How to pass a motorcycle MoT | Be an expert

[@MrAlexshellard]

Great vid dude. Cant imagine why anyone would complain its just safety, if my bike failed any of that id thank the guy for telling me, honestly surprised its not stricter.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks, and totally agree. Have a great Christmas, John

[@dizheller2101]

Great and very useful video! Thanks! You can also download the MOT requirements for motorbikes and use the sheet to check out your bike, keeping in mind, that these are the minimum requirements for passing the MOT. A bike, that's well looked after and safe to ride, would be well above these requirements.

[@woooster17]

MOTs should be seen as a positive thing as it’s amazing how many people ride bikes in miserable condition.. and they see the MOT as something to beat rather than complimentary to its safe use. Interesting & useful information here 👍🏼

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks, and totally with you! Have a great Christmas, John

[@defylifeadventure]

Great to see more quality content being produced 👍🏼. The MOT is just basic safety but of course some countries don't have testing for motorcycles (France, Netherland, Ireland, Belgium, Portugal,Denmark, Norway, Finland etc..)and people aren't dying left and centre from unroadworthy vehicles. I think if the MOT was 5 years on new bikes (like it is in some EU countries) and then every 2 years up until 10-15 years old, that would be a better measure. Especially given the improvements in modern vehicles. I understand the Government is looking at lengthening the periodic inspection.

[@moto_thread]

Agree, it valuable from a safety point of view and cannot not understand why other countries such as Ireland do not have a system in place.

[@427walrus]

Here for the VFR content! I am on my second 2001 VFR800. Fantastic bike. 🏍

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Nice! All the best, John

[@baljeetd]

Fantastic! Very helpful. Thank you.

[@billk6863]

Got my bike checked for the first time (once it's 5 years old) in Sydney and all they checked was tyres and if forks had a leak. I was so surprised. No lights or brakes. To tell you the truth I would much prefer if it was checked thoroughly. Cars have more checked on their annual safety inspections.

[@daveo9844]

Some excellent tips here for keeping an eye on things. Great video 🍻

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! Have a great Christmas, Cheers, John

[@garypatterson2233]

Thanks for everything John.Hope you and the family have a great Christmas and a happy New year.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

You too! All the best, John

[@lockstockb0b]

Great content and a very interesting watch. Like yourself I tend to do most of my own work on the bike but have to say I think my longest MOT on a bike lasted about 5 mins. In and out with the only real focus being lights and indicators. I think a lot of it comes down to the discretion of the tester and I’ve generally found that if the bike looks well maintained there is less microscope attention to detail by the examiner. I don’t believe the standards are different over in Northern Ireland however they are only done at a DVA test centre! Don’t know if that’s better or worse than the setup over the water.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! Yeah, as the test costs the same whatever the inspector does, I prefer to go to someone who'll give it a proper look over and let me hang around with them. Cheers, and have a great Christmas, John

[@ninjaturtledude999]

@@bennettsbikesocial live in NI but have done multiple Mots in England. The NI system is much much better, first place I did mot in England tried to rip me off to get the work totalling £700. Went down the road and passed. In NI the tester just goes by the paperwork, is it in spec. He has nothing to gain whether he fails or passes it, he is independent. They're usually dead on and you can chat away during the test, well before COVID. You are actually expected to do the brake test yourself but they can do it for you

[@SzilvasiFerike]

John great video again. Looking forward to the VFR videos. These are so underrated. I have a 94 VFR750, had it for 5 years and love it. Only use it as a second bike though 👍

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! Do stay tuned as the plan is to strip the engine entirely and have a proper look at how it's worn. Have a great Christmas and new year! Cheers, John

[@Charlie-lz2uz]

YSS do an aftermarket rear shock for 5th Gen VFRs if you're planning a refresh. I put one on mine, well impressed.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Cheers! I'm actually about to fit a Hagon on there. John

[@earlbigod]

Great video. Really useful, I'll be referring to this come MOT test time. 👍👍👍

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! Cheers, John

[@nealeburgess6756]

