Motorcycle mot how long

Sidecars — If your motorbike has a sidecar there will be an additional assessment of this with checks on the attachment, wheel alignment, suspension, lights and tyres, to name a few. Plenty of motorbikes fail their MOT however many of the faults that cause a fail are avoidable and down to general condition.

Your motorbike must be repaired to a standard where the MOT would be passed and it can only be ridden if you are driving to get repairs or for your next MOT test. You should not be charged for a retest if you return to the same testing facility before the end of the next working day.

If you leave your motorbike at the testing facility to be repaired then you should not have to pay for your retest if it is carried out within 10 working days of its failure. You will have to pay for a retest if your motorbike fails for serious issues. To check that they are authorised to carry out MOTs, they must carry the triple blue triangle logo.

VOSA also deals with complaints. You will need the test number from your original MOT certificate or your unique number on your vehicle registration document V5C , as well as your Vehicle Registration Mark.

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Quote over the phone Not all motorcycles need indicators, but some do. Direction indicators are not required on motorbikes that:. It is not mandatory for a moped to be fitted with indicator lights. Checks are made on the steering and suspension system, and on the condition and security of all parts. These include: fork and fork yoke; handlebars and grips; springs and shock absorbers; and suspension pins, bushes, joints, arms and rods. There is no minimum tread depth for a moped, so the tester will just look for a visible tread pattern.

The load-bearing frame includes the sidecar frame — if there is a sidecar — and attachment brackets. On bikes where the engine is used as a stressed part of the structure, the engine mountings are checked. The tester will be looking at the structural integrity of the frame and checking for signs of damage, corrosion or cracks. This includes: cables, rods, levers and linkages; discs and drums; linings and pads; flexible brake hoses; rigid brake pipes; lever and pedal; callipers and cylinders; and brake fluid.

The operation and performance of the braking system is then put to the test. The fuel system and its components are checked for leaks and security. The fuel pipe or hose is examined for damage or chafing. If there is a pillion seat, that will also be checked.

Wheel alignment is an important part of motorbike safety. The bike will be examined to check that the front and back wheels are aligned accordingly. There will also be checks on suspension, wheel bearings, lights, tyres and wheel alignment. It must work properly and be compliant with requirements. The vehicle identification and frame numbers will also be checked for legibility and legitimacy.

A registration plate is required on the rear of the moped only. To legally ride your motorcycle on UK roads you need to have a valid MOT test certificate; a confirmation that your bike has undergone a number of mechanical safety checks. Primarily these involve brakes, lights and steering mechanisms but since , when testing first began, the checklist has vastly expanded.

That list may constitute a minefield of defects, faults and problems any one of which can result in your motorbike failing its MOT test. Quite simply, the MOT is a test… an inspection of your motorcycle once it is more than three years old. After that, the MOT test is required every year to ensure that your bike is safe, roadworthy and legal. Cleaning, polishing and putting air in the tires is all very nice but an authorized MOT testing facility has a long list of mechanical and electrical inspections to carry out.

A bike sitting in a shed for months on end poses no risk to others but out on the road any number of weak points can lead to serious injury or death to both riders and others. Lights and Signaling: Motorcycle lights are to see and be seen. Steering and Suspension: The condition of the steering and suspension is inspected to assess whether the forks, handlebars, grips mountings, head bearings, swinging arm, shock absorbers and damping effect are secure and properly working.

Pay particular attention to the fork seals. Try grabbing the handlebars, squeezing the front brake lever and pushing the bike forward to check the damping action. Wheels and Tyres: In poor condition wheels and tyres are a source of risk. Are yours the wrong size, badly fitted or with worn tread? Take a look. Are the front and rear tyres compatible and suitable for road use? Inflate the tyre pressures to their correct pressure or they may affect the outcome of the brake test. Frame and Structure: During the MOT the frame of your bike is checked for cracks, damage, distortion and corrosion which could have an adverse effect on steering and braking.

The best you can do on a pre-check is to spin the wheel and press the brake lever. It should grind to a halt. Ride the bike too and test the brakes by stopping. Exhaust System: Is your exhaust system secure and quiet?