M.O.T.

MOTs: What are common defects?

Lights and reflectors:

During an MOT nearly two in five defects - and half of all major defects - relate to lights and reflectors. Your lights will need to be in good working order, securely fitted, the right colour, and angled in the correct direction.

Steering and suspension:

Problems with steering and suspension are also common: this encompasses forks, handlebars, grips, mountings, head bearings, swinging arm, shock absorbers, and damping effect.

Tyres and wheels:

Around a tenth of defects relate to tyres, while only 1% concern wheels. Any issue with a tyre is very serious, and historically in MOT scenarios 37% of tyre issues are deemed 'dangerous'. Tyres must be securely fitted and of the correct type, while tread depth must be 1mm+ on motorbikes over 50cc. The condition of the valves and the wheel bearings must also be satisfactory.

Braking:

Brake issues account for just under one in five MOT defects, with around a third of these classed as "dangerous". Brake hoses, disc brakes, pads shoes and ABS warning lights (if present) must all be in good working order.

Components that fail less often (but are still critical)

• Exhaust system
• Fuel system
• Seats
• Wheel Alignment
• Sidecars (if present)
• Horn
• Number Plates