What should I check before my motorcycle MOT?
Plenty of MOT fails are things you could have spotted at home in ten minutes — a blown bulb, a worn tyre or a slack chain. Run through this list a week or two before your test.
Lights, horn and electrics
- Headlight works on dipped and main beam, and isn't pointing up into oncoming traffic.
- Tail light and number plate light work.
- Brake light comes on with both the front lever and the rear pedal.
- All four indicators flash at a steady rate; lenses aren't cracked or missing.
- Rear reflector is fitted and intact.
- Horn works and is loud enough.
Tyres and wheels
- Tread depth: on motorcycles over 50cc, at least 1mm across three-quarters of the tread width, in one continuous band all the way round. Bikes of 50cc and under need a visible tread pattern all the way across and round.
- No cuts, bulges, exposed cords or cracking in the sidewalls.
- Wheels aren't buckled, and no spokes are loose or broken.
- Lift each wheel if you can and check for play in the wheel bearings.
Brakes
- Pads have material left (look for the wear-limit groove).
- Discs aren't badly scored, cracked or below their minimum thickness.
- No fluid leaks; fluid level is between the marks in each reservoir.
- Levers and pedal don't feel spongy and return properly.
Chain and drive
- Chain is correctly adjusted — not tight, not flapping.
- Chain and sprockets aren't badly worn (hooked teeth, tight spots, or a chain you can pull away from the back of the rear sprocket).
- Chain guard is fitted and secure.
Steering and suspension
- Handlebars turn smoothly lock to lock without notches or catching cables.
- No oil on the fork legs (a sign of leaking fork seals).
- Rear shock isn't leaking and the bike doesn't bounce excessively.
Everything else
- Exhaust is secure, not blowing, and not excessively loud.
- No fuel leaks, and the fuel cap closes and seals.
- Number plate is legal, clean and secure.
- Seat, footrests, mirrors (if fitted) and stands are secure; side stand cut-out works if fitted.
- Throttle snaps back closed on its own with the bars turned both ways.
Useful MOT rules to know
- A motorcycle's first MOT is due by the third anniversary of its registration, then every year.
- You can have the MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.
- Driving without a valid MOT can bring a fine of up to £1,000 — except when riding to a pre-booked MOT, or to or from a repair.
- The maximum fee for a motorcycle over 200cc is £29.65.
Read your last MOT advisories
Advisories on your last test are the tester telling you what is likely to fail next time. You can see them in the free MOT history check. In MotoTrac, each advisory becomes a job on your maintenance list, so you can fix it and tick it off before the next test — see MOT reminders and history.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Getting an MOT
- GOV.UK: MOT costs
- GOV.UK: MOT inspection manual for motorcycles, wheels, tyres and suspension
- GOV.UK: The Highway Code, Annex 6 vehicle maintenance, safety and security
This guide is general information for UK vehicle owners. Your owner's manual and your mechanic or MOT tester have the final word for your vehicle.