It was interesting to compare this test with the one here in Spain. Here the first test is at 4 years. Then every 2 years thereafter. Unless it is very old, and it has had it's registration changed to Historic plates, then the test is every 5 years. The testing of all vehicles is done at government run test centres. The brake test is done on a rolling road. They also do a sound level test on the exhaust. There is no jacking the bike up to test things. I have never seen them check head bearings (unless it is done in a way that I don't recognise). Also, sometimes they check the tyres sizes and specs are correct. They always check the chassis number. They don't like modifications. My friend has a Gold Wing with more lights than a christmas tree. He has to disconnect them for the test. I have had my bike since 2008 (1988 BMW K75), tested every 2 years. Not yet failed. Booked for it's next test next week.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Good luck! Cheers and have a great Christmas, John

[@patsonabike]

Cool! Nice to see behind the scenes. To be fair, a lot of the checking I incorporate into, if not my pre-ride checks but at the very least into my weekly checks. This will draw a lot of hate but I think, in the world we are living in now, emission checks should be part of an MOT. Also, I don't know about Spain, but having an MOT in Germany is always an occasion for sweating bullets because they do take your bike apart and things like cheap Chinese clutch or brake levers are pretty much an automatic fail, along with crap emissions. In addition, any major changes you make to the structure of the bike, including modified lights or after market exhaust has to be entered into the vehicle papers (V5). It also costs more but a) it's only every two years and b) getting an approval really does mean your bike is absolutely fit for the road in every respect.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Definitely hear where you're coming from - it could play on our favour as proof of low emissions. Have a great Christmas! John

[@patsonabike]

@@bennettsbikesocial And a peaceful and Happy Christmas to you. :)

[@TheKawicol]

hi.....wondered if you have done any reviews on trackers?......thx

[@daveco1270]

This is way more extensive than the inspections they do here in the US, at least where I am. They check the lights and signals, peek at the brake pads with a flashlight and that's about it.

[@Geshmaal]

I wouldn't be brave enough to get a bike as heavy as the VFR up on the side stand like that! All hail the centre stand. £500 for one of these is a steal btw!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

95,000 miles, but it runs great and had been looked after. Cheers, John

[@fishyfool]

I'm very happy to say, California does not have a MOT type requirement. It did, but that was abolished in the 70's.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

And yet California's emissions laws are what have shaped some of the design of bikes for many years.

[@agee8322]

Do you have to have bennetts insurance to get on bike social? Thanks.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

No - anyone can join, but if you're not a Bennetts customer it does cost. Check it out at www.bikesocial.co.uk/join Cheers, John

[@georgebarnes8163]

No speedometer check? one of my older bikes recently failed the test because it was calibrated in MPH only?

[@carlkennedy2499]

Hi guys. I have jst took out on bennets insurance. But going fir an mot and bike is sweet af been tonas a cbt rider L plates on I have a grab rail on my bike so would I need rear foot pegs on for mot as a lad said Al fail mot if not got them on 😮

[@tonybarton3746]

How do you check for auxiliary fitted lights , lots of bikes have them nowadays ? cheers

[@bennettsbikesocial]

In the UK, they shouldn't be a problem unless they strobe or anything. Again though, testers discression could come into it.

[@Banditmanuk]

John, I'm interested in your opinion. I like many others take my bike to a main dealer for service and Mot. My last service on my MT10 was a valve service and I dropped the bike off a day early so they could have a cold engine to work on. (It actually took a week waiting for shims) What I didn't realise was the dealer did the Mot pre service, one day before I could legaly Mot and keep the original mot out date 4 weeks later. This lost me 4 weeks and a day! I always thought servicing would prepare the bike for an MOT? Apparently not the case at my Yam main dealer. Any fails then get fixed in the service and then presumably re test?? They say more cost effective to the customer. Perhaps the Mot station stats look better with some fails?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Sounds like it's the dealer's policy. I've never had this, but I've only had servicing done while a bike's been under warranty and hence not due an MoT (so very rarely has this happened either).

[@tobymcnicol922]

Any idea what the tyre age regs are likely to be? 5 years I'm guessing.... Also, that tiny hole in my exhaust - it's meant to be there! You live and learn.....

