How to pass your motorbike MoT test first time time | MCN's expert mechanic gives his tips

All motorcycles over three-years-old (and under 40) require a valid MoT test certificate in order to be ridden legally on the road in the UK. And even if your vehicle is exempt, it is a legal requirement to ensure that it is safe to be ridden – with a £2500 fine and 3 penalty points coming your way if it’s not.

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These easy checks are a great guide to follow in making sure your vehicle is safe and also getting it through its MoT test first time, every time. They are simple tasks that any bike owner can do at home with a few basic tools and accessories.

Proposed changes to the MoT testing system

In January 2024, the Government announced that it would not be changing the MoT frequency, after it launched a consultation in 2023 on proposals for a biennial test rather than annual.

So nothing’s changed for us bikers with regards to MoTs, however a pal of mine who’s a tester says there seems to be a ramped-up training policy aimed at the testing stations including, administration, procedure and professional development.

It’s worth remembering, you can get your bike tested up to a month earlier than the expiry. For example, if your MoT expires on the April 28, you could get the test done from March 29.

The good thing is if it passes your renewal date will be April 29 of the following year, so it’s sort of a 13-month MoT. This works well, especially if your expiry date falls in the middle of a planned touring holiday. One thing to consider though, if your bike fails the test before the valid expiry date then the existing pass certificate is nulled by the new test. 

That said, it’s likely to give you more time to address any issues that would have potentially got worse over the next 30 days.

How to check your motorbike is ready to pass its MoT test

Before you even start on the technical checks, it’s worth bearing in mind that a tester has the right to refuse to test a bike that’s too dirty. It may seem like a simple thing, but you should give your bike a proper clean before you take it in for its test. It’ll make the tester’s life easier and give the overall impression of a well looked-after machine. We’re not saying it’ll turn a fail into a pass, of course, but if nothing else it’s a good excuse for a scrub-up.

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Is your number plate legal?

Although not a safety related part of the test, the size and type of number plate lettering needs to meet the standards laid out by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency. The original plate fitted from new will comply with these, so if you have a “cheeky” plate, stick the old one back on. The plate also needs to carry a red rear reflector (if you’ve ditched the OE hanger that had one).

Check your motorbike’s lights

All the lights need to function correctly. Indicators must work and must flash at the correct frequency – sometimes fitting aftermarket LED type bulbs will cause them to flash too quickly. Check for front and rear brake light operation, sometimes the rear switch may need adjusting. Check dip and high beam operation and that heights are set correctly.

Will a noisy exhaust cause an MoT failure?

Aftermarket cans are fine as long as they aren’t marked with ‘not for road use’ or similar, and aren’t noticeably louder than the original.

Other parts of the system need to be in good condition, with no blowing or rotten collector boxes. If you’re worried and you have the original then you can always pop it back on for the test.

Some of the regs have been updated with regards to silencers, so there is a degree of subjective judgement from the tester. 

Front suspension and fork seals

A leaking fork seal will cause an MoT fail, but you can easily check before the test by wiping the chrome fork stanchion with a clean cloth. Fork seals wear over time and when they do they usually leave a smear of oil on the stanchion and will need replacing. You can also visually inspect for leaks by removing the dust seal.

A leak maybe caused by pitting or damage to the chrome surface, so give these a close inspection at the same time. 

The damping action of the suspension must be in good order; when you push the bike down and release it, the return rates should be evenly damped without bounciness.

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How to check your motorcycle’s steering

Check the steering head bearings by having the front wheel raised and holding the bottom of the forks and pulling backwards and forwards, feeling for any play or knocking. With the wheel in the air, turn the steering left and right, it should be smooth with no binding.

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Check your tyres are legal

Make sure you have sufficient tread; any bike over 50cc must have 1mm across three quarters of the width of the tread marks. It’s also worth making sure the size and type of tyre is correct. Look for cracks, bulges or cuts. Any tyre fitted should also have the rotation arrow positioned correctly.

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Motorbike brake checks for an MoT test

There needs to be an obvious amount of usable friction material still in place – the lower limit is 1mm on sintered pads and 1.5mm on organic type pads. Check both back and front brake calipers – this is often easier if you remove the calipers rather than peering with your torch.

You also need to assess the condition of the discs – spin the wheel and make sure they run true and that they are not damaged or cracked, or below the minimum thickness. This is a good opportunity to check the rims for any dents or buckles.

Throttle action and condition 

The MoT tester will assess how freely the twistgrip opens and returns. The throttle must return freely with zero signs of binding, if it is binding make sure that the handlebar grip is correctly seated, and not rubbing on the throttle housing or the bar end weight.

Assess chassis and wheel bearings

Check your wheel bearings by first spinning the wheel; it should not bind or rumble. With the wheel in the air, hold the wheel at opposite sides and try to move it from side to side looking and feeling for any ‘play’.

Swingarm bearings are responsible for the smooth up and down movement of the swingarm, but they also manage lateral forces. Test them by holding the rear of the back wheel and with your other hand on the frame, try pulling and pushing the wheel sideways.

Adjust chain tension and check condition

If you have one, the chain should be adjusted with no significant wear. If a link is fitted it should be secure, and if it’s a split link it should face the right direction, open end facing backwards when the link is on the top of the rear sprocket. The tester will look for worn sprockets and tight spots.

• Related: How to change your motorbike’s chain and sprockets at home

Fuel system checks for an MoT

The fuel system needs to be in good order and this means there should be no evidence of leaks. The petrol cap must close properly, and have a rubber seal fitted. The fuel hoses must be in good condition with no perishing, and they must be secured with clips. Finally, the petrol tank itself should be securely fitted to the motorcycle.