Daytime MOT - anybody got one?

[HTB]

not sure where I ought to post this, but thought somebody here might have some ideas about a 'Day-time' only MOT - apparently you can get these for, as in my case, a bike with no lights - it's an old race bike that hasn't been on the roads...
MV Agusta - takes a few seconds to load....

The reason I can't just fit lights other than for asthetics, is that I'm running a magneto - I could get complicated and put a battery on it with a regulator, but there are simpler ways around this like a total loss system. Whatever, I hear I don't need to go to these lengths!

Talking to somebody today I have been reminded that I can get a 'daytime only MOT' and not have to have any lights - just a horn. Anybody here actually done this?

Harry

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Yep ................
Got one on my Yamaha Majesty Trials bike.

Basically the machine needs to be fully roadworthy in terms of brakes/suspension/tyres etc

Bike needs a speedo, electric horn - capable of emitting a continuous tone and a red rear reflector for a 'daytime' MOT

There must be no trace of wiring/switchgear or lights - taping it over is not good enough

Plus the bike should really be a single seater bike, without rear pillion footrests and primarily designed for off road use to comply with the MOT tester's manual

 

[Telford]

Magneto

The old SR1 magneto fitted to my Pre-57 Trialer had a diode fitted that diverts half the AC generated, per rev, away from the primary coil and out to an external connection - I believe this was used to provide a basic, low power, charging supply.

 

[Shep]

Yep ................
Got one on my Yamaha Majesty Trials bike.

Basically the machine needs to be fully roadworthy in terms of brakes/suspension/tyres etc

Bike needs a speedo, electric horn - capable of emitting a continuous tone and a red rear reflector for a 'daytime' MOT

There must be no trace of wiring/switchgear or lights - taping it over is not good enough

Plus the bike should really be a single seater bike, without rear pillion footrests and primarily designed for off road use to comply with the MOT tester's manual

What no brake light??

 

[MikeP]

What no brake light??

There is no requirement for lights to be fitted but if you use a vehicle during the hours of darkness or when visiblity is reduced through, "rain, fog or falling snow" you must have 'position lamps' in lit areas and add a headlamp in unlit places.

Only if fitted do they have to be 'maintained'.

If no brake or turn signals are fitted, you'd be expected to give hand-signals.

Motorcycles under 100 cc used to be exempt from the requirement for a speedo but I don't know if there is now a cut-off date after which they do (given that the legislation was framed when 100 cc bikes wouldn't do 30 mph.).

I'm not sure about the MoT testers manual today but it used to be that if you took a bike in without turn signals fitted (whether or not they were OE equipment), they had to pass it because they couldn't test something that's not there. Just removing the bulbs isn't enough but the Road Vehicles (Lighting) Regs used to allow for lights to be permanently "painted out or obscured".

 

[Shep]

I was more thinking for safetys sake, there must be a large number of riders/drivers around that have little of no knowledge of the more obscure hand signals

shep

 

[ktm520]

i seem to remember that having as racing number on the road causes problems

 

[MikeP]

I was more thinking for safetys sake, there must be a large number of riders/drivers around that have little of no knowledge of the more obscure hand signals

shep

I was IAM 'Observing' yesterday and the subject of hand-signals came up.

I still use them at times when I feel it's needed to confirm your intention.

As you say, they are so seldom seen these days but that's the advantage. Drivers are so shocked to see a hand-signal that they give you plenty of room and that's just the effect that I want!

 

[turbine_2]

I still use them at times when I feel it's needed to confirm your intention.

I frequently use the left turn hand signal in London. Stops cyclists ignoring the positioning and flashing indicator (nothing like a face full of glove to get the point accross)

 

[HTB]

I don't have turn indicators fitted to my Ducati 175 as it happens so I know they won't be an issue - just use hand signals as suggested - used to do this in a WWII jeep I had - not totally convinced that many people have any idea what I'm signalling when turning right so I agree with Shep.

The Ducati also has a speedo fitted, although it isn't tested, just like in an car, but of course knowing your speed is quite important, so I'll probably mount a GPS on the handle bar so I know what's going on a little more accurately!

It's the brake light that's the interetsing thing for me - Mike, I think you have summed it up pretty well - I've been looking at the MOT testers website for attitional info. Ultimately I don't have to fit them, but do need a horn. Still have an issue with the power, but I'l look at Telford's note on the diode option, or just run total loss.

At the end of the day I guess the fitting of a stop and tail and headlight comes down to how I view the observational skills of those around me - and I don't generally view them very highly - so it may just be the safest way to go...

 

[Shep]

I was wondering if a cycle rear LED light could be hardwired with a microswitch operated ny the front brake lever, as a self powered unit should'nt be too hard, but then again probably not legal

Shep

(of the half dozen road accidents in my past, 3 have been when cars/bikes have struck me from behind)

Must get quicker, must get quicker, must get quicker, mu..............

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I don't have turn indicators fitted to my Ducati 175 as it happens so I know they won't be an issue - just use hand signals as suggested - used to do this in a WWII jeep I had - not totally convinced that many people have any idea what I'm signalling when turning right so I agree with Shep.

The Ducati also has a speedo fitted, although it isn't tested, just like in an car, but of course knowing your speed is quite important, so I'll probably mount a GPS on the handle bar so I know what's going on a little more accurately!

It's the brake light that's the interetsing thing for me - Mike, I think you have summed it up pretty well - I've been looking at the MOT testers website for attitional info. Ultimately I don't have to fit them, but do need a horn. Still have an issue with the power, but I'l look at Telford's note on the diode option, or just run total loss.

At the end of the day I guess the fitting of a stop and tail and headlight comes down to how I view the observational skills of those around me - and I don't generally view them very highly - so it may just be the safest way to go...

If you fit any rear light, you have to have a headlight
To get this bike to pass, as said previously, all I did was fit an electric bicycle horn, run off a battery, It doesn't have to be electrically powered by the motorbike, stuck on a red rear reflector and attached the no plate.
The speedo is mounted correctly and has an outer cable fitted and mated to speedo drive, but no inner cable (speedo doesn't have to work for MOT)


I removed the bicycle horn and reflector after the test - naughty

Here's the pics
Speedo


Look no lights

 

[MikeP]

Ultimately I don't have to fit them, but do need a horn. Still have an issue with the power, but I'l look at Telford's note on the diode option, or just run total loss.

Get one of those rubber bulb powered trumpet types. (You know the squeeze and it honks variety).

I've seen this done before. The requirement is for an 'audible warning instrument'. It doesn't need to be electric or powered by the bike in any way.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Get one of those rubber bulb powered trumpet types. (You know the squeeze and it honks variety).

I've seen this done before. The requirement is for an 'audible warning instrument'. It doesn't need to be electric or powered by the bike in any way.

I was informed the rubber trumpet horns were out now, has to be continuous audible tone, Mike

Electric is the only way now................blame New Labour

They've screwed everything else up

 

[MikeP]

I was informed the rubber trumpet horns were out now, has to be continuous audible tone, Mike

Electric is the only way now................blame New Labour

They've screwed everything else up

Bugger!

So a bell is out of the question too I suppose!