Cut Bobber Frame / UK MOT

[RobMorris]

Hi

Does anyone have any experience with cut frames / UK MOT?

I have a Virago 535.

A 'normal' bobber mod is to cut the rear of the frame off - Basically its the pillion section and either push in some rubber bungs or weld the holes shut with a small plate.

But a lot of these that I see are overseas so not sure how the UK rules/MOT see this modification?

So can anyone here with any experience comment?

Thanks
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1992 Yamaha XV535 Virago

[Teflon-Mike]

SVA rules, if the major structural member is replaced or modified from 'standard' it begs an SVA test.

If you chop the frame rails of a bike, in theory you have modified the main structural member you MUST pout it through SVA.

MOT Man, though might be more pragmatic, and reading the rules; apply 'interpretation' of the main structural member, not as the whole frame, but the bit between the head-stock and rear suspension mounts.

Lopping off the frame rails behind the rear shock mounts then you will probably get away with on MOT, if there's nothing else obviouse for him to gripe about on a 'bobber' like the length of the mudgards, or the integrety of a plywood seat sat on top of flexible unbraced abbreviated top rails....

Pays your money takes your chances.... but go look at the SVA rules, cos depending on how much you mod or alter, you could be in breach of them and beg full SVA rather than simple MOT anyway.
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My Webby'Tef's-tQ, loads of stuff about my bikes, my Land-Rovers, and the stuff I do with them!
Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'

[Rogerborg]

How long does it take to find and read the actual MOT manual?

https://www.mot-testing.service.gov.uk/documents/manuals/class12/Section-6-Structure-and-attachments.html

It says nothing about replacement or modification. It says nothing about missing parts. Load bearing sections must be sound, but it explicitly says that they're not load bearing if there's no load to bear. That's deep, man.

The closest thing I can see is that any joining plates or fastenings must be secure. If you're going to lop off the rear subframe, I'd weld or at least securely bolt in a cross-member, rather than just bunging the tubes shut.

[B5234FT]

MOT doesnt concern itself with structural changes, just corrosion or missing bits.

The bigger issue is that any modification to a used frame technically means you need an IVA. The SVA (1997-2008) was the previous version.

The second problem is that even if you get the test, I believe you are forced to have a Q registration suffix.

As you can tell, no one ever bothers, but it's a risk you should be aware of.

[RobMorris]

Thanks all
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1992 Yamaha XV535 Virago

[Rogerborg]

[B5234FT]

Well this is the whole can of worms. LOADS of vehicles are built every year which "need" an IVA and dont get one and nothing seems to be done about it.

Traditional kit cars etc, you need one as you dont have a reg document, but the number of highly modified cars and bikes going about on their original reg mean that there are clearly plenty of people who either dont know, or choose to ignore the guidance. (Many people ignore it, as they dont want a Q plate, or wish to maintain tax free status)

As for what specifically youd be charged with, I don't know, but I know that because it's widely midunderstood, it wont be following a VOSA roadside pull that you get a wee court case and a telling off, it will be after a large and nasty accident with rather more riding on the whole situation, so personally I'd choose to avoid it.

[MCN]

So if someone mods a chassis/frame but doesn't bother their beaver to have it approved by the authorities and then they have a prang involving a third party the insurers will have fun.
Most likely, they'll pay thrird party costs but the kit-car-bike owner will get hee-haw. And mibby a holiday in the gaol too. 😀

I see no other outcome as the rule is there to stop Heath Robinson Inc. from running Frankentraptions on our roads. We have potholes and vindictive scammeravans we don't need Bodge-it-Bangers too.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._Heath_Robinson
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[B5234FT]

[Rogerborg]