 45w normal legible text anything else is a fail we can make a plate up on site if your plate is to small or the text is the wrong type of font
Steering
The next highest fail rate is due to the 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 knottiness
- 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, spokes in wheels will be checked to see if any are broken, corroded, loose or bent.
- The Tyres and wheels must run smooth in free-wheel and must not foul 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 swing arm suspension, there must be no free play 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 seals
- The forks must be adequately dampened
At the rear, the checks will be:
- No oil leaks around the shock absorber
- No play in the swing arm 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 accessories
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 boxes
- Replacement units must not have for race use only stamped on them
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
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, body panels and mudguards must be securely fitted
- The footrests, handlebar levers and brake pedal must be securely mounted
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