Every motorcycle requires an MOT test when it reaches 3 years old and then every year after that. It is illegal to use your bike on a public highway without a valid MOT certificate so it is a good idea to check when your MOT is due. It has a habit of creeping up on you and before you know it the MOT has run out and you are being pulled over. You can have an MOT test carried out up to one calendar month before it runs out so make sure you book your test in plenty of time.
Listed below are a few examples of what MOT testers are looking for when they are carrying out the MOT test on your bike. These are simple thing that you can check yourself before your MOT test.
LIGHTS: Of the 20% failure rate on bike MOT tests, over half are for defective lights. The tester will check that:
HEADLIGHTS and TAIL LIGHTS: The headlight must work on dip and main beam and the main beam should shine directly ahead and the dip slightly lower and to the left or have a flat beam.
INDICATOR lights must all flash at a steady rate.
REAR REFLECTOR must be fitted to the rear of the bike. This reflector must be red and either fitted separately or included as part of the tail light lens.
BRAKES: Faults found with the braking system are the third highest reason for failure in MOT testing. Scary thought!!
BRAKE DISCS are checked to make sure they are securely mounted and free from cracks and run out.
BRAKE PADS and shoes are checked to ensure that they are not worn beyond limits.
WHEELS and TYRES: Over one quarter of MOT failures are due to worn tyres.
TYRES will be checked for tread depth and condition as well as sidewall condition. Your tyres must be compatible and suitable for road use.
CAST WHEELS should be secure and free from cracks.
SPOKED WHEELS will be checked for broken, corroded, loose or bent spokes.
ALL WHEELS will be checked for run out.
So make sure your honda motorcycle parts are roadworthy!
EXHAUST SYSTEM: The decibel level will be assessed at the discretion of the tester and needs to be as close to the original system as possible. They should not have ‘Not for road use’ stamped on them. The exhaust system must not be holed and should be free from leaks from both joints and box(es). The mountings should be secure and not fouling any part of the rear suspension.
MORE CHECKS
- The horn should be of reasonable volume and a continuous single tone.
- All major components, bodypanels and mudguards should be securely fitted.
- The footrests, handlebar levers and brake pedal must be securely mounted.
- Wheel alignment will be checked.
The checks listed above are just a small example of the work that is carried out during an MOT. Motorcycle MOTs take about an hour to complete including the paperwork so it is a very comprehensive test.
You can book an MOT test here at Honda of Bournemouth for your Honda bikes. We can carry out the test while you wait. You can relax with a complimentary cup of tea or coffee or visit the café next door for one of their legendary bacon butties! Alternatively drop your bike in to us before work and collect it on the way home. The choice is yours. Call Paul, our service manager, on 01202 541226 to book your MOT today.
Winter Clothing and Protection
Bike clothing in winter is as much about providing protection from possible accidents, as it is about providing protection from the elements. You need to consider both aspects to still have an enjoyable riding experience in the cold.
When it comes to winter riding, the best way to keep warm is by wearing layers. Insulation works by trapping air in tiny pockets, and these then retain your body heat. Smaller layers are also easier to pack away if you should get warm!
For riding in very cold winter weather, you could start with a base layer of thermal underwear such as Alpinestars Winter Tech Top. This layer will provide huge amounts of extra warmth whilst not adding too much extra bulk and restricting your ride.
Although leathers are seen as the original ‘biker wear’, a move towards textile clothing will help in the winter. For example, a bike jacket such as the Alpinestars Scout Touring Drystar Jacket will provide extra warmth, wind and water protection, whilst still being abrasion resistant. Comfort and movement is highly important when riding, so thinner layers that provide more warmth are the best solution.
You should also think about protecting your extremities! Your hands and feet will need all the extra warmth they can get. Thermal socks are a must, see the Alpinestars Thermal Tech Socks, and decent gloves are essential. It is worth spending a bit more on a good pair of winter gloves, as these will last longer, keep your hands warmer and stay dry!
To view more Alpinestars jackets and Alpinestars boots available at Honda of Bournemouth, visit the rest of our site and have a look around.
