This is a generalisation of the MOT only for some of the components that get checked.
I am a VOSA qualified motorcyle tester.
TyresItem 2 Motorcycle Tyres - Motocross or Similar
There is a number of Motocross or similar type tyres on the market with the spacing between the block treads greater than the block width and that have been approved for road use. According to the MOT Inspection Manual guidance these tyres should be failed unless they have an approval marking and MST (Multi Service Tyre) moulded into the sidewall of the tyre.
If a machine is presented for MOT test fitted with any of these types of tyres, you should not fail them just because they do not display MST. If the tyre is marked with an 'E' in a circle, or an 'e' in a rectangle, moulded in to the tyre wall, this shows that the tyre has been type approved for road use. Similarly if a tyre is permanently marked with the letters JIS (Japanese Industry Standard) or DOE (American Standard) then the tyre is also approved for road use. These tyres may not necessarily be marked MST as set out in the information column in Section 4.1 page 1 ('Examples of unsuitable tyres' paragraph b.) of the MOT Inspection Manual.
Therefore principal reason for failure 1, 'an unsuitable tyre' in the Motor Bicycle and Side Car Testing Manual section 4.1 page 1 does not apply to these tyres providing they permanently display on a sidewall any of the approval markings mentioned in the above paragraph.
Exhausts7.1 Exhaust System
2 Issue Date: May 2004 The Motor Bicycle and Side Car M.O.T. Inspection Manual
Information
A durable repair to the exhaust system that
effectively prevents leaks is acceptable
providing the system is structurally sound.
Method of Inspection
1. Examine the condition of the exhaust
system including the silencer(s) and
mountings for security, deterioration and
completeness.
2. With the engine running assess the
effectiveness of the silencer(s) in reducing
as far as is reasonable the noise emitted.
3. Check the silencer(s) on all machines for
any unacceptable markings.
Reason for Rejection1.
a. any part of the exhaust system missing or
excessively deteriorated
b. a leak in the exhaust system which causes
excessive noise to be emitted
c. an exhaust system mounting missing or
one which is in such a condition that it
does not fully support the exhaust
system.
2. A silencer that is in such a condition or is
of such a type that the noise emitted is
clearly in excess of that which would be
produced by a similar machine fitted with
a standard silencer in average condition.
3. A silencer marked 'NOT FOR ROAD
USE', 'TRACK USE ONLY' or
similar words
Registration plate and VIN number6.3 Registration Plates and Vehicle Identification/Frame Number
4 Issue Date: December 2003 The Motor Bicycle & Side Car M.O.T. Inspection Manual
Information
Registration Plates
Unregistered Vehicles
Unregistered vehicles need not be fitted with
number plates.
Style of Letters/Figures
Letters/figures must be of equal width along
their entire length.
Method of Inspection
1. Check that there is a registration plate
fitted at the rear of the motor bicycle or
sidecar, and check it for security and
condition.
2. Check visually that the letters and figures
are correctly formed and are not
obviously likely to be misread due to, for
example, badly positioned, uncovered or
wrongly coloured retaining bolts etc.
Reason for Rejection1. A rear registration plate
a. missing
b. so insecure that it is likely to fall off
c. letter or figure missing or incomplete
d. faded, dirty, deteriorated or obscured
so that it is likely to be misread or not
easily legible by a person standing
approximately 15 metres to the rear of
the machine)
e. format incorrect (see additional
information).
2. A rear registration plate with
a. a letter or figure not correctly formed
or likely to be misread
b. letters and/or figures likely to be
misread or not easily legible by a
person standing approximately 15
metres to the rear of the machine
c. a letter or figure which is obviously
not of equal width along its entire
length
d. any feature on a registration plate that
has the effect of changing the
appearance or legibility of any of the
characters of the registration mark, so
the true identity of the machine is less
easily identified.
They have to be also set out like this.
AB01
ABC
NOT like this.
AB01 ABC
"Letters and/or figures likely to be
misread or not easily legible by a
person standing approximately 15
metres to the rear of the machine"This is required for the MOT so it can be slightly undersize.
This though is not going to be legal for the police requirements !!
You have been warned !!ElectricsIf lights are fitted they MUST all work including a brake light fitted front and rear.
A horn must be fitted, bulb type horns are no longer allowed, you can get a battery operated horn from Halfords or most pedal cycle shops that fits your handlebars,
Indicators must work if they are fitted, if they are not fitted but have the switchgear to operate them then make that switch inoperable for the tester.
Headlight must have a High/low beam and the pattern should not kick up to the right, insulating tape on the lens is perfectly acceptable to get the beam pattern legal, you can pass an MOT with a flat beam pattern, side light must work if it is fitted to the unit or has the facility on the switchgear.
Numberplate light should be fitted also (no white light should be visible from the rear).
If a DAYTIME MOT is to be issued then the only thing you need is a horn.[B]Bodywork[/B]
Please make sure that none of your bodywork is hanging off, everything is secure (zip ties are fine if needed) and no sharp edges.
Bearings,pivots and linkagesNo baggy bearings etc, slight play is allowed only, head bearings can have a slight notch only, if they center themselves with the wheel off the ground then they could fail.
SpokesMake sure none of your spokes are loose, this is not just for the MOT but also for your safety.
SeatMust be secure, with no major faults.
Handlebar GripsIf they are loose, wrecked or spin IT WILL FAIL !!
Brake systemPads to be in good order, mastercylinders to be topped up with fluid, no leaks and all components in good working order, if you have a binding brake IT WILL FAIL !! strip and clean the caliper and fit some new seals.
Forks and sealsA leaking seal will fail too but if its under gaitors or neoprene sleeves then they cant be tampered with by the tester, but you dont ride with knackered seals anyway.......DO YOU. ( if it is just mist then it will pass)
Front and rear suspension must have adequate damping.
Split pins / locking pins etcIf there is the facility for these items, get them fitted. (Wheel spindles, drum brake torque arms etc)
Fuel capMust fit correctly and not leak, the seal will be checked and must not be perished.
Oh yes, if your bike is dirty the tester can point blank refuse to test it, this has happened to me a few times and I point them to the jetwash round the corner.
Please keep em clean guys and make a good first impression
