Guidance

MOT inspection manual for motorcycles: changes from 13 September 2018

Published 10 September 2018

This guidance was withdrawn on

This MOT special notice has been withdrawn because the information has been added to the MOT inspection manual, so it is no longer relevant.

You can find all the information in the latest version of the MOT inspection manual at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspection-manual-for-private-passenger-and-light-commercial-vehicles

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Overview

The MOT inspection manuals for motorcycles (class 1 and 2) was updated when changes to the MOT were introduced on 20 May 2018.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has monitored how the new test is working. Following feedback from MOT testers, DVSA is making changes to the MOT inspection manual from Thursday 13 September 2018.

The sections that will change are:

These changes will not appear in the inspection manual until 13 September 2018.

Section 0: identification of the vehicle

0.2 Vehicle identification number

You will need to check that there is not more than one VIN displayed on the vehicle.

New or changed defects

Defect Category
c. More than one different Vehicle Identification Number displayed Major

This defect will be added to section 0.2 of the inspection manual.

Section 1: brakes

1.1.12 Flexible brake hoses

You will need to check for corroded brake hose ferrules.

New or changed defects

Defect Category
b (ii). A flexible brake hose excessively chafed, damaged, deteriorated, twisted or stretched Major
f (i). A brake hose ferrule excessively corroded Major
f (ii). A brake hose ferrule excessively corroded and likely to fail Dangerous

These defects will be added to section 1.1.12 of the inspection manual.

Section 2: steering

2.2.2 Forks and yokes

Information will be added to clarify how you should raise the wheels clear of ground before you check forks and yokes.

New or changed defect

Defect Category
f (i). Steering head bearings excessively stiff, notchy, or with excessive wear or play Major

These defects will be changed or added to section 2.2.2 of the inspection manual.

Section 4: lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

4.2.3 Front and rear position lamps

Information will be added to clarify how to check position lamps, end-outline marker lamps or daytime running lamps.

New or changed defect

Defect Category
b. A position lamp adversely affected by the operation of any other lamp Major

This defect will be added to section 4.2.3 of the inspection manual.

4.3.3 Stop lamps: compliance with requirements:

Information will be added to clarify how to check if the stop lamps are adversely affected.

New or changed defect

Defect Category
b. A stop lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp Major

This defect will be added to section 4.3.3 of the inspection manual.

4.4.3 Direction indicators: compliance with requirements

Information will be added to clarify how to check if the direction indicators are adversely affected.

New or changed defect

Defect Category
b. A direction indicator adversely affected by the operation of another lamp Major

This defect will be added to section 4.4.3 of the inspection manual.

4.7.1 Rear registration plate lamp: Presence, condition and operation

Existing defect description updated.

New or changed defect

Defect Category
b (i). A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources Minor
b (ii). A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps Major

These defects will be changed in section 4.7.1 of the inspection manual.

Section 5: wheels, tyres and suspension

5.2.1 Road wheel security

You will need to check for loose wheel spindle, securing nuts or locking device.

New or changed defects

Defect Category
c (i). A loose wheel spindle or securing nut(s) or locking device missing or insecure Major
c (ii). A wheel spindle or securing nut(s) so insecure that wheel security or steering control is adversely affected Dangerous

These defects will be added to section 5.2.1 of the inspection manual.

5.2.3 Tyres

You will need to check that tyres have been fitted properly and the valves are not damaged or misaligned.

New or changed defects

Defect Category
d (i). The tyre has a lump or bulge caused by separation or partial failure of its structure or has a tear caused by separation or partial failure of its structure Major
d (ii). A tyre with a lump, bulge or tear caused by separation or partial failure of its structure, including any lifting of the tread rubber Dangerous
i. A tyre not fitted in accordance with the direction of rotation marked on the sidewall Major
j. A tyre valve seriously damaged or misaligned likely which could cause sudden deflation of the tyre Dangerous
k. A tyre incorrectly seated on the wheel rim Major

These defects will be added to section 5.2.3 of the inspection manual.

5.3.2 Shock absorbers

You will need to check that shock absorber bushes do not have excessive wear.

New or changed defect

Defect Category
c. A shock absorber bush excessively worn Major

This defect will be added to section 5.3.2 of the inspection manual.

5.3.3 Suspension arms, rods, linkage etc.

You will need to check for excessive wear or free play in suspension components.

New or changed defect

Defect Category
d. Excessive wear or free play in suspension component Major

This defects will be added to section 5.3.3 of the inspection manual.

Section 6: frame and attachments

6.1.2 Exhaust system

New or changed defect

Defect Category
Exhaust system has a major leak or is insecure Major

This defect will be changed in section 6.1.2 of the inspection manual.

6.1.7 Transmission

New or changed defect

Defect Category
k (i). A transmission belt or chain excessively tight Major
k (ii). A transmission belt or chain excessively tight so that it is likely to fail Dangerous

These defects will be added to section 6.1.7 of the inspection manual.

Section 7: audible warning

7.7 Audible warning (horn)

The current 8 separate reasons for rejection for horn defects will be consolidated into one.

New or changed defect

Defect Category
c. Audible warning sound not in accordance with requirements Major

This defect will be changed in section 7.7 of the inspection manual.