What to watch out for before having your next motorbikes service

As dreaded as they are, an MOT is a mandatory part of owning a motorbike. They can be annoying, expensive and inconvenient. However, failing your MOT can be even more annoying. So how do you pass it? Or to word it easier, how do you not fail? We have put together a list of the most common things that will fail an MOT and how to fix them.

Tyres

One of the most frustrating areas to fail an MOT on is the tyres. This is because it is one of the easiest areas to check and assess. As simple as it sounds, if you look across the surface of the tyre and see any hard wear or balding then you should consider replacing the tyre. 

A more obvious thing to look out for is any cuts or bulges on the tyre. Driving with these can be extremely dangerous and is more than certain to fail an MOT. If you have any worries or concerns about what your tyre should look like or the ideal tread-depth, you can read the vehicles manual or get in touch with a professional here at Belle Vue Motors.

Suspension and Steering

Something that is much more difficult to spot is issues with the suspension and steering of your motorbike. These issues will usually develop over time the more the motorbike is used. However, you will usually be able to feel any issues with the bike such as oversteer or understeer when driving. If you do happen to feel issues with the bike, make sure to take it to a mechanic prior to the MOT to get it looked over and fixed.

Brakes

One of the most common fails on an MOT is also one of the most important parts of your motorbike. Brakes faults are common but also extremely difficult for the average person to spot. However, there are ways for you to be able to see if your brakes are faulty or beginning to show some defects. When riding your bike, if you find that your brakes arent as sharp as they should be, then you should get them checked ASAP.

It is also important to do a general inspection of the brake pads and make sure you have enough brake fluid in your bike. It is best to report any issues to a mechanic as even the slightest issue can result in a fail.

Lights

The most common fault across all MOT’s is the motorbikes lights. Despite them being arguably the easiest issue to spot, it doesn’t stop them from causing failures on many MOT’s. A blown bulb is the main culprit of these failures. This is why it is important to check your headlights, brake lights, indicators, sidelights and plate lights.

You can also receive a failure for your indicator not blinking at the right speed. It should be blinking anywhere between 60 and 120 times a minute in order for it to pass the test.

We recommend having a full service before an MOT and also having an annual service to make sure that your motorbike is in a good condition. You should hopefully now have received enough information to prepare yourself for your next MOT. If you want to speak to a professional about anything, make sure to get in touch with a member of the team here at Belle Vue Motors.