MOT inspection manual for motorcycles: changes from 13 September 2018
Published 10 September 2018
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
© Crown copyright 2018
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mot-special-notice-11-18-changes-to-mot-inspection-manuals-and-defects/mot-inspection-manual-for-motorcycles-changes-from-13-september-2018
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:
- section 0 - identification of the vehicle
- section 1 - brakes
- section 2 - steering
- section 4 - lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment
- section 5 - wheels, tyres and suspension
- section 6 - structure and attachments
- section 7 - audible warning
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.