MoT needs the engine to be running?

The tester has to check that the exhaust and silencer are working.

To what extent of effeciency appears to depend of the chap doing the testing. I had my 650 MoTd just a week ago. The tester insisted on starting the engine and then revving it a little. Despite a slightly loose exhaust silencer join, to the megaphone silencers, he passed the bike.

Previously john_maccallum wrote:

I will need to MOT my unregistered Norton that I'm re-building in the conservatory to get an age related number. Do I have to get the engine running (with all the resulting drips of fluid) to obtain a MOT. I don't see why (no emissions tests on bikes apparently) and suspension, brakes and lights don't need the engine. My local MOT station says "yes engine has to be running"but do you think a friendly (sympathetic?) garage would do it without?

Hi John,

The test does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox. However part of the regulations is:-

With the engine running assess the effectiveness of the silencer in reducing as far as is reasonable the noise caused by the exhaust from the engine.

also

Throttle

This will be inspected to check that it works properly.

So, yes you must be able to start and run the engine.

Regards

Tony

Thats probably correct ,however I get three classics MOT'd a year and over the last 20 years can't remember ever having to start the engine. I don't offer and they are probably too embarrased to show their prowess in kickstarting my beasts.

Although emissions test doesn't apply I believe that the tester is required to carry out a visual check to ensure no excessive smoking from exhaust.

They don't always know what they should be doing. for 20 years they tested my old diesel camper including putting it on the emissions machine and revving it hard. Eventually I got fed up with it and told them it was all unecessary. They checked the books and to their surprise found i was right .A visual check was all it needed for excessive smoke.

The other check involves turningthe barsto full lock with theengine running, to ensure that the throttle cable is not stretched or snagged. Any change in engine revs is a fail. It's quite true that some testers are not aware of what does or does not apply to older vehicles - hence the removal of the requirement to MoT pre 1960 vehicles.

I have been to several test centres with my old and modern bikes over the past 40 +years and can't ever remember being asked to start the engine. Maybe I have been lucky or they have seen the bike running before I stopped the engine.

I think it's luck (!) of the draw, and familiarity (or not) with older machines.

On my last few tests the young guy has given the bike a long, hard look...... tested the lights and horn, and that's it!

Not sure if that's a good or bad thing, though....

Get asked to start the engine every year, to test to sound and also to drive towards the tester on the front driveway so he can check for any odd misalignment.

Mind you, I did have a VFR that used to get the full treatment at the same station.... even a tape measure from the end of the handlebars to the filler cap!

The tester's manual is clear, the engine should be running to test the exhaust

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual/mc_contents.htm

You can always use google!

cheers Dan