The most thorough MOT test I've ever seen in 36 yrs of riding. To put in perspective though some were just a look round the bike , a chat, a cig and a tenner ...... oh yes the ole days lol
+Matthew Wyatt Well I'd rather have a thorough check than lip service paid to the procedure - if there is a safety issue with my bike I'd want to know about it....you happy paying for the 10minute check-up??
There is a man I can go to for a two wheel MOT. He could get you through if you came in with one wheel! Very helpful chap indeed, if you catch my drift.
+Sleepingdragon 1 I sure do and you're not the first to mention that type of thing...I'm not sure it's a good thing though, feels like it undermines the whole point of the test, which in the main I think is there for good reason (plus I'm happy for an expert to give my bike the once over once a year for minimal cost). Thanks for watching as ever - appreciate your continued support SD1!
Thanks TMF another good one. Got mine next month so now I am even more worried. But that said rather know if bike is unsafe. Even though Classic bikes may get little use I still find it ironic that they now do not need an MOT given how old they are. Fair play to Nigel as well because many garages keep you away from where the work is carried out. Great to have a man like Nigel near by.
funnily enough I took my bike for an mot test three weeks ago, (just after I had some new tyres fitted) only to find it failed because the numptys at the tyre depot had fitted the front tyre the wrong way round!!. interesting video as always.
There are testers and then there are testers, because each tester is allowed to make their own judgment on things like the amount of noise an exhaust makes for example, your best taking to your bike to the same tester each year, so you can learn their standard. All testers are trained by the DVSA to test to the same standard, which means in theory that if one garage passed you in one place another tester down the road on the same day should give you the same result, unfortunately in my experience this is not the case, for example one MOT tester may think your exhaust sounds fine, and then another tester might think it’s too loud. So get to know your tester and take your bike to the same guy each year.
Good line from the mechanic "corrosion probably not an issue on this bike". The ACF 50 is awesome, I just starting using it on my truck and quad...be using it for a couple years on bikes. This video is a nice change of pace from the mc reviews - good job as always. John from across the pond.
+Karl K Cheers Karl - yes I learned a bit from this too, I had no idea it was as thorough on things like the lights, brakes and even the fuel cap seal! Thanks for watching- TMF
Great video. my motorbike's mot involved checking wheel alignment, checking tyre valves for cracks, making sure front wheel rotates at least 1 full circle after being spun by hand. Bearing checks, the bloody lot, aswell as what your video showed. Was a good half hour or so, maybe 20 mins actually. Thorough as heck I passed too :)
That was interesting. Not surprised your subscriptions are rising, you've created a great bike channel(and you seem to have staying power, lol). cheers tony
The infamous MOT. Probably a good thing but what a hassle. I think I prefer the "honor" system. We have no inspections whatsoever, not even emissions, in Florida USA.
It helps that I think we are about the same age, have the same values....though I will never be able to keep my 1 bike as clean as yours. I relate to your channel and thoughts. But, none the less, you provide a interesting, real world, relevant channel for a wide variety of bikers.
Hey TMF,The back wheel locked early before the required effort,but because it locked you can't determine what effort it would have gone on to make so there fore it passes,if you you applied some weight to the bike it would have made more effort and would have passed on effort and maybe stilled locked aswell,but applying weight to the vehicle is not part of the mot!can't beat a locked brake,but if it doesn't lock you need the required effort,hope that helps?
Another great video to watch thanks for posting...thank god we don't have the added expense here in Ireland but it's piece of mind on the road if the test is carried out properly.
Cars and commercial vehicles yes but not motorcycles.... They tried to bring it in but it was blocked by mag Ireland etc... It is seen as a money racket...
I find this interesting! Are number plates not issued by the government in the UK? Here in Canada, each Province issues plates for your bikes and cars (and States take car of that in the US). There is no check because they are issued by the government.
They are stupidly big, a bit like the German ones. In Belgium, the government tried to introduce laws that would have resulted in the same stupid big plates, thankfully defeated.
sedawk You have to register the numberplate with a government agency (this usually gets done by the dealership you buy the bike from, if it's new). But you can buy "show plates" which do not adhere to the government guidelines and shouldn't be used in the road. Unless you fit an insanely tiny plate or the lettering is unreadable, generally you'll not get pulled over. But it's always safer to fit the original plate before an MOT to be within the rules. For instance there are rules on the size of the lettering, the space between letters/numbers and the gap between the letters/numbers and the edge of the plate. They also have to be made out of a specific material for safety reasons as well as being reflective.
Interesting video. Good post. In the USA they have vehicle inspections. At least they did when I lived there. In western Canada they use to have what was called ....Air Care testing, but they stopped that a few years ago. I think vehicle inspections are a good thing, albeit they can be a pain to take time out to go do.
I've only lived in western Canada as I am originally from the US. So I cannot speak for all of Canada as perhaps other Provinces to have inspections. In BC they no longer have any such vehicle inspection. I just got rid of my 2003 vehicle and now have a new one. For the last 2 maybe 3 years I no longer had to take my 2003 Infiniti in for any kind of inspection. I hope to get my very first motorcycle around June 2017 and as far as I know there will be no annual inspections for either.
