Motorcycle MOT: What You Need to Know

Does My Motorcycle Need an MOT? The Essential Guide

It's a crucial aspect of responsible motorcycle ownership to keep track of whether your motorcycle is covered by an MOT. Failing to do so can be a costly mistake, with fines of up to £1,000 possible for riders caught without a valid certificate. Once your motorcycle is three years old, you will indeed need an MOT, and a further test will be required every 12 months thereafter. The good news is that the maximum fee for examining a standard motorcycle is currently a very reasonable £29.65, considerably less than what mechanics often charge for determining a car's roadworthiness. However, it's important to bear in mind that motorcycle MOTs do not cover the condition of your gearbox, engine, or clutch. Furthermore, the fee will not include the cost of servicing any parts which are found to be substandard. So, let’s delve into what exactly is checked during a motorcycle MOT and the particular requirements your motorcycle will need to satisfy to pass. Having a solid awareness of the criteria for an MOT can significantly help you to stay one step ahead of the curve in maintaining your vehicle, ultimately preventing any need for costly retests and ensuring your safety on the road.

What Does a Motorcycle MOT Test Cover?

The MOT test is designed to ensure your motorcycle is safe to ride and meets minimum environmental standards. While it doesn't cover mechanical components like the engine or gearbox, it focuses on critical safety and emissions aspects. Understanding these areas can help you prepare your bike and avoid unexpected failures.

13 Key Checks Your Mechanic Will Perform

To elaborate on the table above, here's a more detailed look at the 13 specific areas your mechanic will be scrutinising:

1. Suspension and Steering: This is paramount for control. Your mechanic will meticulously check crucial parts like your head bearings, swinging arm, damping effect, shock absorbers, handlebars, forks, and grip mountings. They'll ensure these are securely attached to your motorcycle and operating normally. Any components found to be in poor condition may require replacement to ensure safe handling.
2. Lights: This is a critical part of the inspection, as motorcyclists need to be as visible as possible to other road users, especially cars and heavy goods vehicles. All the light fittings on your motorcycle will be checked to see they are secure, working correctly, in good condition, and emitting the correct colour light. This includes your reflectors and indicators, with a final check to ensure your headlamp is aimed in the correct direction.
3. The Frame and Fuel System: Corrosion can have a detrimental impact on your ability to steer and brake effectively, so this will be a primary concern of your mechanic. Other types of damage, such as cracks and distortion, will also need to be ruled out. Your motorcycle’s fuel system will be thoroughly checked for any leaks and to make sure all of its parts are securely fastened.
4. Brakes: Your mechanic will conduct a rigorous brake efficiency test during the MOT. They will also ensure that the motorcycle’s brake controls are in good working order and establish whether the braking system is in good enough condition to reliably last another 12 months until your next MOT.
5. Exhaust: The exhaust system will be checked to ensure it is complete and securely attached to the motorcycle. Be aware of any modifications, too, as your motorcycle will not pass if the exhaust is deemed too noisy.
6. Tyres: There’s plenty for your mechanic to check here. This includes the condition of the valves, the tread depth to guarantee you’re getting sufficient grip on various road surfaces, the tyres’ overall condition, and whether they are securely fitted. They should also be the correct fit and size for your specific class of motorcycle.
7. Seats: It might sound basic, but the MOT needs to make sure that there is a rider’s seat fitted to the motorcycle and that it is attached securely.
8. Throttle and Horn: Unsurprisingly, everything must work properly in this regard. The throttle should operate smoothly without sticking, and the horn will also be sounded to guarantee its suitability and audibility for your motorcycle.
9. Sprocket and Drive Chain: Both of these vital components will need to be replaced if they are found to be worn out. Your mechanic will carefully check that the drive chain isn’t too loose or too tight, and that the accompanying guard is securely in place.
10. Identification: Crucial for legal compliance, your frame number, number plate, and vehicle identification number (VIN) must be correct and present. They must also be legible to other road users and traffic cameras.
11. Footrests: Before you can put your feet up after a ride, make sure that your footrests are properly installed and securely fitted.
12. Clutch Lever: The primary concern here is whether the clutch lever is easy to use when you’re on the road. As such, if it has become too shortened or bent since the last MOT, it may need replacing.
13. Sidecars: This is a bit of a bonus one, as it won’t apply to all motorcyclists. The recurring theme of making sure everything is secured applies here, not to mention checks on its suspension, wheel bearings and alignment, and its lights. It's important to note that a sidecar should always be fitted by a competent mechanic.

Tips for a Successful Motorcycle MOT

Generally, motorcycles tend to have a much higher pass rate than cars. This is often because, being a lot less bulky, any problematic components are normally quite easy for a mechanic to detect and fix. Statistically, around 18% of motorcycles fail their MOT every year. As we’ve seen throughout this article, the main takeaway is to ensure everything is fully secured to your motorcycle. It’s also a good idea to ensure your battery is charged before an MOT, as a low battery can sometimes affect certain electrical checks.

Proactively addressing potential issues identified in the MOT checklist before your test can save you time and money. For instance, ensuring your tyres have adequate tread depth, your lights are all functioning correctly, and your chain is properly tensioned can significantly increase your chances of a first-time pass. Remember, regular maintenance is key to not only passing your MOT but also to ensuring the longevity and safety of your motorcycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When does my motorcycle need its first MOT?

Your motorcycle will need its first MOT when it is three years old. After that, it requires an MOT test every 12 months.

Q2: What is the maximum fee for a motorcycle MOT?

The maximum fee for a standard motorcycle MOT is currently £29.65.

Q3: Does the MOT check the engine, gearbox, or clutch?

No, the MOT test does not cover the condition of your motorcycle's engine, gearbox, or clutch. These are considered mechanical components that are not part of the safety and emissions inspection.

Q4: What happens if my motorcycle fails its MOT?

If your motorcycle fails its MOT, you will receive a refusal of an MOT test certificate, detailing the reasons for failure. You will need to have the necessary repairs carried out and then present the motorcycle for a partial retest. Some items can be retested immediately, while others may require a full new MOT.

Q5: Can I ride my motorcycle without a valid MOT?

No, it is illegal to ride a motorcycle on public roads without a valid MOT certificate, unless you are riding it to a pre-booked MOT test appointment. You could face a fine of up to £1,000.

Issues pertaining to maintenance can also crop up during your theory test when learning to ride. Resources like TopTests.co.uk offer mock exams specifically designed for learner motorcyclists, which can help you prepare for the knowledge required.

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