Motorbike MOT in Devon

Yes, we carry out motorbike MOT tests. Automaster is an independent garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and we test motorcycles for riders across South Devon, from the coast to the edge of Dartmoor. You can book online or by phone, and we will tell you what to expect before you arrive.

The MOT is a legal check that a motorcycle meets minimum road safety and environmental standards on the day of the test. It is not a service, and a pass does not mean every part is in good order. Below we explain what is checked, which class your bike falls into, what the results mean and what to tell us when you ask for a quote on any repair work.

What does a motorbike MOT check?

A motorcycle MOT works through the bike from lights to exhaust. The tester looks at the lights, indicators and horn, the brakes on both wheels, the tyres and wheels, the steering and suspension, the drive chain, belt or shaft, the exhaust and its noise, the frame, and the registration plate and frame number. Every item is judged against a set standard, so a bike that rides well can still fail on something small, such as a blown bulb, a chain in poor condition or a tyre worn too far.

• Lights, indicators, horn and number plate
• Front and rear brakes
• Tyres, wheels and steering
• Suspension, frame and drive chain, belt or shaft
• Exhaust and noise

Class 1 or Class 2: which motorbike MOT does my bike need?

Motorcycles are tested in two classes by engine size. Class 1 covers motorcycles up to 200cc and Class 2 covers motorcycles over 200cc. The class is based on the engine capacity shown on the V5C logbook, so if you are not sure, tell us the make, model, registration and engine size when you book and we will confirm it.

The checks are very similar across both classes, with the same focus on brakes, steering, tyres, lights and the exhaust. Bikes that cover big miles or spend the winter parked up can wear or seize parts quietly, so a quick look beforehand is sensible.

Is a pre-MOT check worth booking for a motorcycle?

A pre-MOT check looks at the items the test covers before the official test is done. If something is likely to fail, you hear about it first and can decide what to put right, rather than finding out on the day with a failed certificate. It is worth considering after a spell off the road, when the bike is getting older, or when you have noticed a noise, a pull under braking or a chain that looks tired.

Simple jobs such as a bulb, a chain adjustment or a worn tyre can often be dealt with before the test, so the bike goes in in good shape. Tell us anything you have noticed and we will look at it first.

What happens if my motorbike fails its MOT?

A failed test lists defects as dangerous, major or minor. A dangerous defect means the bike is an immediate risk on the road and must not be ridden until it is repaired. A major defect means it fails and needs fixing before it can pass. Minor defects and advisories do not cause a fail, but they are worth keeping an eye on, because advisories often become failures next year.

We can carry out MOT failure repairs on site, so you do not have to take the bike elsewhere. When you ask for a quote, give us the list from the failure sheet, along with the registration, make and model. Cost depends on the fault, the parts needed and how easy they are to reach, so we will ask you to request a quote rather than guess.

Can I get a motorbike MOT retest after a fail?

Yes. Once the faults on the failure sheet have been dealt with, the bike can be tested again. Whether the retest is a partial or full one, and what applies, depends on which faults were found, where the repairs were done and how long has passed since the first test, so please ask us about your own case.

Do not ride a bike with a dangerous defect away from the test centre. If your current MOT has run out, you can only ride to a pre-booked test or to a place where repairs are booked, and only if the bike is safe enough to do so.

When is my motorbike MOT due?

A new motorcycle needs its first MOT three years after it was first registered, then every year after that. You can take the test up to one month minus one day before the current certificate runs out and keep the same renewal date, so there is no need to leave it to the last minute.