I have a down payment on the new BMW G310R. They've delayed its release date a few times already. I was told a few days ago that now we're looking at June and they may call it a 2018 model instead of a 2017 model, which is fine by me. I'm in no majour rush so a June delivery date (if it holds) is fine by me.
We only do roadworthy (MOT) at change of ownership. Roadworthyness only becomes an issue if you have an insurance claim or accident. So the onus is on you as the owner/user to keep your bike safe. Not necessarily a great idea, you should see some of the junk on our roads.
the part at 12:01 about markings for conformity on headlight is wrong , it only has to work ,be undamaged, securely mounted, have a beam pattern (with no kick up to RHS) and be the correct colour (white at the front)
i am an mot tester and can sense and feel everything without even looking. experience. test those headraces by holding the bottom of the forks me old china. oh and get an lc or a vfr or a cbr600fk and go nuts. good work there.
Last 3 times iv taken my scooter down for an mot the guy rides it around the car park is this necessary it is very pokey on the throttle and just seems like he just wants a go?
A few years ago when I used to take bikes for MOT tests, nine times out of ten the tester took the bike for a run to "check the suspension properly" Which was tech speak for giving it a "damn good thrashing", so I was surprised the Honda didn't get a run out. Maybe if he was testing the Panigale? , and if there is no sound or emissions check, what's the point of the catalytic converter requirement.
Here in Norway we have this only on cars,trucks etc not motorcycles..It's our resposability to make sure our motorcycles are safe and everything is working. if it don't we will get fined if we are stopped on the road.
Yeah I saw your "daytime" MOT video too.....enjoyed that, not sure what these guys are doing though who charge for not doing an MOT - wonder how they'd feel if one of their customers had an issue which resulted in injury, that would have been picked up had they been thorough??
Useful video as always. I noticed he looked for a stamp on the plate - I'll definitely need to switch my (slightly) smaller plate back to original. What is checked when it comes to the exhaust? My Triple has the Arrow lowboy and it makes a bit of a racket!
+Lewis Hills Yes I didn't realise about that number plate mark either - I've fallen foul of the small number plate thing at an MOT at a dealers in the past so was glad I had put back the original (daft though it seems as obv its not on there now!) On the exhaust front Nigel said it's a fail if it's stamped "not for road use" or track day only....but it strikes me the whole exhaust thing, like the number plate, is a bit daft as we can all easily swap them out for the test...
TheMissendenFlyer Thanks mate. That's an interesting point you raise about the can - As the LowBoy system is indeed marked as such. The dealership I got it from ran it through an MOT to get it out of the door last year, so I'm hoping my local won't start picking holes in it. Don't much fancy the 2 hour ride back to the dealership to get it MOT'ed next month!
+TheMissendenFlyer that's strange that isn't it as bikes now have cats for emissions but if you put a decat on the bike it's illegal but the mot doesn't need a check? Typical uk law 😂
Hi. Thanks for the vid. I wondered what went on in the workshop while I went for a coffee. Thinking of getting a CRF250L to commute. Do you have any review vids cos I got a question about the bike . In your experience is it competent/practical for travelling at 70 mph on dual carriageways? What speed does it start to max out? I want to be able to keep up with the traffic. Also I realise the seat height is high. Does it take a lot of effort to ride/keep vertical and stable when stopped at junctions etc? Cheers
Hi, what's the deal with exhaust modification and noise level during MOT? As far as I know anything noisier than the standard exhaust it's illegal for road use...
My understanding is it's open to the testers interpretation - is the exhaust appropriate for the bike....does seem a grey area though, I've never heard of anyone failing because of a noisy exhaust...
TMF you've probably already mentioned it on other vids, and if you did I apologize, but i do have a question: is the little crf250 able to maintain 60-65 mph without effort? (in stock form)
So levels are not checked, such as tyre pressure, brake fluid etc? I know these are responsibility of rider to check on a regular basis but perhaps if pressure is wrong, you have a potential slow puncture...or object in tyre which could cause issues later? It already seems a reasonable check but perhaps levels could be added.
very interesting video WOW the guy even used a torch Your number plate laws in uk.crazy with huge size they must want to b able to read them from a helicopter Glad I live in nz
Apparently there changing the MOT to 4years ? By the way..Have you thought about doing a episode on the different "Garages" we can get for our bikes? From basic covers - tent type -Metal fold away ect.
Ah, I think you may have misheard, the proposal is to change the requirement from a 3 year old car needing an MOT to a 4 year old one (assume it would apply to bikes too)...
Not sure that registration plate is visible enough.... I mean seriously, do they make you ride around with those massive boards on the back of your bike in the UK? Fkn squares. Pretty sure any modern speed/safety camera is good enough to pick up your registration on a plate 5 times smaller than that.
Not removing panels is the same as a car test. They cannot test things like the floor pans with a light tap of a hammer as they used to. As people could sue for damage.
+JLO Staff No I'm not sure I fully understood that either but they passed and that's good enough for me! Think it was to do with the fact that you couldn't apply full pressure to the rears but as the wheels actually locked they obviously worked fine so an automatic pass....something like that...
Yes it is. Quoted from MOT testers manual. Statutory reflectors Mopeds and motor bicycles require one unobscured red reflector which is aligned to the vehicles longitudinal centre line and is positioned to reflect squarely to the rear. If the motorcycle is fitted with a side car the side car will also require a reflector fitted towards the nearside and positioned to reflect squarely to the rear.