[@bennettsbikesocial]

This should help: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/advice/bike-maintenance/bikesocials-complete-guide-to-motorcycle-tyres cheers, John

[@killzone32]

I have a question how would full floating brake discs affect an MOT as they are very loose and at slow speeds give the sensation of a wheel bearing about to collapse

[@bennettsbikesocial]

As long as they act as they should, they should be no problem. Cheers, John

[@mi6_007]

Hi, asking for a friend😁 Do they check if the front forks have the ugly orange reflectors? Do they check if the turn signals are not wide enough per law in case of a tail tidy? Will it fail if we have a smaller license plate and missing red reflector on it? Or if the plate is not lit?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

The plate and missing rear reflector will fail, though the fork reflectors are unlikely. Turn signal width could, but it'll be down to your tester. Cheers!

[@jackburke6027]

so they cant see if its restricted?

[@bikersquest]

Bit nervous during that side stand demonstration 😅. What makes the Spain/other countries tests harder? I have a similar outlook to it as you it's like a sanity test if a bike is still safe as a DIYer, I got my FZ1 tested last week and the tester complimented my consistency in keeping my bikes mechanically sound haha.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Any modifications from standard are potentially a fail in Spain, so we're pretty lucky! Cheers, John

[@ianwelch484]

Hi mate. It’s really just common sense. Mot on a motorcycle if you look after it. It shouldn’t be a problem. 🇬🇧🇬🇧👍

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Exactly! Cheers, John

[@diegocella6791]

Even if i'm from italy, very interesting and informative video, as i always say: study or ask an expert (a real one not FB or somthing like that!) you can fine that what you know was wrong. On another note, I see you are running Dunlop Mutant, any review on the horizon, maybe? I'm interested in them but since i tried the Road Smart 3 (wich i already used in the past and loved them) but the GSA really didn't digest them, so i'm a bit weary...

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks Diego! Yes, while these tyres were fitted before I got the bike, they were pretty much brand new. I will be reviewing them, and we should also have feedback from my boss, Steve, who's got them on his Fazer 1000. Cheers, John

[@Grahamvfr]

Some interesting stuff there 👍.... However throughout the video I'm constantly thinking.. I fancy a nice vfr 800 in my garage.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Do it! Treat yourself for Christmas. Cheers, John

[@twotriumphs7398]

great video

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks! All the best, John

[@aeror115]

Cool information

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks! Cheers, John

[@FaddyMcFaddyWaddy]

Licence plate size is a common fail on bikes and most forget the red reflector too

[@bennettsbikesocial]

That's right - we did film that but it missed the cut (and I didn't twig it wasn't in there). Most test stations carry stick-on reflectors, so it shouldn't fail ideally. A small plate is something most owners will know they've done. Good call. Cheers, John

[@alexsim5603]

Interesting in the UK you are not legally or otherwise required to have mirrors on a motorcycle. In New York, you must have at least one mirror. I've seen some remove mirrors and opt for a single, tiny end-bar mirror under the handlebar just for compliance's sake, no practical usability at all. I prefer both mirrors stock, unless they're hideously ugly or don't provide a decent view.

[@richardlees3890]

My bike is coming up for its first MOT soon. The bike came with a catalytic converter when I bought it new. I decated the exhaust but does the bike need the catalytic converter back on the exhaust system to pass an MOT in Nothern Ireland?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Check with your test station, but the rules appear to be the same, with no emissions test. As long as the exhaust doesnt say 'not for road use', and - subject to the inspector's discretion - has a relevant marking on, you should be fine.

[@richardlees3890]

@@bennettsbikesocial Thanks for the reply 👍

[@georgebarnes8163]

Yes, it will need a cat in NI if one was originally fitted, the bike must also have its speedometer calibrated in both MPH and KPH and if an aftermarket screen is fitted it may also be tested for tint. Bear in mind that the MOT test in NI is a lot stricter than the test in GB, no advisories are given.

[@N269]

@@georgebarnes8163 And a place half way between NI and England there is no MOT (unless vehicle is imported and over 3 yrs - then only needs 1 MOT eva).

