Bike Trader

It makes sense to give your bike a pre-MOT check and fix any potential failure points beforehand. Certain items can only be checked using the equipment in the test centre, but the following checks can be done at home. Always clean your bike before taking it for the test.

Lights and horn
Exhaust
Brakes
Steering and suspension
Wheels, tyres and drive chain

Lights and horn
Check that the lights work in all switch positions, that the lenses are not cracked and that the headlight beam height is correct. Also check that the turn signals function correctly and flash at the correct rate and that the horn is loud enough.


Exhaust
Check that the exhaust system is mounted correctly and securely. When the engine revs are increased check that the exhaust gases do not leak from any part of the system and that the exhaust noise is not excessively loud. The exhaust system, particularly the end can, must be UK legal.


Brakes
Apply the brakes and check the wheels can rotate freely when the brakes are freed off. Ensure that the brake pads are not worn, that the fluid level in the reservoirs is correct and that there is no sign of brake fluid leakage. Check that the brake light comes on when each brake is applied.

• Check that the brake hoses are in good condition.
  

Steering and suspension
Raise the front wheel off the ground and move the handlebars from lock to lock. They should turn freely and the handlebar ends should not make contact with the fuel tank.

• With the front wheel off the ground, grasp the forks at the bottom and attempt to push and pull on them - any movement felt here could be due to excessive steering head bearing play.
  
  
  
  
  
• With the bike resting on its wheels and the rider seated, apply the front brake and pump the front forks up and down. The front forks should operate smoothly with good damping action.
  
  
  
  
  
• There should be no sign of oil leakage from the fork seals.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Bounce the rear of the bike to check rear suspension action.
  Also check that there is no sign of oil leakage from the rear shock.
  
  
• Raise the rear wheel off the ground and grasp the wheel at its highest point and attempt to pull it up. Movement felt here will be due to worn bearings in the suspension linkage or swingarm pivot.
  
  
  
  
  
• Now grasp each swingarm end and attempt to move the swingarm from side to side and forwards and backwards - movement here indicates worn swingarm bearings.
  
  
  
  
  

Wheels, tyres and drive chain
Check that the wheels are free of damage, such as cracks (cast wheels) or broken or bent spokes (spoked wheels).

• Check that the drive chain is correctly adjusted and in good condition.

• With the wheel raised off the ground check for wear of the bearings by grasping the wheel at opposite points and trying to move it about the axle.
  
  
  
  
  

• Check tyre tread depth and tyre condition.