How much did that cost? Only useful measurement was (front) brake test. Thank God we don't have that in Finland, regardless of costs, money wasted I say.
I agree. The reason many other countries do not do bike MOT/technical control is that it has been found to be a huge investment in equipment and a huge expense and inconvenience for riders for a very few to be caught out on technicalities, not serious and dangerous defects.
And time and inconvenience? A bit like the plumber charges you half a day for a 30 minute job, an MOT is going to take at least half of your day. No? And if you have two bikes? The reason several countries decided against this is that it's too much time and money to tackle a problem that largely does not exist. (The exception might be exhaust noise, though a standard exhaust the MOT and then removed is not a problem).
Preaching at the wrong person here. I'm a plumber/gas safe engineer. I'm sure bike MOT's have taken many unroadworthy bikes off the road over the years. Basic things like tyre tread, unmaintained chain and things snagging. It's very basic and only a very minimum requirement, but gets the worst of them off the road, atleast when its played by the rules. £30 is a year is nothing really is it... if you cant afford that, you probably shouldn't be running a vehicle...
I reckon the UK MOT has largely taken bikes off the road on technicalities rather than them being dangerous. Yes, it's £30, but it takes you half a day as a minimum. How much is half your day worth? I'm not doubting that some oik has taken a death trap to the MOT station and been failed. Studies in other countries have shown that cost exceeds benefit when it comes to MOT for bikes. Of course, if you are of the "if one life is saved" school of thought then you might not agree, but I would suggest the £30 might be better spent on feeding starving kids.
I appreciate a test to ensure things are safe but it does annoy me having to change certain things just to get it through one test. Things like number plates, MOT testers know ur just gonna change wen u roll out, so just let it through. If something is unsafe sure, but something like that.
In the UK, tread depth has to be 1mm across the middle 3/4 of the tyre. In continental Europe, in Canada and in some U.S. states (e.g. NY) , it has to be 1.5mm or 1.6mm depending on jurisdiction. Don't know about Australia/New Zealand. Do people in the U.K. think that 1mm is adequate? Do people let it go that far? P.S. for Americans: 1/16" is 1.6mm.
Very interesting info as I was not aware of the annual MOT requirement. What is the average cost of one of these tests? As others stated, we do not have an equivalent in Canada and I think we have a lot of crap and non-standard specs on the road as a result... mostly 4-wheel private vehicles as I think riders have a higher standard of care for their rides. When importing vehicles from out-of-province, the vehicle does need to undergo an inspection and the $150-300 cost can pale in comparison to the costs of bringing the vehicle up to the spec required to obtain the provincial registration plates/tag.
+Andrew Wagner Interesting - thanks Andy...and the cost of our test is fixed (I think) - I paid £29ish. If I recall correctly - so not a huge sum. Thanks for watching and for stopping by- TMF
You can get it MOT'd without insurance, but you can't ride it to the test centre/garage without tax and insurance and the test already booked, remember you can also have 13 months MOT, get it booked one calendar month before it runs out, if you want that is.
The Tewin Tourer yes you need an mot and insurance to get road tax it's all on a data Base which can be checked by a.n.p.r. camera's and they are everywhere.
Here in Australia in my area the mechanic just checks Vin number is same as paper work, checks lights ,horn & tyres .Takes all of 5 minutes. Wow you guys have big ugly rear number plates. Interesting vid though !
+Will Whyatt Sure do if the bike is over three years old - it's no big issue for me and I think it's a good thing to get your bike checked over by an expert once in a while. Thanks for watching - TMF
I think that it is useful to look at the MOT test results before expressing an opinion on the utility of these tests. The numbers, for the last three years, updated to February, 2017, are here (motorcycles are classes 1 and 2): www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/mot-testing-data-for-great-britain On a test required only for bikes that are more than three years old, the current annual failure rate is 18.2%. Leaving aside the safety issues and environmental issues, and because many people here think that this is a waste of money, it would be interesting to know the economics. For example, lighting and signaling deficiencies, which are rather basic, account for a significant percentage of the failures. If these failures are dealt with via an MOT inspection, it means that police officers, and the courts, can spend less time on people who are in violation of basic lighting requirements and more time addressing real crime, and that riders will pay fewer fines and accumulate fewer penalty points. Then there's the economic cost of basic deficiencies (in addition to lighting and signals, the failure rate of brakes and a few other items is also interesting) resulting in people getting injured or killed.
+Rory Very interesting Rory thanks for that - and I agree with you, I for one think the test is a good thing and am happy for my bikes to be given the once over by an expert on an annual basis...as long as the cost isn't excessive (and it isn't)...
Another faff, like insurance that is almost pointless with regards to motorcycles. Just a money-making scheme, hopefully we will can be done with them someday. No disresoect to to you TMF, great vid as always.
+VileVeil You're not the only person that's commented that has that view VV, I for one though am happy to have a set of experienced eyes give my bike a once over....thanks for the kind comments - TMF
And that is all well and good that you conscientiously want your motorcycle to be in safe condition. However, allowing your government regulations to get so involved with your everyday basic details is a slippery slope.