When it comes to winter riding, the best way to keep warm is by wearing layers. Insulation works by trapping air in tiny pockets, and these then retain your body heat. Smaller layers are also easier to pack away if you should get warm!
For riding in very cold winter weather, you could start with a base layer of thermal underwear such as Alpinestars Winter Tech Top. This layer will provide huge amounts of extra warmth whilst not adding too much extra bulk and restricting your ride.
Although leathers are seen as the original ‘biker wear’, a move towards textile clothing will help in the winter. For example, a bike jacket such as the Alpinestars Scout Touring Drystar Jacket will provide extra warmth, wind and water protection, whilst still being abrasion resistant. Comfort and movement is highly important when riding, so thinner layers that provide more warmth are the best solution.
You should also think about protecting your extremities! Your hands and feet will need all the extra warmth they can get. Thermal socks are a must, see the Alpinestars Thermal Tech Socks, and decent gloves are essential. It is worth spending a bit more on a good pair of winter gloves, as these will last longer, keep your hands warmer and stay dry!
To view more Alpinestars jackets and Alpinestars boots available at Honda of Bournemouth, visit the rest of our site and have a look around.
Alpinestars Sigma Drystar Jacket Review
The jacket has a Drystar lining, which is Alpinestars’ version of a Gore-Tex membrane. It works great! An inner zip and an outer zip add to the many features of this jacket. I bought the Sigma due its price point in the market coupled with the manufactures reputation for producing quality products; it certainly represented value and quality. Also the length of the jacket suited me. I frequently ride a CB1000R and a Pan-European. I really wanted something warm that still allowed me the movement and flexibility that my summer gear gives me. Having worn this jacket frequently, I can honestly say that it is warm, represents value for money, and is nicely styled with many features.
To find out more about Alpinestars jackets and Honda bikes, visit the rest of our site.
Article by: Stuart
January offer on the new Arai Quantum helmet
The return of the Arai Quantum name brings a motorcycle helmet that is equally suitable for hot, sporty blasts down twisty roads as it is for long periods in the saddle when all-season touring.
For a limited time only, Honda of Bournemouth are discounting this great new lid. Just click here and get 15% off the new Arai helmets, the new Quantum UK Flag and the white Arai Quantum DNA until the end of January 2010.
RRP: £469.99 - January price: £399.49! (Limited sizes, whilst stock lasts)
Providing riders with the safest possible helmet is paramount to Arai, which is why, unlike other brands, each and every helmet undergoes rigorous in-house safety and penetration tests similar to that of the Snell Foundation.
Arai Quantum specifications:
Arai have built a new helmet that features the much-loved “Quantum fit” but also incorporates the superior technology of the MotoGP-tested RX-7 GP (launched in December 2008). The result is a sports-touring helmet that has been developed to offer new standards in comfort and safety.
RRP: £469.99 - January price: £399.49! (Limited sizes, whilst stock lasts)
Construction:
As with every Arai, the stiff and strong outer shell forms an integral and very important part of the total construction. For the Quantum, the tried and trusted ’Super CLC’ (Super Complex Laminate Construction) system was chosen.
The hand-built shell consists of three layers; two layers of Super Fibre with a middle layer of an exclusive, patented Arai fibre. Further increasing outer shell strength is the Arai "Hyper Ridge" construction at the bottom band of the helmet.
Providing riders with the safest possible helmet is paramount to Arai, which is why, unlike other brands, each and every helmet undergoes rigorous in-house safety and penetration tests similar to that of the Snell Foundation.
Arai Quantum specifications:
- New strengthened outershell in SCLC
- SAI visor – wider peripheral vision
- Re-designed cheekpads with Emergency Release Tab
- Removable, washable interior lining
- New lining with even better performance than Dry-Cool
- Enhanced ventilation system
- TDF-2 Duct (front) big intake and bigger button
- New rear Duct (rear) bigger button – optimized ventilation
- New UG exhaust Ducts
- Comfort and fit on higher level
- One-piece trimrubber
- New designed chinvent
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