Motorcycle MOT: What Gets Checked?

Every year, thousands of motorcyclists across the UK face the annual MOT test, a crucial assessment designed to ensure their beloved machines are safe and roadworthy for the public highway. More than just a bureaucratic hurdle, the MOT is a vital safety check, protecting riders, passengers, and other road users alike. But what exactly does an MOT tester scrutinise on your motorcycle? Understanding the specific components and systems under examination can not only alleviate pre-test anxieties but also empower you to conduct your own pre-MOT checks, significantly increasing your chances of a first-time pass.

This comprehensive guide will break down every aspect of the motorcycle MOT test, detailing the various parts and systems that are meticulously inspected. From the smallest bulb to the integrity of your frame, we’ll cover it all, providing you with the knowledge to approach your next MOT with confidence.

The Core Components of a Motorcycle MOT Check

The MOT test is a standardised procedure, meaning the same checks are performed on every motorcycle (with slight variations for trikes or sidecars). The inspector follows a strict set of guidelines to assess the condition and functionality of your bike’s critical systems. Here’s a detailed look at what’s on their checklist:

Lights and Signalling Equipment

Your motorcycle’s ability to see and be seen is paramount for safety. The MOT test pays close attention to all lighting and signalling devices:

• Headlights: Both dip and main beam will be checked for operation, condition, and correct alignment. The light must be white or yellow and securely fitted.
• Tail Lights: Must be present, working, and emit a red light. Their condition and security are also assessed.
• Brake Lights: Both the front and rear brake lights must illuminate when their respective controls are operated. They must be bright enough and securely fitted.
• Indicators (Turn Signals): All indicators must flash at a consistent rate, be amber in colour, and be securely mounted. The tell-tale light on your dashboard, if fitted, must also work.
• Number Plate Light: The light illuminating your rear number plate must be present, working, and white.
• Reflectors: A red rear reflector must be present and securely fitted.

Steering and Suspension

Precise control and a stable ride are fundamental. The steering and suspension components are thoroughly examined:

• Handlebars: Checked for security, excessive play, and ensuring they are not bent or damaged. The grips must also be secure.
• Steering Bearings: The inspector will check for any play or stiffness in the steering head bearings. This involves rocking the front wheel and turning the handlebars.
• Forks: Assessed for leaks, damage, and proper damping. The fork stanchions must be free from pitting or corrosion that could affect seals.
• Rear Suspension: Shock absorbers are checked for leaks, damage, and effective damping. Linkages are checked for excessive play or wear.
• Swingarm: Checked for play in the pivot bearings.

Braking System

Effective braking is non-negotiable. Every aspect of your motorcycle’s braking system comes under scrutiny:

• Brake Levers/Pedals: Checked for correct operation, excessive travel, and security.
• Brake Callipers: Inspected for leaks, damage, and proper mounting.
• Brake Discs/Drums: Checked for excessive wear, cracks, scoring, or warping. Discs must not be below their minimum thickness.
• Brake Pads/Shoes: Assessed for wear, ensuring they are not worn down to the minimum limit.
• Brake Hoses/Lines: Checked for leaks, chafing, bulges, cracks, or deterioration.
• Brake Fluid: The reservoir will be checked for sufficient fluid level and any visible contamination (though the fluid itself isn't tested for quality).
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): If fitted, the ABS warning light must illuminate and then extinguish correctly.

Tyres and Wheels

Your tyres are your only contact with the road, making their condition critical:

• Tyre Condition: Checked for cuts, bulges, tears, or any other damage that exposes the cord.
• Tread Depth: The minimum legal tread depth for motorcycles over 50cc is 1mm across three-quarters of the tread width, with visible tread over the entire circumference. For bikes under 50cc, it's typically 0.5mm.
• Tyre Type: Ensuring the correct tyre type is fitted (e.g., not a car tyre on a motorcycle).
• Wheel Rims: Checked for damage, cracks, or distortion.
• Spokes/Alloys: Spoked wheels are checked for loose or broken spokes. Alloy wheels are checked for cracks or significant damage.
• Wheel Bearings: Checked for excessive play or roughness when the wheel is spun.

Frame and Bodywork

The structural integrity of your motorcycle is paramount:

• Frame: Inspected for cracks, distortion, damage, or excessive corrosion that could compromise its strength.
• Subframe: Also checked for condition and security.
• Engine Mountings: Checked for security and integrity.
• Footrests: Must be present, secure, and not excessively worn.