TheMissendenFlyer yep. it's usually the case with administrative stuff in my experience. my dad had to take his driving test at the age of 59 seems a bit stupid to me. some states are happy to just transfer your licence over based on 40 odd years of experience, but not New York!!
The most thorough MOT test I've ever seen in 36 yrs of riding. To put in perspective though some were just a look round the bike , a chat, a cig and a tenner ...... oh yes the ole days lol
hehe...were they really the good ole days? ....ok, don't answer that....
man this guy does everything! ive watched a guy do an mot on my bike before and took like 10 mins didnt even get the bike up off the ground lol
+Matthew Wyatt Well I'd rather have a thorough check than lip service paid to the procedure - if there is a safety issue with my bike I'd want to know about it....you happy paying for the 10minute check-up??
There is a man I can go to for a two wheel MOT.
He could get you through if you came in with one wheel!
Very helpful chap indeed, if you catch my drift.
+Sleepingdragon 1 I sure do and you're not the first to mention that type of thing...I'm not sure it's a good thing though, feels like it undermines the whole point of the test, which in the main I think is there for good reason (plus I'm happy for an expert to give my bike the once over once a year for minimal cost). Thanks for watching as ever - appreciate your continued support SD1!
Sleepingdragon 1 need mot 😭
Sleepingdragon 1 where abouts is this?🙃
Thanks TMF another good one. Got mine next month so now I am even more worried. But that said rather know if bike is unsafe. Even though Classic bikes may get little use I still find it ironic that they now do not need an MOT given how old they are.
Fair play to Nigel as well because many garages keep you away from where the work is carried out. Great to have a man like Nigel near by.
+Ted Edwards Yes 100% agreed, Nigel had rescued me from the odd sticky situation in the past, top fella....
Another helpful and useful video. So far my bike hasn't needed MOT but glad I have this to reference when preparing.
+Sean Thompson Thanks Sean....
funnily enough I took my bike for an mot test three weeks ago, (just after I had some new tyres fitted) only to find it failed because the numptys at the tyre depot had fitted the front tyre the wrong way round!!. interesting video as always.
+Peter Gunton I've had similar happen, I was confident this time around though as Nigel (the tester here) fitted these tyres! :0)
There are testers and then there are testers, because each tester is allowed to make their own judgment on things like the amount of noise an exhaust makes for example, your best taking to your bike to the same tester each year, so you can learn their standard.
All testers are trained by the DVSA to test to the same standard, which means in theory that if one garage passed you in one place another tester down the road on the same day should give you the same result, unfortunately in my experience this is not the case, for example one MOT tester may think your exhaust sounds fine, and then another tester might think it’s too loud.
So get to know your tester and take your bike to the same guy each year.
Good line from the mechanic "corrosion probably not an issue on this bike". The ACF 50 is awesome, I just starting using it on my truck and quad...be using it for a couple years on bikes. This video is a nice change of pace from the mc reviews - good job as always. John from across the pond.
Great idea for a vid, nice to note a few things I could check before sending mine for its next one 👍🏻
+Karl K Cheers Karl - yes I learned a bit from this too, I had no idea it was as thorough on things like the lights, brakes and even the fuel cap seal! Thanks for watching- TMF
Great video. my motorbike's mot involved checking wheel alignment, checking tyre valves for cracks, making sure front wheel rotates at least 1 full circle after being spun by hand. Bearing checks, the bloody lot, aswell as what your video showed. Was a good half hour or so, maybe 20 mins actually. Thorough as heck
I passed too :)
Glad to hear it! :0)
That was interesting. Not surprised your subscriptions are rising, you've created a great bike channel(and you seem to have staying power, lol).
cheers
tony
+antonoat Thanks Tony - appreciate the kind words as ever - TMF
top bloke letting you film..I was a bit confused why he said the rear tyre affected braking
is it.the play in the knoblys
+Mark Ullyett Good question! I wish I'd asked that 'cos I don't get that either....will ask next time I'm there...
The infamous MOT. Probably a good thing but what a hassle. I think I prefer the "honor" system. We have no inspections whatsoever, not even emissions, in Florida USA.
Nice one - how does the "honour" system work then??
It helps that I think we are about the same age, have the same values....though I will never be able to keep my 1 bike as clean as yours. I relate to your channel and thoughts. But, none the less, you provide a interesting, real world, relevant channel for a wide variety of bikers.
+Phil Higgins Thank you Phil - glad you find my efforts if interest! All the best- TMF
Hey TMF,The back wheel locked early before the required effort,but because it locked you can't determine what effort it would have gone on to make so there fore it passes,if you you applied some weight to the bike it would have made more effort and would have passed on effort and maybe stilled locked aswell,but applying weight to the vehicle is not part of the mot!can't beat a locked brake,but if it doesn't lock you need the required effort,hope that helps?
+balls big Got it - makes sense, thanks for the clarification. All the best- TMF
Thank you now i know what to fix have a good year and stay safe
Wow....my MOT was nothing like that ...talk about being thorough.....
Mine is tomorrow. I hope i get one of these 10 minute ones people are talking about.
Good luck!
Thanks. It passed.
Another great video to watch thanks for posting...thank god we don't have the added expense here in Ireland but it's piece of mind on the road if the test is carried out properly.
+Paul Hickey Do you not have any test at all??
