This guide is a cut-down version of the full 47 page MOT guide available for download. A video guide will be available very soon.

Every bike needs an MOT on it's 3rd birthday and from then on every year. Motorbike MOT's are relatively simple and using our 47 page guide (available for download now for £2.97) and accompanying instructional video (available very soon) you should be able to prepare your bike in such a way that you can be certain of it passing before you even get to the MOT testing station.

If you find this basic guide useful please vote at the bottom of the page, you can download the full 47 page guide using the link to our shop on the right or at the bottom of the page.

Steering and Suspension

Steering control

With the wheels on the ground, grasp the handlebars by the grips and apply firm pressure to check for movement of the:

• grips
• handlebar clamps

or any weakness of the:

• handlebars
• fork yokes

With the front wheel off the ground, turn the steering from lock to lock to check that:

• there is no fouling between moving and fixed parts
• the grips do not come so close to a fixed part (e.g. the fuel tank) as to trap fingers or impede the operation of the controls
• the control cables are not pulled taut on full lock and that they are not likely to be trapped or caught
• if a steering damper is fitted check it is properly secured, effective and is not likely to impede control of the motorbike
• the fairing doesn’t impede steering

Steering system

Check that both the upper and lower steering head bearings are adjusted correctly and are in good condition with the following tests:

• With the front wheel off the ground turn the steering from lock to lock
• With the front wheel on the ground, preferably on a turning plate turn the steering from lock to lock

Check for free play by applying the front brake and pushing the handlebars forward.

Front suspension and wheel bearings

Check the condition, alignment and security of the front fork assembly.

If exposed check the condition of suspension springs.

Check the fork stanchions or shock absorber for oil leakage due to seal failure

Check for wear in the front fork assembly by one of the following methods:

• with the motorbike held upright, grip the front wheel firmly and attempt to turn the handlebars from side to side looking for free play
• on leading or trailing link type suspension, raise the front wheel and attempt to move the swinging fork from side to side and look for play in the pivot assemblies

With the front wheel raised check that the wheel, spindle and clamp/locking nut are present and secure, Check that the wheel bearings are not excessively tight or do not have excessive free play. Rotate the wheel and listen any for roughness in the bearings.

Ensure the forks slide freely and that there is effective damping by applying the front brake and depressing the forks firmly several.

Check the front mudguard is securely mounted and look for any signs of contact with either the wheel, the tyre or any fixed part of the motorbike.

Check the condition of steering and suspension with regard to corrosion, distortion, damage and unacceptable modifications.

Rear suspension and wheel bearings

Check the condition of suspension with regard to:

• corrosion
• distortion
• modifications
• security
• alignment
• damage

Check condition of suspension spring(s)

Check shock absorber(s) for oil leakage due to seal failure

With the rear wheel off the ground:

• look for play in the suspension bearings or bushes by attempting to move the suspension from side to side and up and down
• check that the wheel, spindle and clamp/locking nut are present and secure
• check that the wheel bearings are not excessively tight or do not have excessive free play

rotate the wheel and listen any for roughness in the bearings.

With the rear wheel on the ground check the amount of movement and the effectiveness and security of the shock absorbers by sitting on the motorbike and firmly depressing the rear suspension several times.

On motorbikes with mono-shock suspension, check as far as possible the condition of linkages and pivots for wear and security.

Wheel alignment

Ensure the front wheel is upright and lines up with the frame.

Place a straight edge or cord against and parallel to the rear tyre, as high off the ground as possible without fouling other parts of the bike.

Estimate the gap between the straight edge and the side of the front tyre.

Repeat this for the other side.

Sight along the front wheel and forks to assess any misalignment.

Wheels and Tyres

Wheels

Spin the wheels and look for damage, buckling and eccentricity.

Lateral distortion limits e.g. buckling:

• 4mm - for steel rims
• 2mm - for alloy rims

Eccentricity:

• 3mm – All rims

Check the security of the wheels.

Pay particular attention when checking stainless steel spokes for cracks.

Tyres

Examine the tyres for type and ensure they are fit for purpose.

With the tyre off the ground, rotate each one slowly and examine for:

• cuts, lumps, bulges or tears
• exposure of the ply or cord
• separation of the tread
• incorrect seating on the wheel rim
• valve condition and alignment
• re-cutting of the tread
• correct orientation

Check the tread pattern extends around the complete circumference of the tyre and ensure the tread depth meets the requirements.

Check for signs of fouling between the tyres and other components.

Brakes

Brake Controls

Check the condition and security of the foot lever, handlebar lever and brackets.

Operate the foot lever and handlebar lever fully several times and check for:

• security
• wear at pivots
• reserve travel
• the position of the foot lever or handlebar lever in relation to the foot rest or handlebar
• smoothness of operation

In the case of hydraulic systems, fully apply the control twice, first slowly and then rapidly, each time to a point where sustained pressure can be held and check for creep and sponginess.

Check components for damage, corrosion, distortion and modifications.

Brake Systems

Mechanical components

Examine all the mechanical components of the brakes which can be seen without dismantling, looking particularly for:

• badly chafed rods or levers
• corroded, frayed or knotted cables, or crushed outer casings
• corroded or damaged rods. levers or linkages
• worn clevis joints
• absence or insecurity of locking devices (e.g. lock nuts, split pins etc.)
• the thickness of brake linings or pads
• insecurity or cracking of brake drums or discs
• any restriction to the free movement of the mechanism
• abnormal movement of levers indicating maladjustment or excessive wear
• insecurity of brake back plates, reaction brackets or callipers
• contamination of friction surfaces by oil or grease
• brake disc scoring, pitting or excessive wear
• brake disc run-out

Hydraulic components

Examine where practical hydraulic reservoirs and cylinders for:

• security of mountings
• excessive damage or corrosion
• presence and security of a reservoir cap
• hydraulic fluid level
• leaks

Examine all visible brake pipes for:

• chafing, corrosion or damage
• security
• fouling
• leaks

Examine all flexible hoses for:

• fouling, chafing, twisting, stretching or kinking
• deterioration

With each hydraulic system held under pressure, check for:

• fluid leakage
• hose bulging
• lever creep

On motorbikes with linked braking systems check all master cylinder and caliper pivot points for freedom of movement and wear.

