Upcoming M-o-T Exemption Rules

[Simon Dinsdale]

With the modern trend of returning bikes to standard, I wonder if anyone has a removed disc set-up, which they'd like to sell, languishing under their bench.

Ian. Just be aware if you add such a visual modification like disc brakes then with the upcoming changes to MOT exemption rules in May could have an impact on the bike. The new rules state that if you modified your vehicle within the last 30 years you will NOT be MOT exempt. Now the clear as mud DOT paperwork on the new MOT exemption say you have to use the DVLA age related rules to determine if your bike is a vehicle of historic interest and so is MOT exempt. Those DVLA rules would refuse a disc brake modification at the point of registration. Recently built Norvins, Egli and any special along with Comets with Norton gearboxes could all fall fowl and now require an MOT unless they were modified or built over 30 years ago. This could all change again before May 22nd. This is all to do with been MOT exempt and nothing to do with the historic tax class.

 

[vibrac]

I read somewhere that improvements for safety reasons are exempt of course nobody really knows including the DVLA and especially the enforcers ( try telling a policeman your 1927 Douglas does not have to have a speedometer) it's a typical shambles I would suggest declaring possible problem bikes unmodified AND continuing to have an MOT that way you are ready for the real hidden program aim when they state in a few years time that only historic vehicles can be used on public roads ( and I expect only then to and from a registered event)

 

[Simon Dinsdale]

Up until now it been a basic rule anything made before 1960 is MOT exempt, but the new MOT rules as to MOT or not are going to be self governed for vehicles over 40 years old. This is when you go to tax a historic vehicle the DVLA will ask you the owner if the vehicle has been modified or not. If you say no then you will not need an MOT. The DVLA are not the instigators of these new rules, its the Department of Transport (DOT). The DVLA are only asking the question for their road fund application. If you get caught lying I dont know what the consequences will be, but one part who will be interested is you insurance company. Until now if its pre 1960 made they have no argument. After May 22nd if you have an accident your insurance company is going to question if your Vincent should have had an MOT as it was you who decided. They will wriggle, get the bike inspected and what if they see disc brakes on a bike that never had them fitted when new. They will probably say disc brakes are not a small modification of the original drum system (2 leading shoe is though). They will say its a completely different braking system so is a serious modification and so should have had an MOT and so your insurance is invalid.

There is a guide on the new MOT rules which the FBHVC published in their magazine which gives some modification info, but brakes are not mentioned. The document is as clear as mud but worth reading.

 

[bmetcalf]

The checklist doesn't seem too bad, other than finding an inspector who has some knowledge.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...mot-inspection-checklist-motorcycle-vt29m.pdf

 

[vibrac]

Vin998 The point I was trying to indicate is that for someone worried about such things then an option might be.

Ticking your bike has not been modified in the last few decades (it may have been earlier...) and you therefore opt out of a compulsory MOT and thus keep your historic status but it does not prevent you THEN having an voluntary MOT whch is not a bad idea anyway. Havng an MOT should stuff any weasle moves by Insurance companies
The question then revolves around the value that will be attached to Historic status in the future my guess is its another ratchet effect. We may well find getting back to historic status might be a difficult task when still using your bike depends on it in the future.
Dont forget we never asked for this MOT concession and nothing especially from governments is for free there is always a hidden (nudge) agenda

 

[vibrac]

The checklist doesn't seem too bad, other than finding an inspector who has some knowledge.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...mot-inspection-checklist-motorcycle-vt29m.pdf

Not like the one I had a few years ago who wanted roller bearing wheel rim run outs to apply to taper roller wheels ....or the one who said my headlight beam was too low on my BMW air head but was happy when I sat back 4 inches on the dual seat....

 

[Simon Dinsdale]

Vin998 The point I was trying to indicate is that for someone worried about such things then an option might be.

Ticking your bike has not been modified in the last few decades (it may have been earlier...) and you therefore opt out of a compulsory MOT and thus keep your historic status but it does not prevent you THEN having an voluntary MOT whch is not a bad idea anyway. Havng an MOT should stuff any weasle moves by Insurance companies
The question then revolves around the value that will be attached to Historic status in the future my guess is its another ratchet effect. We may well find getting back to historic status might be a difficult task when still using your bike depends on it in the future.
Dont forget we never asked for this MOT concession and nothing especially from governments is for free there is always a hidden (nudge) agenda

I agree that if you MOT a vehicle the question any insurance company's interpenetration is bypassed, but I read somewhere that since the pre 1960 MOT exemption came in virtually all vehicles that qualify haven't had a voluntary MOT. I believe it was over 90% but that may be wrong. Most owners take the easy (or lazy) route.

 

[Bill Thomas]

My head is in the Sand ! , Where it has always been. Cheers Bill.

 

[timetraveller]

Ah Bill! never forget that when your head is in the sand another part of your anatomy is available for some serious abuse.

 

[Dinny]

How does anyone, including the officials know when a vehicle has been modified within the last 30 years. That's a massive black hole for everyone to fall in. The only way I see it is via photo evident or receipts but unless the number plate is visible then even that's no use.