Cars and commercial vehicles yes but not motorcycles.... They tried to bring it in but it was blocked by mag Ireland etc... It is seen as a money racket...
That original numberplate is ginormous!
+gizzmo84 It's the regulation size! My BMW recently failed its MOT at the dealers due too small a number plate....
I find this interesting! Are number plates not issued by the government in the UK? Here in Canada, each Province issues plates for your bikes and cars (and States take car of that in the US). There is no check because they are issued by the government.
They are stupidly big, a bit like the German ones. In Belgium, the government tried to introduce laws that would have resulted in the same stupid big plates, thankfully defeated.
TheMissendenFlyer perhaps it's just because the bike is quite small that the plate looks even bigger! I'd have sworn it was a jumbo plate :p
sedawk You have to register the numberplate with a government agency (this usually gets done by the dealership you buy the bike from, if it's new). But you can buy "show plates" which do not adhere to the government guidelines and shouldn't be used in the road. Unless you fit an insanely tiny plate or the lettering is unreadable, generally you'll not get pulled over. But it's always safer to fit the original plate before an MOT to be within the rules. For instance there are rules on the size of the lettering, the space between letters/numbers and the gap between the letters/numbers and the edge of the plate. They also have to be made out of a specific material for safety reasons as well as being reflective.
Good Afternoon TMF ,MOT are always a nervous time .Thank You for video Take Care.
+Wayne Compton Thanks for watching Wayne...
Interesting video. Good post. In the USA they have vehicle inspections. At least they did when I lived there. In western Canada they use to have what was called ....Air Care testing, but they stopped that a few years ago. I think vehicle inspections are a good thing, albeit they can be a pain to take time out to go do.
+Ontario Andrews So is there no equivalent test in Canada now then?
I've only lived in western Canada as I am originally from the US. So I cannot speak for all of Canada as perhaps other Provinces to have inspections. In BC they no longer have any such vehicle inspection. I just got rid of my 2003 vehicle and now have a new one. For the last 2 maybe 3 years I no longer had to take my 2003 Infiniti in for any kind of inspection. I hope to get my very first motorcycle around June 2017 and as far as I know there will be no annual inspections for either.
+Ontario Andrews Interesting, thanks...what sort of bike are you going to get?
I have a down payment on the new BMW G310R. They've delayed its release date a few times already. I was told a few days ago that now we're looking at June and they may call it a 2018 model instead of a 2017 model, which is fine by me. I'm in no majour rush so a June delivery date (if it holds) is fine by me.
I’m about to go for a full mot on a 02 rm85 that I’ve restored and am Regis for on road use
I am dreading my first MOT, its going to be my first ride on my ER-5 once I get my A2 in the summer
Non need to dread it - give it a quick check over before you go and you'll be fine! Good luck with the licence...enjoy!
what a beautiful bit of kit that bike is
+will fitzpatrick Cheers :0)
We only do roadworthy (MOT) at change of ownership.
Roadworthyness only becomes an issue if you have an insurance claim or accident.
So the onus is on you as the owner/user to keep your bike safe.
Not necessarily a great idea, you should see some of the junk on our roads.
+Marc Russell Aha thanks for that...and that last point I think is the whole point! Thanks - TMF
Marc Russell im gonna say its queensland?
Great idea for a fascinating video and a nice ad for Mototune
+Nick Rijke Thanks Nick
the part at 12:01 about markings for conformity on headlight is wrong , it only has to work ,be undamaged, securely mounted, have a beam pattern (with no kick up to RHS) and be the correct colour (white at the front)
Thanks for sharing this and making the effort. Was a good watch.
+bluenapalm123 Thanks for watching!
i am an mot tester and can sense and feel everything without even looking. experience. test those headraces by holding the bottom of the forks me old china. oh and get an lc or a vfr or a cbr600fk and go nuts. good work there.
I can't believe that you've had the bike 3 years; how time flies.
+IIIAmber_gamerxxx Tell me about it!
Last 3 times iv taken my scooter down for an mot the guy rides it around the car park is this necessary it is very pokey on the throttle and just seems like he just wants a go?
Yup we have that in the Virginia it's called safety inspection
+Jack Peterson ....is that an annual inspection?
Yes it is
A few years ago when I used to take bikes for MOT tests, nine times out of ten the tester took the bike for a run to "check the suspension properly" Which was tech speak for giving it a "damn good thrashing", so I was surprised the Honda didn't get a run out. Maybe if he was testing the Panigale? , and if there is no sound or emissions check, what's the point of the catalytic converter requirement.
Good point that, wish I knew an answer!
that's the most thorough bike mot I've ever witnessed lol.
Good :0)
Wowza, who knew, thanks for that, and cheers Nigel.
+steffydog1 Cheers to you too...
Nice vid mate, it's handy to know what they check.
+Halfdead Rider Thank you sir!
Here in Norway we have this only on cars,trucks etc not motorcycles..It's our resposability to make sure our motorcycles are safe and everything is working. if it don't we will get fined if we are stopped on the road.
In Queensland Australia, we don't have annual roadworthy's ( similar to your MOT), as long as the yearly registration is paid, your good to go.
+dazza421970 Is that a good thing do you think??
The department of main roads and the Police keep an eye out for unroadworthy vehicles. It seems to work quite well.
+dazza421970 sounds good to me then!