Brake performance

The roller brake test

With the tester seated on the motorbike locate the front wheel in the rollers of the brake tester, ensure that the motorbike is oriented such that the wheels rotate in a forward direction, it is lined up in the straight ahead position and settled in the rollers.

Start the brake rollers and allow the front wheel to stabilise. With the rear brake fully applied gradually apply the front brake until maximum effort is achieved or the wheel locks and slips on the rollers. Note the reading at which the maximum braking effort is achieved and release the brake.

Start the rollers, gradually increase the front brake effort to about half the maximum reading and observe the way it builds up. Hold steady and check for fluctuations. Release the brake and observe the way in which the braking effort reduces.

Move the motorbike forward until the rear wheel is located in the rollers and repeat the procedure.

Lighting

Front and rear lights

With the lights switched on, check them for:

• presence
• condition
• security
• fitment
• visibility

Check the front and rear lights show light of the correct colour.

Check that each light:

• illuminates immediately after  it is switched on
• is not affected by the operation of any other light or horn
• does not flicker when tapped

Check the switch for condition and security and that the lights are operated by a single switch.

Headlight

Check the headlight emits a WHITE or YELLOW light

Check that the illumination of the headlight is not affected by the operation of any other light or horn and does not flicker when tapped.

Check the condition and security of the headlight.

Check the condition, operation and security of the switch.

Brake lights

Apply each of the brakes in turn and check the colour and functioning of the brake light.

Check that the illumination of the brake light is not affected by the operation of any other light or horn

Check the condition and security of the brake light.

Rear reflector

Check the presence and colour of the rear reflector(s).

Examine the reflectors for condition, security, position and visibility

Indicators and hazard warning lights

Operate the indicators on each side in turn and check the colour, flashing rate and intensity.

Check that the illumination of the indicators is not affected by the operation of any other light or horn.

Check the condition and security of each indicator.

Check the condition and operation of the switch.

Check that the indicator warning light is operating correctly.

Headlight aim

Using a rail mounted headlight tester

Locate the motorbike on the area designated as the 'standing area' for the headlight test. Clamp the front wheel or otherwise support the motorbike so that it is upright and in the straight ahead position.

With an assistant sitting on the motorbike in the normal riding position align the beam tester with the longitudinal axis of the motorbike and align the centre of the collecting lens with the centre of the headlight under test in accordance with the equipment manufacturer's instructions. Switch the headlight to the beam on which the headlight is to be checked. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer for the particular headlight aim equipment being used:

Using an aiming screen

Place the motorbike on the standing area. Position the motorbike with the headlight the appropriate distance away from the aiming screen and its longitudinal centre line at right angles to the screen. Clamp the front wheel or otherwise support the motorbike so that it is upright and adequately supported. Align the screens vertical zero line with the motorbikes headlight centre line. With an assistant sitting on the motorbike in the normal riding position align the horizontal zero line with the horizontal axis of the headlight using the headlight height measuring equipment. Switch the headlight to the beam which is being checked.

European ‘E’ beam headlight – dipped beam

An asymmetric dipped beam pattern which when correctly aimed, produces an image with a distinct line rising at 15 deg (45 deg in some lights) on the nearside.

A lens or reflector with one or more asymmetric stepped patterns moulded in the glass or plastic.

A lens may carry a European approval mark - a circle containing an 'E' and a number, or a rectangle containing an 'e' and a number.

General

Horn

Check that the motorbike is fitted with a horn or a device capable of giving an audible warning.

Check the accessibility and operation of the horn control.

Operate the horn and listen to the character of the sound emitted.

Exhaust System

Examine the condition of the whole exhaust system including the silencers and mountings, for security, deterioration and completeness.

With the engine running assess the effectiveness of the silencer in reducing as far as is reasonable the noise caused by the running engine.

On motorbikes first used on or after 1 January 1985 check that the silencer has an identification mark or plate.

Condition of Structure

Examine the motorbike structure for cracks, damage, distortion and corrosion.

Check all other parts of the motorbike for defects which might make it dangerous to ride on the road.

Number plates

The number plate characters must comply to the following sizes:

• Height – 64mm
• Width (excluding ‘1’ or ‘I’) – 44mm
• Stroke – 10mm
• Space between characters – 10mm
• Space between character groups – 30mm
• Top, bottom and side margins (minimum) - 11mm
• Space between vertical lines – 13mm

Check that the number plate is securely attached and not obscured when viewed from the rear.

Check that the font and layout used complies with VOSA’s guidelines.

Assessment of corrosion

The effect of corrosion on the safety of a motorbike is a difficult matter to resolve as it depends not only on the extent of the corrosion but also on the function of the corroded part. A small amount of corrosion which substantially weakens an important component or part of the structure would render the motorbike unsafe, whilst significant corrosion of a less important part may be acceptable.

Where corrosion is present the tester must make an assessment of its severity and identify whether it is in a load bearing member or a highly stressed part such as a frame or suspension component, reaction bracket etc. The extent of the corrosion should be determined by pressing hard with finger and thumb. If necessary careful scraping and light tapping of the affected areas with the ‘Corrosion Assessment Tool’ is permitted.

If you found this guide useful please vote below, contact us for information on the instructional video (available soon) and the full 47 page MOT guide (available now).

Thanks for looking

Nick Hine

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