Is your motorcycle more than three years old but younger than 40? Then you’ll need to have your motorcycle MOT certificate renewed each year. This standard safety test by the Ministry of Transport (MOT) ensures UK vehicles are roadworthy, safe and within the required range for exhaust emissions.

If your motorbike, moped or scooter doesn’t pass the test, you can fix things and re-test before you ride again. Your valid MOT certificate is a requirement for your insurance and paying road tax. And it keeps the roads safer and less congested for all of us.

So what do you need to do to make sure your wheels keep rolling on UK tarmac? Read on and to find out the ins and outs of your motorcycle MOT.

What is a motorcycle MOT?

Your motorcycle MOT is a test to check important safety and roadworthiness elements of your machine. It’s not the same as getting your bike serviced. It doesn’t cover the condition of your motorbike’s engine or how well the clutch and gearbox are working. What it does check is how safe it is to be on the road. That includes things like tire tread, brake pressure and lights.

If you pass your MOT checks, you’ll get a certificate to show your insurer and pay your road tax. If not, you’ll get a list of items that need attention. Once you address these, you’ll be able to re-test your motorcycle and get your MOT certificate.

When does a motorcycle become MOT exempt?

New motorcycles don’t need MOT certificates for the first three years. After their third birthday, they do. Just like the rule for cars.

Motorcycle MOT rules aren’t that different to MOT rules for cars. Generally, the test is cheaper for motorbikes than cars. Mostly because the motorcycle MOT test is faster. It takes around 20 minutes to put your motorcycle through its MOT paces. You’ll need to double that for a car. In our opinion, that’s just another reason riding is better than driving.

If you have a motorcycle that was registered forty years ago (or more), you may not need an MOT certificate. Of course, you still need to make sure your bike’s roadworthy. And it shouldn’t have had any major changes to it in the past 30 years. That means classic motorcycle’s kept in good working order and true to their original design may be exempt from needing a motorcycle MOT. If you’re unsure, check with an expert or historic vehicles specialist.

What does the Motorcycle MOT test for?

Your motorcycle MOT tests the systems and parts of your motorcycle that are directly related to how safe it is on the road.

Parts the motorcycle MOT tests

• Lights – Need to work, be secure and of the correct colours (orange indicators, red for brakes, white for headlights).
• Steering – Forks, handlebars, grips, head bearings and swinging arm must be secure and working properly.
• Suspension – Your shock absorbers’ condition and their damping effect will be tested.
• Motorcycle seat – Needs to be attached securely.
• Wheels and tyres – Must be in good condition with a minimum tread depth of 1 mm across three quarters of the tire for machines over 50ccs. A visible tread pattern around the entire circumference of the tire is required for motorbikes, scooters and mopeds under 50ccs.
• Frame – Must be free from cracks, distortions, corrosion and damage.
• Brakes – Controls, condition and performance are checked. Brake performance must be no less than 30% for one brake and 25% for the other. Minimum brake pad friction material thickness is 1 mm.
• Exhaust system – Must be secure, free from holes and leaks, and decibels at a reasonable level when the engine is revved to half of its maximum speed.
• Fuel system – Must be secure and free from leaks.
• Wheel alignment – Wheels need to be parallel and in line with your motorcycle frame.
• Sidecar (if you have one) – Should be securely attached, wheel bearings, suspension, wheels and tires in roadworthy condition.
• Horn – should work and make a suitable sound for the machine.
• Registration, VIN and frame numbers – Must be present, match records and be legible.
• Drive chain and sprocket – must have the correct tension, have a secure chain guard and not show too much wear.
• Throttle – Must move freely and return to a closed position when released.
• Clutch lever – Should be easy to use without damage, distortions or shortening.
• Footrests – Must be present and properly secured to the motorcycle.

You can, and should, check all of these elements. However, you won’t be able to give yourself an MOT certificate unless you’re an authorised MOT tester.

Can I give my motorbike its own MOT service?

Yes! If you are handy with a wrench and know your way around motorcycle maintenance and repair you can definitely do your own motorcycle MOT service. It’s a good idea to check the finer details of the MOT test to make sure your maintenance and repair work is up to scratch. The MOT inspection manual is a free resource that will help you do this.

The MOT test doesn’t check the condition of your motorcycle’s engine, clutch or many other elements. So it’s important to take care of these regularly too. You can do that regular servicing yourself or take your motorbike to a qualified motorcycle mechanic to keep it in good nick.

Servicing and motorcycle MOTs

Your MOT test isn’t the same as getting your motorcycle serviced to keep the engine, clutch and other components in good working order. These are two different things. If you want to remain safe on the road and avoid breaking down unexpectedly, it’s important to take good care of your ride.

That means regular motorcycle maintenance. Things like checking fluids, tire pressure and lights are a weekly task for your safety and comfort on the road. You should service your motorcycle each year or roughly every 3,000 miles you ride it. That gives the critical parts of your motorbike a once over. You’ll spot any issues before they become problems and keep rolling smoothly and safely. Think of motorcycle servicing as a way to preserve the investment you made buying your motorbike.

Motorcycle servicing checks for wear and tear as well as the condition and level of consumables like oil, brake pads and spark plugs. Of course, servicing replaces or repairs parts when needed too. Your motorcycle MOT, on the other hand, simply checks to see if essential safety elements of your motorbike are working to a minimum standard. Even if you pass, there is no guarantee your motorbike, moped or scooter will be running smoothly or at optimal performance.

What does a motorcycle MOT certificate include?

When you pass your motorcycle MOT you’ll get a certificate with the date of the test showing a pass or fail and maybe a list of advisories.

This list of advisories is important. It shows any parts of your motorcycle that squeaked through the test. It could be anything from having just 1 mm of tread on your front tyre to worn sprockets that will need replacing before the next MOT test.

For a safer, smoother and usually more fuel efficient ride, you should have the advisories seen to as soon as you can. It’s up to you how and when you do this. You could share it with your mechanic at the regular motorcycle service or take your bike for an extra trip to the mechanic. Or you may be able to fix the advisories yourself. Whichever you go with, just make sure to sort out advisories sooner rather than later.

Staying safe on the road isn’t only about riding smoothly and confidently. How well you take care of your motorcycle also plays a big role. Keeping your motorcycle MOT up to date is just part of that. Regular maintenance, servicing and checks are just as important. Staying on top of motorcycle maintenance will help you to pass your motorcycle MOT each year without breaking a sweat!