That's why so many backpackers are in Melbourne in beat up Mitsubishi L300's on Qld reg ;)
good vid, bit different to my mot tester...
+Lamb Chop Rides in what way??
Lamb Chop Rides I watched your video on the daytime MOT on the CBR. That was hilarious
My guy just checked my brake pads then said get a coffee need to leave this 15 minutes before I put it through!
Thanks Jordan :-)
Yeah I saw your "daytime" MOT video too.....enjoyed that, not sure what these guys are doing though who charge for not doing an MOT - wonder how they'd feel if one of their customers had an issue which resulted in injury, that would have been picked up had they been thorough??
Useful video as always. I noticed he looked for a stamp on the plate - I'll definitely need to switch my (slightly) smaller plate back to original. What is checked when it comes to the exhaust? My Triple has the Arrow lowboy and it makes a bit of a racket!
+Lewis Hills Yes I didn't realise about that number plate mark either - I've fallen foul of the small number plate thing at an MOT at a dealers in the past so was glad I had put back the original (daft though it seems as obv its not on there now!) On the exhaust front Nigel said it's a fail if it's stamped "not for road use" or track day only....but it strikes me the whole exhaust thing, like the number plate, is a bit daft as we can all easily swap them out for the test...
TheMissendenFlyer Thanks mate. That's an interesting point you raise about the can - As the LowBoy system is indeed marked as such. The dealership I got it from ran it through an MOT to get it out of the door last year, so I'm hoping my local won't start picking holes in it. Don't much fancy the 2 hour ride back to the dealership to get it MOT'ed next month!
Commendably strong will-power there TMF. I wouldn't have got any further than the Queens Head (1:05) ;)
+Steve Inskip Hehe, have you been in??
No...but it looked nice so I'll make it a priority when I'm down your way next! :)
Fair enough!
My favorite channel. Thanks
+Bill Wisdom Thank you Bill!
Was there no emissions test or sound test to see how many decibels the exhaust makes?
+Naushad Kharas no formal sound test no and emissions on the bike aren't checked (although they are in a car MIT)...
+TheMissendenFlyer that's strange that isn't it as bikes now have cats for emissions but if you put a decat on the bike it's illegal but the mot doesn't need a check? Typical uk law 😂
state of that road at 1.55! thanks for the vid!
....tell me about it!
normal all over the UK mate, f#ckin shambles
mine only checked the brakes and horn. and said all was fine and pasted it/ .. should i get it checked again ?
...well personally I wouldn't use him/her next time, sounds like a cowboy to me....
Hi. Thanks for the vid. I wondered what went on in the workshop while I went for a coffee. Thinking of getting a CRF250L to commute. Do you have any review vids cos I got a question about the bike . In your experience is it competent/practical for travelling at 70 mph on dual carriageways? What speed does it start to max out? I want to be able to keep up with the traffic. Also I realise the seat height is high. Does it take a lot of effort to ride/keep vertical and stable when stopped at junctions etc? Cheers
+spanishflew Yes loads of Review vids - check out my CRF playlists...
That was really interesting. Thank you.
Glad you found it of interest :0)
Hi, what's the deal with exhaust modification and noise level during MOT?
As far as I know anything noisier than the standard exhaust it's illegal for road use...
My understanding is it's open to the testers interpretation - is the exhaust appropriate for the bike....does seem a grey area though, I've never heard of anyone failing because of a noisy exhaust...
Great video many thanks..
You're super welcome....
At least there's one benefit to biking in Ireland...we don't do mot's 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀😎
+James Hearne Hurrah! ...and happy St Patrick's day....
When did
Main beam check come into effect ?
Thought it was only Dipped .
Ride safe
No idea!
Interesting stuff. Do they not test your exhaust emissions?
+Scott Peterson Not on the bike test no, but they do on the car one! No idea why there's a difference...
Do mechanics start up the bike during the mot test?
TMF you've probably already mentioned it on other vids, and if you did I apologize, but i do have a question: is the little crf250 able to maintain 60-65 mph without effort? (in stock form)
+jigrodrigues Yes...
TheMissendenFlyer tks!
I thought it was odd he checked the seal on the fuel cap? Didn't think that would of been part of an MOT test.
+Mark Penry That was something I learned too!
So levels are not checked, such as tyre pressure, brake fluid etc? I know these are responsibility of rider to check on a regular basis but perhaps if pressure is wrong, you have a potential slow puncture...or object in tyre which could cause issues later? It already seems a reasonable check but perhaps levels could be added.
I suppose it's a matter of where do you draw the line.....thanks for watching - TMF
very interesting video WOW the guy even used a torch Your number plate laws in uk.crazy with huge size they must want to b able to read them from a helicopter Glad I live in nz
Thanks for watching - glad you found it if interest (I did!)...
Apparently there changing the MOT to 4years ? By the way..Have you thought about doing a episode on the different "Garages" we can get for our bikes? From basic covers - tent type -Metal fold away ect.
+Michael Dignum Really? Where have you heard that??
News report a few months ago
Ah, I think you may have misheard, the proposal is to change the requirement from a 3 year old car needing an MOT to a 4 year old one (assume it would apply to bikes too)...
do they do emissions tests as well?
