GSPD MOT

[SteveM]

Mornin' all.
I'm trying to get my imported '89 GSPD ready for its first MOT (so I can get it UK registered) and need to change the headlight and speedo for UK spec items.
Does anyone know the minimum requirement for getting the original German speedo to pass the test? Can I get away with a few stickers on the glass of the dials or do I need a more permanent solution. Also, if stickers are acceptable does anyone know where to get them from?
As far as the headlight goes I'll get a second hand UK one from Motorworks (unless these can be modified too).
Thanks.

 

[solidstate100]

It is surprising what you can get away with on an MOT. As for speedos, I think I am right in saying that stickers will be fine, and home made ones are entirely acceptable as long as they are legible. TBH im not even sure you have to do that, I have owned a few bikes (and cars) where the speedo is in KPH and thought noting of it.

As far as the headlight goes, my G/S was a US import years ago and the headlight (untill it broke last year) was the original US one with dipped beam mask stuck to it. Went through every MOT to date like that so you dont ness have to replace anything it seems, bit of sticky tape and a marker pen and job done.

 

[SteveM]

Thank you Mr Solid, I'll give the MOT a go with the bike 'au naturel' and see what happens.

 

[Tetley]

No need to change either in my experience.

C

 

[solidstate100]

Good luck, im sure it wil be fine

 

[Dogbytes]

Speedo isn't actually a requirement for MOT (however it is required under Construction & Use regs. That means if you don't have a speedo then Mr Plod will nick you).

This I know because I've done the bare minimum to get the project ST an MOT and the bare minimum is a horn and a non-offensive exhaust note.

 

[SteveM]

So if I took it off just for the purposes of getting an MOT, then replaced it for the rozzers whilst riding I'd be OK
Cheers dogbytes, good to know.

Your bike is looking fabulous BTW.

 

[tuftywhite]

A speedo is not a requirement for an MOT.

Someone will be along soon to correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that it's not illegal not to have a speedo, but it is illegal to break the speed limit. How you stay within the speed limit is your look out.

 

[Dogbytes]

believe that it's not illegal not to have a speedo, but it is illegal to break the speed limit. How you stay within the speed limit is your look out.

Speedo is not a requirement for MOT but is a requirement to use the vehicle on the road - it comes under Construction and Uses regulations and is a legal requirement.

 

[tuftywhite]

What about a bike with no speedo?

If it passes an MOT, where does the Contruction and Uses stuff come in. It's the first time I've heard of it. I've a british bike with no speedo. Passed its daytime MOT. How do you get to know this C&U stuff?

I'd love a definitive if possible. (don't want to get nicked)

 

[SteveM]

I'd love a definitive if possible. (don't want to get nicked)

Me neither........

 

[hops]

What about a bike with no speedo?

If it passes an MOT, where does the Contruction and Uses stuff come in. It's the first time I've heard of it. I've a british bike with no speedo. Passed its daytime MOT. How do you get to know this C&U stuff?

I'd love a definitive if possible. (don't want to get nicked)

Knock yourself out.

 

[tuftywhite]

Nice work Hops.

Ta.

Just had to edit my post. It says that it should be able to display MPH and KPH either simultaneously or by the use of a switch.

Isn't there a thread on here saying the new GS's can't do KPH? I could be wrong. (I usually am)

 

[SteveM]

Got an MOT certificate woohoooo.
Didn't touch a thing on the bike at all, didn't even have a number plate on when I rode it to and from the MOT station.
Got an advisory that there is a little play on the rear wheel but nothing serious.
The hardest thing has been filling in the form V55/5.
All the paperwork has been sent off now, just keeping fingers crossed it all goes through.

 

[solidstate100]

Well done!

As I mentioned in post 2 above - its surprising what you can get away with in an MOT - In my previous life as a mechanic I have seen bikes (and cars) pass with bits held on with string, duct tape, wood, parts missing, bits substituted in for the MOT and then removed again outside the garage etc etc.

 

[SteveM]

Update:

Finally got the V5c through the post today. Only took 6 weeks!!!! Completely my fault though, forgot to sign the feckin form - TWICE!!!!!!
Biggest problem was keeping the thing insured on a chassis number, they don't like it.
Insurance company rang me every week to find out if I had a registration for it yet. Not sure what the big panic was, I can't see that it was in any more danger of being stolen without a numberplate on it than with one.
Anyway, all done now, just ordered a nice ally plate for it off a well known auction site.
Get ready for the questions to start coming once I get it on the road.