6. Structure and attachments
Frame and attachments (including exhaust system and fuel system), and seat and riding controls (including clutch and throttle controls and footrests) rules and inspection for motorcycle MOT tests.
6.1.1. Frame condition
The main load bearing structure of the frame includes any sidecar frame and its attachment brackets. It does not include sections that only support components such as footrests, lamps or mudguards.
You may have to remove panels or raise the seat to be able to fully examine the structure.
If the engine is a stressed member of the frame, the engine mounting brackets should be checked (see Section 6.1.8).
You must visually assess the condition of the frame for corrosion and damage. If you notice corrosion, use finger and thumb pressure to check the extent of the corrosion and, if necessary, carefully scrape or lightly tap the affected areas with the corrosion assessment tool. Take care not to further damage the frame.
Find further guidance on assessing corrosion and methods of repair in Appendix A of this manual.
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| (a) A main load-bearing structural member fractured or deformed such that: (i) structural rigidity is significantly reduced (ii) steering or braking is likely to be adversely affected |
Major Dangerous |
| (b) Joining/attachment plates or fastenings: (i) insecure (ii) so insecure that structural rigidity is seriously reduced |
Major Dangerous |
| (c) A main load-bearing structural member corroded to the extent that: (i) the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced (ii) steering or braking is likely to be adversely affected |
Major Dangerous |
| (d) A main load-bearing structural member modified or inadequately repaired such that: (i) the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced (ii) steering or braking is likely to be adversely affected |
Major Dangerous |
6.1.2. Exhaust system
You must inspect all motorcycles with an internal combustion engine, including hybrid motorcycles.
A minor exhaust leak from, for example, a connection joint or a pinhole does not justify rejection.
Exhaust noise is assessed under Section 8.1.1.
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| (a) Exhaust system has a major leak or is insecure | Major |
| (b) Not in use | |
| (c) An exhaust silencer marked ‘NOT FOR ROAD USE’, ‘TRACK USE ONLY’ or similar words | Major |
6.1.3. Fuel system
You must inspect all motorcycles with an internal combustion engine or a hydrogen fuel cell.
If you cannot gain access to the fuel filler cap, see ‘refusal to test’ in the Introduction to this manual.
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| (a) Fuel tank, pipe or hose: (i) insecure (ii) insecure such that there is a risk of fire |
Major Dangerous |
| (b) Fuel system: (i) leaking, or missing or ineffective filler cap (ii) leaking excessively or a risk of fire |
Major Dangerous |
| (c) Fuel pipe or hose: (i) chafing (ii) damaged |
Minor Major |
| (d) Not in use |
6.1.4. Not in use
6.1.5. Not in use
6.1.6. Not in use
6.1.7. Transmission
You must inspect:
- drive chains and sprockets
- drive belts and pulleys
Make sure that a drive chain intended to be fitted with a horseshoe locking device has that device fitted with the closed end in the direction of rotation.
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| (a) Not in use | |
| (b) Not in use | |
| (c) A transmission belt, chain, sprocket or pulley: (i) excessively loose or worn (ii) so loose or worn it is likely to fail |
Major Dangerous |
| (d) Not in use | |
| (e) Not in use | |
| (f) Not in use | |
| (g) Not in use | |
| (h) Not in use | |
| (i) A drive chain or belt guard insecure | Major |
| (j) A drive chain horseshoe locking device: (i) incorrectly fitted (ii) likely to become detached |
Major Dangerous |
| (k) A transmission belt or chain: (i) excessively tight (ii) excessively tight, so that it is likely to fail |
Major Dangerous |
6.1.8. Engine mountings
You must inspect engine mountings on motorcycles which use the engine as a stressed member of the structure.
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| (a) A engine mounting or bracket: (i) severely damaged or deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (ii) fractured, missing or excessively loose |
Major Dangerous |
6.2.1. Not in use
6.2.2. Not in use
6.2.3. Not in use
6.2.4. Not in use
6.2.5. Rider’s seat
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| (a) A rider’s seat: (i) with a defective supporting structure (ii) missing or insecure |
Major Dangerous |
6.2.6. Pillion seat
This inspection does not include sidecar seats.
If there is an optional cowl replacing or covering the pillion seat at the time of test, you should consider it to be a single seat motorcycle.
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| (a) A pillion seat: (i) with a defective supporting structure (ii) insecure |
Major Dangerous |
6.2.7. Clutch and throttle controls
A throttle friction device is permitted unless it impairs the throttle operation.
A throttle does not have to automatically return to the idle position.
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| (a) A throttle control: (i) not functioning correctly (ii) functioning such that safe operation of the motorcycle is affected |
Major Dangerous |
| (b) A clutch lever so bent, positioned or shortened that it cannot be readily operated | Major |
6.2.8. Not in use
6.2.9. Not in use
6.2.10. Not in use
6.2.11. Not in use
6.2.12. Footrests
Single seat motorcycles do not need pillion footrests. If there’s an optional cowl replacing or covering the pillion seat at the time of test, you should consider it to be a single seat motorcycle.
Some motorcycles first used on or after 14 June 1993 which are designed to carry a passenger may not be fitted with pillion footrests. Instead, they are fitted with hand holds attached to the frame or seat. Refer to the owner’s handbook if available.
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| (a) A footrest missing or insecure | Major |