Not sure that registration plate is visible enough.... I mean seriously, do they make you ride around with those massive boards on the back of your bike in the UK? Fkn squares. Pretty sure any modern speed/safety camera is good enough to pick up your registration on a plate 5 times smaller than that.
+Edinson1 Yep Im sure you're right! Thanks for watching - TMF
Not removing panels is the same as a car test. They cannot test things like the floor pans with a light tap of a hammer as they used to. As people could sue for damage.
+A Garden Shed Vlogs Interesting...thanks for that - TMF
Good stuff thanks.
+Geordi La Forge You're welcome
Thank you very much
Look at that plate @6:00. Gargantuan !!! TMF gives a proper rant on this in another video. I understand now 😆😆😆
interesting... you have to do a MOT every year?
in Germany it is called TÜV... you have to do every 2 years
cheers Tom
+Thomas Geser yes every year if the bike is three years or older....
just passed on my 2014 re continental gt. my bike mot station use a pulley system for checking brakes.
+Peter Hogg Sounds intriguing, wonder how that works???
TheMissendenFlyer .they hook it on the front of your bike,then winch you forward whilst holding one brake then the other.
I was actually nervous watching that :-o
+DervMan Hehe...
Great vid
Thanks John...
Turns out there's a Wikipedia article that covers inspection practice country by country: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_inspection
Lovely bike ...
Thank you...
didn't think you were allowed race numbers on UK roads?
First I've heard of it.....
Thanks for this MF - didn't quite get why your brakes "failed" but actually "passed" ??? Regards, Jon.
+JLO Staff No I'm not sure I fully understood that either but they passed and that's good enough for me! Think it was to do with the fact that you couldn't apply full pressure to the rears but as the wheels actually locked they obviously worked fine so an automatic pass....something like that...
Hey great vid any idea if a rear reflector a must as my tail tidy eliminates the reflector?
Nice one thanks mate.
+Gremlin 22 You're welcome :0)
+Gremlin 22 To be honest I have no idea!
Yes it is. Quoted from MOT testers manual. Statutory reflectors Mopeds and motor bicycles require one unobscured red reflector which is aligned to the vehicles longitudinal centre line and is positioned to reflect squarely to the rear. If the motorcycle is fitted with a side car the side car will also require a reflector fitted towards the nearside and positioned to reflect squarely to the rear.
Thanks Edward M O T is due soon will have to get that sorted.
How much did that cost? Only useful measurement was (front) brake test. Thank God we don't have that in Finland, regardless of costs, money wasted I say.
I agree. The reason many other countries do not do bike MOT/technical control is that it has been found to be a huge investment in equipment and a huge expense and inconvenience for riders for a very few to be caught out on technicalities, not serious and dangerous defects.
The UK government set the maximum costs, so it doesn't vary much between testers.
It's £29.65 max for a motorcycle :).
And time and inconvenience? A bit like the plumber charges you half a day for a 30 minute job, an MOT is going to take at least half of your day. No? And if you have two bikes?
The reason several countries decided against this is that it's too much time and money to tackle a problem that largely does not exist. (The exception might be exhaust noise, though a standard exhaust the MOT and then removed is not a problem).
Preaching at the wrong person here. I'm a plumber/gas safe engineer.
I'm sure bike MOT's have taken many unroadworthy bikes off the road over the years. Basic things like tyre tread, unmaintained chain and things snagging.
It's very basic and only a very minimum requirement, but gets the worst of them off the road, atleast when its played by the rules.
£30 is a year is nothing really is it... if you cant afford that, you probably shouldn't be running a vehicle...
I reckon the UK MOT has largely taken bikes off the road on technicalities rather than them being dangerous. Yes, it's £30, but it takes you half a day as a minimum. How much is half your day worth?
I'm not doubting that some oik has taken a death trap to the MOT station and been failed. Studies in other countries have shown that cost exceeds benefit when it comes to MOT for bikes.
Of course, if you are of the "if one life is saved" school of thought then you might not agree, but I would suggest the £30 might be better spent on feeding starving kids.
I appreciate a test to ensure things are safe but it does annoy me having to change certain things just to get it through one test. Things like number plates, MOT testers know ur just gonna change wen u roll out, so just let it through. If something is unsafe sure, but something like that.
+Ff6022 Yes agreed on that one!
MOT motor vehicle observation test
In the UK, tread depth has to be 1mm across the middle 3/4 of the tyre. In continental Europe, in Canada and in some U.S. states (e.g. NY) , it has to be 1.5mm or 1.6mm depending on jurisdiction. Don't know about Australia/New Zealand. Do people in the U.K. think that 1mm is adequate? Do people let it go that far?
P.S. for Americans: 1/16" is 1.6mm.
+Rory I don't think 1mm is enough and was surprised to learn that - I thought it had to be 2mm across the width (maybe that's for cars).
Ha, I bet you had a sweat on when he said it's an automatic fail, thankfully only pulling your leg! Lol
+Cotti Yes, it wasn't what I was expecting to hear, that's one I owe Nigel! ;0)
No MOT in Cyprus. Some Say its a good thing others say different
+Warthog_CY What do you think? Good or bad??
I think MOT its a good think. Most us are not mechanics so you need a specialist to tell you the Motorcycle or the car you are driving is safe.