[@georgebarnes8163]

@@N269 All public service vehicles are tested on the island

[@yan0132]

There's no rules about manufacturers stamp or bsau number on exhausts

[@eclipsegfxable]

lol they don't test MOT's in Ireland

[@mattblackledge9068]

Can you imagine the deathtraps that would be on the road if we didn't have an MOT in the UK? Weve all seen a shonky car in the carpark with nearly bald tyres. If we didn't have an MOT that would be the norm rather than the exception. People are tight and 90% of the people on the road haven't any interest in their vehicles maintenance.

[@Eesten99]

Aaah the sound of geardriven cams!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

A thing of beauty! Cheers, John

[@agee8322]

Rule of thumb for me - every new bike and every 2nd hand bike gets taken apart, greased, loctited and torqued - they dont use grease on the production line anymore ..... your bearings will last almost indefinately that way.

[@minivtec1600]

Nice Tesla Powerwall.

[@yveslegrand9826]

MoT is a real concern in France. We try hard to get out of it...it is just one more ECC forced on us with little sense. And you gave away the ECC and kept the MOT...I really don't see the point. As a biker if you are not checking your bike carefully real often, you are asking for trouble. Relaying on a legal check to keep your bike healthy is a bad thing.

[@Harold_Shand]

You don't have to be a biker to know the world is full of stupid people that would just ride their bike until something fails badly, and possibly resulting in the serious injury or death of innocent road users / pedestrians. The MOT is a good thing, and any decent person with a few brain cells can see why.

[@mattsmallshot]

pretty sure alot of people are thinking about aftermarket exhaust system noise level failure level or how and why it would fail but it was not mentioned, kinda disappointing really

[@bennettsbikesocial]

We did talk about exhausts

[@mattsmallshot]

@@bennettsbikesocial yes you did. But not the detailed stuff which, given that title of video is "Be an expert". Stuff like noise levels, aftermarket pipes, does baffle need to be in or out, etc. How are noise level tested, yes emissions are not tested but would the cat still need to be on the bike etc. As some "performance" parts direct from manufacturer will still have cat on, but aftermarket muffler system doesn't. I've seen lots of people keep their original pipes and swap it out just for MOT and put their preferred pipes back on the day after. Details like these would've been nice

[@bennettsbikesocial]

@@mattsmallshot noise levels aren't tested, so it really is down to the markings and the discretion of the tester - it's that basic at the moment.

[@mattsmallshot]

@@bennettsbikesocial oh, what??? Then it does mean riders worry about it for nothing then. Thanks for the info.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

@@mattsmallshot it depends how loud it is and how obvious it is that the owner is taking the p#ss. And an MoT isn't a free pass if you get pulled for a noisy exhaust

[@robda7195]

I've never had a bike fail a test as a bike will tell you if something is wrong

[@Gambo916]

Insecure fairing. There is a O/S fairing bolt missing @17.15 , surprised he didn't pick that up.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

We actually replaced that and didn't think to include it (I'd left it loose and lost it on the way there!)

[@Gambo916]

@@bennettsbikesocial Fair enough John....and soz for being pedantic.......I'm an ex class I and II tester!!!

[@rootsraddik]

Please let me know where I can get a £500.00 VFR800.... wow! Clean for that little cash...

[@bennettsbikesocial]

A lot of luck! And a lot of work since when the clutch went and the ignition loom broke. And the exhaust stud broke. And the collector was seized on...

[@DK-Design]

My bike fails by 1:57

[@alfredstanyer1920]

Mo

[@andrewandlm]

Where the hell did you get a bike for £500!!! 😂

[@bennettsbikesocial]

It's done 95,000 miles. Though it's been really well looked after.

[@lauripiippanen7806]

1400€ for a 1998 vfr 800 in finland (40,000miles). these bikes are getting dirt cheap. We do not have mot... Forks were full of water tires were over 10 years old and the exhaust airsensors were shut so the pgm-fi light flashed.

[@lauripiippanen7806]

Oh and coolingsystem was full of mold 😉

[@bennettsbikesocial]

@@lauripiippanen7806 This one was definitely a good deal. I wish I could say I'd secured it, but my boss found it and bought it, then I too it on. Cheers, John

[@jg5529]

So glad I live in the USA where the MOT does not exist. It is left to the responsibility of the rider not the government. Remember to fight the power my sad EU friends.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

There's no reply to this that doesn't spiral out of control. Merry Christmas.