Handbrake operation, is it included in the MOT?

[Dave Weller]

I had a new mot on my NC750 DCT when I got the bike and the hand brake did not work, a one minute adjustment later and it works now. So I guess they don't include it on the test.

[Deleted User 4154]

No, the handbrake is not a testable item. The only way you could fail on the handbrake is if it's seized and dragging or causing some other problem, but if it's just missing or not working it doesn't matter.

[Jimo]

Completely disagree with all that, my 4 bikes have been M.O.T’d for last 5 years by same company who use car type rolling road having remote electronic read out facilities, after lighting checks brakes - both front and back are tested independently, each test supplying electronic readout of results which are recorded on a separate sheet to the VOSA one but attached to it.
On every mot of my bikes both brakes were tested and have passed!


Jim

[Whatsisname]

Front and back brakes are tested, but the hand/parking brake isn't part of the test, and needn't be functional.

[roadster]

The honest answer to this is that it is if they say it is otherwise its not! We are way passed the time when everything was down in black and white for these more obscure matters but usually if you press DoT officials on such things they rely on their own authority, questionable as it may be. I've yet to find a bike/scooter handbrake that works to anything like the standard that would be required for a car, and I've had at least four. They have all relied on some form of cable operation and it never had enough mechanical advantage to operate a calliper designed for hydraulics. I did once appeal an MOT failure on a bike, a matter of principle really, and in due course the failure was overturned by an inspector who invited me to attend at his own house for the inspection! That was in the 1970s and I doubt whether that would happen now.

[MrGrumpy]

. I've yet to find a bike/scooter handbrake that works to anything like the standard that would be required for a car, and I've had at least four. They have all relied on some form of cable operation and it never had enough mechanical advantage to operate a calliper designed for hydraulics.

They do vary - I remember the parking brake on my mk2 Tmax was so strong that it would entirely prevent forward motion if you tried to pull away with it on! Lots of revs - no movement! Would instantly lock the wheel if you were foolish enough to operate it whilst in motion. Others of course are so weedy that you can ride away with it on and barely notice!

[muddyfox]

Ask your friendly tester - AFTER it passes its next MoT!

I would imagine most MOT tester working in a Motorcycle dealers have no idea a handbrake even exist on a scooter so why bring it to their attention. They will only be extra vigilant next time.

[Funkycowie]

I have never seen a tester check the parking brake on my TMaxes over 8 years and my NC750x DCT which just had it's first MOT never got it's one checked either.

[Deleted User 4154]

I have never seen a tester check the parking brake on my TMaxes over 8 years and my NC750x DCT which just had it's first MOT never got it's one checked either.

That's right, because as I said earlier in this thread the parking brake on a bike is not covered by the MOT. If anyone thinks otherwise then I invite you to actually read the regs and quote the section that proves me wrong.

[Jimo]

Completely disagree with all that, my 4 bikes have been M.O.T’d for last 5 years by same company who use car type rolling road having remote electronic read out facilities, after lighting checks brakes - both front and back are tested independently, each test supplying electronic readout of results which are recorded on a separate sheet to the VOSA one but attached to it.
On every mot of my bikes both brakes were tested and have passed!


Jim

Please note - my reference was to Front and Rear brakes tested - NOT PARKING BRAKE!

Jim