I have a Panigale that does track days with road use. It’s a real faff switching the headlights in and out. The mirrors and rear indicators are easy. speaking to an MOT place the say they will fail the bike if there was a headlight switch. question is, if I bought second set of switchgear and removed the Dip/main beam switch and all markings which show lights would that be passed?
I shouldn't think so as they would probably fail it on a broken switch as well as missing headlight. I would have thought you have to remove everything to do with lights.
That can't be right. Its within the rules to put tape over your lights and state they are not being used. @cookster 4.1. Headlamps, 4.1.1. Presence, condition and operation A motorcycle or motorcycle and sidecar must be fitted with one headlamp, although additional headlamps may be fitted. Apart from headlamp security, the check only applies to mandatory lamps. Headlamps are not needed on motorcycles that: are not fitted with front and rear position lamps have had their front and rear position lamps permanently disconnected, painted over or masked were first used before 1 January 1931 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-ins...s/4-lamps-reflectors-and-electrical-equipment I'd talk it over again with the MOT guy. If he is insistent, find another MOT place and talk it over with them.
I used to get a daylight MOT on my 749R trackbike - rules were: no lights/reflector or switches whatsoever, including no rear brake light. Only a horn and speedo.
It was my Ducati dealer who said they would not MOT it with the switch there. looking at the rules, I just need to disconnect the rear light and disconnect high/main beam switch. Obviously need to keep the brake light working. So an intermediate harness could do that job.
Stop lamps are not needed on motorcycles that: do not have front and rear position lamps have front and rear position lamps permanently disconnected, painted over or masked I was told by my MOT station that because I didn't have a headlight or rear light, I had to remove the brake light because it was part of the rear position light unit. For peace of mind I could perhaps have fitted a brake light that had no additional bulbs for position lighting, but CBA.. I think the bottom line is that much can be interpreted in different ways and is likely to swing one way or another depending on your tester.
You can put duct tape over the light for the test. Far easier to remove than the whole light. Any glue residue comes off with wd40 or Mr Sheene.
I was advised the same, however he did prefer that after I had left his MOT station to fit a brake light just for my own peace of mind should a collision occur.
Everything that isn't operational. So if the indicators are there but don't work from the switch, they must be taped up or removed. The rule is no light must be viewable, so make sure the taping is done to cover light lenses completely without any gaps.
Even if you get an MOT, it does not make the bike legal on UK roads. You still breach construction and use regulations and can be nicked for it. Get caught in bad weather or low visibility and you could even reap a dangerous driving rap were an accident to occur.
I'm not sure what you mean? An MOT does mean your vehicle is legal to use on the roads in the UK AFAIK. It doesn't exempt a rider/ driver from maintaining roadworthiness, or driving without due care which could include conditions etc
No it doesn't. That is a common misunderstanding. It means the items tested conformed at the time of testing. They cannot test what is not there No lights = not road legal, with or without an MOT
I'm not at all sure your interpretation is correct. I have formed my conclusions based on the following: Exemptions—General 4.—(1) Where a provision is applied by these Regulations to a motor vehicle first used on or after a specified date it does not apply to any vehicle manufactured at least six months before that date. (2) Where an exemption from, or a relaxation of, a provision is applied by these Regulations to a motor vehicle first used before a specified date it shall also apply to a motor vehicle first used on or after that date if it was manufactured at least six months before that date. (3) Nothing in these Regulations shall require any lamp or reflector to be fitted between sunrise and sunset to– (a)a vehicle not fitted with any front or rear position lamp, (b)an incomplete vehicle proceeding to a works for completion, (c)a pedal cycle, (d)a pedestrian-controlled vehicle, (e)a horse-drawn vehicle, (f)a vehicle drawn or propelled by hand, or (g)a combat vehicle. (4) Without prejudice to regulation 16, for the purposes of these Regulations a lamp shall not be treated as being a lamp if it is– (a)so painted over or masked that it is not capable of being immediately used or readily put to use; or (b)an electric lamp which is not provided with any system of wiring by means of which that lamp is, or can readily be, connected with a source of electricity. “Daytime hours” The time between half an hour before sunrise and half an hour after sunset. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/1796/made However it could be alleged that a rider or driver was using a vehicle in a dangerous way, without due care & attention with regard to conditions and so the possibility of charges may be made. In general, riding a motorcycle without lights, on a normal day, within the daylight hours is very unlikely to be a prosecutable offence, provided it is roadworthy, properly insured & taxed etc imo.
However, it may also be a case of, if an officious of the lawpolice decides it's illegal, you're guilty. The embuggerance to prove otherwise is then entirely yours. Sadly.
In my case, once I have my certificate. all lights and indicators would be functioning with the exception of the headlights. I don’t ride at night.
