All you need to know about motorcycle roadworthiness tests

Roadworthiness testing for two- and three-wheelers: rarely has there been a subject so passionately debated by motorcyclists. Now that it's officially in force, it's time to take a closer look. You're probably asking yourself a lot of questions. How strict is it? What are the inspection criteria? Can you still modify your bike? Here's what we know so far.

What is the purpose of motorcycle roadworthiness testing? Thegovernment claims that the aim is to limit the number of excessively polluting vehicles and improve road safety. On the other hand, the FFMC points out that only 0.3% of motorcycle accidents are attributable to vehicle failure, while 30% of fatal cases are due to poor road conditions. In short... The positive aspect, in our view? It will regulate the second-hand market. In effect, the technical inspection will guarantee a threshold of dangerousness. In essence, it guarantees that the motorcycle can be ridden in complete safety. For a buyer who knows nothing about motorcycles, this is already a good thing.

By the way, who is affected by the new law requiring motorcycle roadworthiness tests?

All category L vehicles. That is, 2 and 3-wheelers, quads, scooters and mopeds (even 50 and 125cc models), as well as cars without a license. And who is exempt from technical inspection? Competition motorcycles (trial and enduro) and vintage bikes produced before 1960.

The decree dates from October 23, 2023, but comes into force on April 15, 2024. Given the number of two-wheelers to be checked, you can imagine that the checks will be staggered. Here's the schedule according to vintage:

1 - Motorcycles registered before 2017: CT to be carried out before December 31, 2024

2 - Motorcycles registered between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019: CT due in 2025

3 - Motorcycles registered between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021: CT due in 2026

4 - Motorcycles registered after January 1, 2022: MOT to be carried out in the 6 months preceding 5 years after 1st registration.

How long is a roadworthiness test valid?

After passing the very first 5-year inspection, it must be renewed every 3 years.

As the measure is relatively recent, there is bound to be a period of adjustment before a vehicle inspection center can obtain the extension to motorcycle approval. Incidentally, in addition to this legislative aspect, these organizations must also invest in suitable equipment (a lift for two-wheelers, for example) and train their staff. What's all this to say? The best way to find an approved inspection center is to go online and make a phone call.

The purpose of the CT is to ensure that your bike is properly maintained and safe, not that it's identical to its original state. It's not a matter of chasing after the most over-modified of machines. As a result, only crucial elements are inspected, such as the condition of the tires, headlights and braking system. What's all this to say? As the inspection is visual only and does not involve any dismantling, you needn't worry too much about the modifications you've made to your beloved bike.

Is your exhaust not original?

No problem, as long as it's not damaged (visible hole, for example). Have you tampered with your engine mapping? It's impossible for a center to notice. Have you replaced your handlebars, mirrors and windscreen? All's well as long as they're in good condition.

But be careful!

The technical inspection will simply certify that your bike is safe enough to ride. But isn't it? In the event of an accident, and especially if you are at fault, an expert may be dispatched to analyze the causes. And if, for example, you have cut out your rear buckle, modified your frame or fitted non-approved parts that could have affected the performance of your wheel, this could work against you. You should therefore contact your insurer to check the clauses of your contract. What modifications to your motorcycle are authorized? What is covered? Etc...

Let's get to the heart of the matter. What parts of your motorcycle are checked during a technical inspection? The inspection is purely visual, and requires no dismantling (unless this is necessary to read an identification number on the motorcycle).

Here is the list of inspection points:

• Identification: matching vehicle registration document, license plate, chassis and engine number.
• Braking system: condition of brake pads, brake fluid level, etc.
• Tires: check wear indicators
• Transmission: chain tension and sprocket wear, or absence of leaks on cardan shafts
• Suspensions: no leaks
• Steering: no play
• Visibility: windscreen or windshield in good condition
• Lighting: headlights in good condition, working lights, clean reflectors
• Bodywork: no cracks or protruding parts that could be dangerous to passers-by
• Wheel bearings: no play
• Chassis: no corrosion, cracks or deformation
• Pollution: emission levels below a given threshold

No noise level control. That's for 2025. So, even if your adaptable exhaust makes a thunderous noise, it'll pass until next year.

Your bike has no faults or only minor ones. What does this mean? In this case, you don't need a second inspection. The opinion is favorable (A). Any concerns are simply listed in the report for information purposes, and the vehicle can be driven without a hitch. This may concern, for example, a small amount of play in the steering column.

In the event of a major defect? There are 87. The notice is unfavorable for major defects (S). In this case, you have two months to repair the problem and submit your bike for a second inspection. Please note that if you wait any longer, you'll have to undergo a full MOT, not just a second inspection. Defects are considered major when they compromise the safety of the bike, the rider or other road users. This is the case, for example, with a faulty braking or lighting system.

What about critical defects? There are 7. If you have any of these, you'll be given an unfavorable opinion for critical faults (R). This can happen, for example, if you go to the inspection with completely flushed tires. In this case, you have the whole day to make repairs. And the very next day, you're out of service. A tight schedule, isn't it?

In the event of a roadside inspection, you'll be asked for your vehicle registration document, insurance and roadworthiness certificate. If your MOT is not up to date, you'll be fined €90, payable within 15 days, rising to €135 after that. Please note that a roadworthiness test is valid for 3 years. This means that wearing parts such as tires may have deteriorated over time. The police will therefore also check the condition of your rubbers, despite the presence of your MOT sticker.

As with any car, a roadworthiness test less than 6 months old will be required for any sale. This is a guarantee of safety and conformity for the buyer. However, there's a subtle difference. You can only sell your bike with a refused MOT if it has major defects (unfavorable opinion S) and you're within the time period between the inspection and the second inspection. So it's up to the new buyer to take care of the repairs before the 60 days are up, and to present the bike for a second inspection. And logically enough, it's possible to register a bike in this configuration.

There had been talk of a maximum ceiling, but this unfortunately fell by the wayside. As the price is not regulated by the state, this creates competition between control centers. Naturally, those with the lowest prices will be the most successful.

Well, I hope we've managed to shed some light on the obscure and controversial subject of motorcycle roadworthiness testing. What do we think are the pluses? For the time being, the verification criteria remain limited to pure safety, which makes sense. What's more, the gradual phasing-in is well thought-out. The big negative? The fact that you only have one day to remedy a critical failure. A mission that seems almost impossible.

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Image credit: FFMC