Malky's Widetails and MOT

[Iain Hogg]

Just had the MOT test done for next year and the Widetails caused the tester to consult his "Tester's Bible".

He wasn't sure about having red lights showing through orange lenses. Luckilly, the MOT notes didn't help so he accepted them with an "Advise" note on the check list.

He also hesitated about my spot lights not being switched with the main/dipped beam. Let it go as they were obviously pointed quite low and I described them as "running lights".

All in all, a decent bloke who gave the bike a thorough check over.

Anyone else had similar problems, or even been told to disconnect them?

Iain
Taxed and Tested for another year

 

[Steve]

Anyone else had similar problems, or even been told to disconnect them?

Hardly. My testers comments were:

"Nice assortment of lights you've got there" with regard to the two spots on dipped beam, and the further two on main.

"I like the sound of your race system" with regard to the Remus Genesis (Not For Road Use) and Y piece.

12 months MOT, no probs, and no Advice notices.

 

[DavidHolmes]

Ian
The regulations on lights are quite complex. But basically are based on the concepts of sidelights, headlights (dipped and main) and fog lights. I know of no production vehicle with lights that fall outside of those concepts. But I am sure I am about to be enlightened. (Extra lights wired into any of the above circuits become said lights).

Running lights therefore have to be either side lights, headlights or fogs.

I have wired (and stated) my lights that I use as 'running lights' (I have two separate sets) as 'Fog lights' and as 'sidelights' - ensuring that both sets meet the necessary regulations.

But if your lights are completely independant of the rest of the lights, (as per your spot lights I assume - but not for the widetails) just remove the fuse - or if you havent bothered with one of those, then just remove the bulbs.

Unlike indicators, there is no regulation that states that lights fitted must work (remember all those MOD scooters )

As to the WideTails, just fit clear lenses - or accept the 'Advise' and ignore for another year

 

[Iain Hogg]

Thanks David, not worried about it, just interested to hear of any other experiences.

My "spots" are wired with the headlights and operate with both dipped and main beam. Not sure if they are separately fused, but that or an in-line switch would solve any future problems.

I had thought of using clear lenses for the indicators if the Widetails were going to be a problem.

I think the "advice" notes on the MOT check list were just to cover the tester should I be pulled 5 miles down the road by any over zealous plod! (not that likely in this area on a GS, they're too busy pulling race replicas down from London for the day and dragging the bodies out of the hedges )

Iain

 

[Dave Hall]

My tester said "They`re clever, are they a standard fit on beemers?"
"No, they`re an option" I lied.

 

[Smartbazza]

widetails

Iain,

I`ve a set of Malkys widetails fitted and the mot tester told me so long as any constantly lit lights shine red there is no problem..

Barry

 

[ABS]

Iain

Got my MOT a few weeks ago with widetails fitted. I also have a pair of spot lights fitted which take their feed off dip beam but have a seperate switch which illuminates - colour coded to mandarin......

Jim