Exhaust System

The exhaust system is checked for security, leaks, and noise levels:

• Security: Must be securely mounted.
• Leaks: Checked for any significant leaks from the system.
• Noise Levels: While there isn't a specific decibel limit, the exhaust must not be excessively noisy or clearly modified to increase noise. It must be fitted with all its silencing components.

Drive Chain/Shaft

For chain-driven bikes, the drive chain and sprockets are inspected:

• Chain: Checked for excessive slack, tight spots, corrosion, or kinks.
• Sprockets: Checked for excessive wear (e.g., hooked teeth).
• Shaft Drive: Checked for leaks or excessive play.

Other Important Checks

• Horn: Must be present, operate correctly, and produce a continuous, audible sound.
• Registration Plates: Must be present, legible, correctly formatted (font, spacing), and securely attached.
• Fuel System: Checked for leaks from the tank or fuel lines.
• Sidecar (if applicable): If your motorcycle has a sidecar, it will also be checked for secure attachment, lighting, and wheel/suspension condition.

Common Reasons for MOT Failure

Understanding the most frequent causes of failure can help you target your pre-MOT checks. Many failures are due to simple issues that could be easily rectified at home:

• Lighting Issues: Blown bulbs, incorrect alignment, or damaged lenses are extremely common.
• Tyre Condition: Insufficient tread depth or damage to the tyre walls.
• Brakes: Worn pads, leaking lines, or excessively worn discs.
• Steering/Suspension: Worn steering head bearings or leaking fork seals.
• Exhaust: Excessive noise or obvious leaks.

By addressing these common failure points before your test, you significantly improve your chances of passing.

Pre-MOT Check: What You Can Do

A quick once-over of your motorcycle can save you time and money. Here’s a simple checklist:

• Lights: Turn on all lights (headlight, tail light, brake lights – front and rear, indicators, number plate light) and check they work. Get someone to help you check brake lights.
• Tyres: Check tread depth across the tyre, look for cuts, bulges, or embedded objects. Ensure correct tyre pressures.
• Brakes: Check brake lever and pedal feel. Look for leaks around callipers and master cylinders. Check pad wear.
• Chain/Shaft: Check chain tension and lubrication. Look for worn sprockets.
• Horn: Give it a quick blast.
• Steering: With the front wheel off the ground, check for play in the steering head bearings by rocking the forks.
• Suspension: Check for leaks around fork seals and rear shocks.
• Registration Plate: Ensure it’s clean, legible, and securely attached.

MOT Checks vs. What's Not Checked

It's important to differentiate between what the MOT covers and what it doesn't. The MOT is a test of roadworthiness and safety at the time of the test, not a full mechanical inspection or service.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Motorcycle MOT

What happens if my motorcycle fails its MOT?

If your bike fails, you'll receive a 'Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate' with the reasons for failure. You cannot ride the motorcycle on public roads until the faults are rectified and it passes a retest, unless you are driving it to a pre-arranged appointment for repairs or to an MOT station for a retest.

Can I get an MOT done early?

Yes, you can get an MOT up to one month (minus a day) before your current MOT certificate expires and still keep the same renewal date. For example, if your MOT expires on 15th May, you can get it tested from 16th April and the new certificate will run until 15th May the following year.

Is there a difference between an MOT for a scooter and a motorcycle?

No, the same MOT test standards apply to all motorcycles, regardless of engine size or style, including scooters, mopeds, and larger bikes. The only slight variations come with trikes and motorcycles with sidecars.

Do I need to bring anything to the MOT test?

You typically don't need to bring your old MOT certificate, as the tester can access your vehicle's history online. However, it's always wise to have your V5C registration document (logbook) handy, especially if it's a new test or if there are any doubts about the vehicle's identity.

What is a 'minor' or 'major' defect?

From May 2018, MOT defects are categorised as 'Minor', 'Major', or 'Dangerous'. Minor defects are advisory and won't fail the test but should be repaired. Major defects mean a failure and must be repaired. Dangerous defects also mean a failure and the vehicle should not be driven until repaired, due to an immediate risk to road safety.

In conclusion, the motorcycle MOT test is a comprehensive annual check designed to ensure your bike meets the minimum legal requirement for safe operation on UK roads. While it might seem daunting, understanding the specific areas of inspection empowers you to maintain your machine effectively and confidently prepare for the test. Regular maintenance and a thorough pre-check before your appointment are your best allies in securing that pass certificate, keeping you safe and legal on two wheels.

If you want to read more articles similar to Motorcycle MOT: What Gets Checked?, you can visit the Automotive category.