Basic Requirements to get your bike through the MOT

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Taken from Here

I thought I'd post it up as it seems to be a very regular question.

Tyres

Item 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.


Exhausts

7.1 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 Rejection

1.
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 number

6.3 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 Rejection

1. 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 obscuredso 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 bemisread 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 !!

Electrics

If 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.

Bodywork

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 linkages

No 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.

Spokes

Make sure none of your spokes are loose, this is not just for the MOT but also for your safety.

Seat

Must be secure, with no major faults.

Handlebar Grips

If they are loose, wrecked or spin IT WILL FAIL !!

Brake system

Pads to be in good order, master cylinders 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 seals

A leaking seal will fail too but if its under gaitors or neoprene sleeves then they cant be tampered with by the tester, but you don't 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 etc

If there is the facility for these items, get them fitted. (Wheel spindles, drum brake torque arms etc)

Fuel cap

Must 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.