Very interesting info as I was not aware of the annual MOT requirement. What is the average cost of one of these tests? As others stated, we do not have an equivalent in Canada and I think we have a lot of crap and non-standard specs on the road as a result... mostly 4-wheel private vehicles as I think riders have a higher standard of care for their rides. When importing vehicles from out-of-province, the vehicle does need to undergo an inspection and the $150-300 cost can pale in comparison to the costs of bringing the vehicle up to the spec required to obtain the provincial registration plates/tag.
+Andrew Wagner Interesting - thanks Andy...and the cost of our test is fixed (I think) - I paid £29ish. If I recall correctly - so not a huge sum. Thanks for watching and for stopping by- TMF
You can get insurance without an MOT as you need to ride to MOT Centre but you cant gear Road Tax without it
+John Heaney Yes, thanks for the clarification- TMF
Yeh, DVLA told me the same. Has to be insured to be mot'd, and mot'd to be taxed, and taxed to be used legally.
You can get it MOT'd without insurance, but you can't ride it to the test centre/garage without tax and insurance and the test already booked, remember you can also have 13 months MOT, get it booked one calendar month before it runs out, if you want that is.
the size of that license plate, wow
+Joe Manning Yes not pretty is it!
it is an air brake :)
I thought nobbly tyres are not road legal
that number plate is bigger than the roof on my house mate get a smaller one lol
+Bret Snow Do you think that one made it through the nigh ;0)
I fought there would of been a emission test in that
I don't think motorbikes are tested for emmisions on MOT :)
Why number 59 on the bike?
No reason....
You don't have to have an mot to get insurance but you won't be covered without one.
+John Woodruff Yes good point, thanks for the clarification....
John Woodruff But presumably you do need an MOT in order to tax the bike.
The Tewin Tourer yes you need an mot and insurance to get road tax it's all on a data Base which can be checked by a.n.p.r. camera's and they are everywhere.
Pre 1960 no MoT. :)
+tarmacscratcher UA-cam Thanks for the clarification:0)
Here in Australia in my area the mechanic just checks Vin number is same as paper work, checks lights ,horn & tyres .Takes all of 5 minutes.
Wow you guys have big ugly rear number plates. Interesting vid though !
+Joe Hooyen Cheers Joe, glad you found it of interest - TMF
NO bike MOT in Belgium.
+Mike Breen Lucky you!
A brand new truck after 1 year needs an MOT..they are different I’m sure..You Stand corrected sir..Anytime..✌🏻
I stand corrected - thanks for that!
TheMissendenFlyer no problem & good of you to reply..cheers
Wow! Never happens in the States as there would be a riot.
At least for motorcycles but cars have had a smog check for ages now in California.
+Chris Bramblett Interesting, thanks for that Chris...
Best pass of the day !
+Rob Duncan Thanks :0)
And you have to get that done every year? That must suck ass.
+Will Whyatt Sure do if the bike is over three years old - it's no big issue for me and I think it's a good thing to get your bike checked over by an expert once in a while. Thanks for watching - TMF
I think that it is useful to look at the MOT test results before expressing an opinion on the utility of these tests. The numbers, for the last three years, updated to February, 2017, are here (motorcycles are classes 1 and 2): www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/mot-testing-data-for-great-britain
On a test required only for bikes that are more than three years old, the current annual failure rate is 18.2%.
Leaving aside the safety issues and environmental issues, and because many people here think that this is a waste of money, it would be interesting to know the economics. For example, lighting and signaling deficiencies, which are rather basic, account for a significant percentage of the failures. If these failures are dealt with via an MOT inspection, it means that police officers, and the courts, can spend less time on people who are in violation of basic lighting requirements and more time addressing real crime, and that riders will pay fewer fines and accumulate fewer penalty points.
Then there's the economic cost of basic deficiencies (in addition to lighting and signals, the failure rate of brakes and a few other items is also interesting) resulting in people getting injured or killed.
+Rory Very interesting Rory thanks for that - and I agree with you, I for one think the test is a good thing and am happy for my bikes to be given the once over by an expert on an annual basis...as long as the cost isn't excessive (and it isn't)...
They drink coffee then issue the mot
John Gorman hahha. Made me laugh thakks 😁
Another faff, like insurance that is almost pointless with regards to motorcycles. Just a money-making scheme, hopefully we will can be done with them someday. No disresoect to to you TMF, great vid as always.
+VileVeil You're not the only person that's commented that has that view VV, I for one though am happy to have a set of experienced eyes give my bike a once over....thanks for the kind comments - TMF
And that is all well and good that you conscientiously want your motorcycle to be in safe condition. However, allowing your government regulations to get so involved with your everyday basic details is a slippery slope.
tractors are road legal, and they require no MOT. You see some right shagged out old beasts hobbling about
I never knew that - learn something new every day, cheers!
No such thing as a MOT test in the US. Or anything similar.
Boodieman72 maybe it's that way in your state but my dad lives in New York and there is definitely a vehicle inspection there
+Rob S That's interesting, didn't realise it varied by state...
TheMissendenFlyer yep. it's usually the case with administrative stuff in my experience. my dad had to take his driving test at the age of 59 seems a bit stupid to me. some states are happy to just transfer your licence over based on 40 odd years of experience, but not New York!!
Here in sweden we have them every 3 years for bikes and the tester rides the bike to test the brakes