Jees - I'm so nervous and for no reason as it's not the end of the world but.... My Ducati 900SS that I bought from the ace guy that is Dartanion is due to go for it's Manx Road worthiness test in an hour and I'm stressing about it !! The test can be more extensive than the MOT and they have failed older vehicles before for age related possibilities - such as 20+ year old brake lines might be spongy... I've replaced the brake lines with braided, new pads, new rear disk, new shock bushings, new clutch master cylinder (and slave and braided line), new belts, bolt kit, new screen etc etc It's been in the local bike shop for a once over and they reckon the examiners are in a good mood at the mo and they will like getting a tidy Ducati in but still I'm stressed !! Fingers crossed it goes through !
I've spannered a few times at the Manx and you are correct that it is more stringent than your basic MOT, it's kind of scrutineering plus in racing terms. If everything is lockwired, bearings tight (i.e. no play), no leaks, no steering impediments etc, split brake lines/joined above the lower triple clamp, plus stuff like gaffer tape over wheel weights you'll be fine. Assuming you are doing the Manx it'll have to go through scrutineering ahead of every practice session and race, once you know what the drill is it becomes second nature.
Bike now approved for use on Manx roads. Do you have an MOT after 1 year like new vehicles or is that it now?
That is it, no more tests provided I tax it. I only need to retest the bike if it goes more than two years without tax. And as it's only £25 a year to tax it... The examiner was smiling when he rode the bike back after the test. I guess they don't often get something a little bit different to play on.
I'll just close this one off... I've had the bike about a month but I've been doing a lot of work on it and haven't really got to ride it (and I was waiting for the Manx plate etc...) Got out last night for a little pootle about - the roads were kinda greasy and as it was the first proper ride I took it easy. For about 5 miles. The next 15 were a different story I haven't ridden a 900 SS since probably 1997 but it just felt right again, Light and nimble, sensible amount of power and that fantastic noise.. I thought there was a flat spot at about 5,500 revs but it transpires it's a part throttle issue, the engine kinda bogs down at 50% - open the throttle wide and there is no issue, the motor just pulls with that lovely flat ducati tone we all know and love. Also the speedo and tacho needles have bleached white. During the day this makes them tricky to read. At night and at speed they are impossible to read. So - thanks to this forum WAH900ss has done a deal on some high level cans and once they are fitted I'll get it up to Slick and on the dyno and we'll sort the part throttle problem. Ace - I am super happy with my bike
They are awesome machines. You can open the dials and paint the needles, it's a tricky job. Something I plan to do. Good job on getting it sorted and through a difficult test
