Motorbike MOT History Check

What a motorbike MOT history shows

Every MOT test a motorcycle takes is recorded against its registration number. Read together, those records make the most useful history check you can do on a used bike for free, because they show how the bike has been looked after and how far it has really travelled.

• Tests taken: the date of each test and whether the bike passed or failed.
• Advisories: items the tester noted but did not fail, such as tyre wear, a corroded exhaust or play in the steering head bearings.
• Failure reasons: the problems that stopped a bike passing first time.
• Mileage: the odometer reading recorded at every test.
• Expiry date: how long the current MOT certificate runs, so you know if the bike can legally be ridden on the road today.

The free bike check above shows the MOT status, the expiry date, the date and mileage of the last test and any advisories from that test. The pro report goes further and lists every test the bike has had, with its result, mileage and advisories or failures. It is free for now and our team emails it within 24 hours.

How to read advisories and failures on a bike

An advisory is not a fail, but it tells you what the tester thought was wearing out. On a motorbike, look closely at these areas:

• Tyres: low tread, cracking or age. Replacing a pair of bike tyres is a real cost.
• Brakes: thin pads, scored or worn discs, a spongy lever or binding calipers.
• Chain and sprockets: a stretched chain or hooked sprockets usually mean a full chain set is due.
• Lights and electrics: failed bulbs, a missing number plate light or loose wiring.
• Suspension and steering: leaking fork seals, worn bearings or play in the head stock.
• Exhaust and noise: corrosion, leaks, and noise levels.

The same advisory repeated year after year, such as brake wear or a leaking fork seal, can mean little maintenance. New advisories on a bike that has just passed are worth asking the seller about, because they can mean money to spend soon after you buy.

Mileage history: spotting readings that go down

Mileage should only ever go up from one MOT to the next. A reading that drops, or a long run of tiny yearly mileages followed by a sudden jump, is a reason to ask questions. Compare the figures with the clock on the dash and with any dated service stamps. Our pro report includes a mileage check across all tests and flags any reading that goes down. For more detail read how to spot odd mileage in the used motorbike checklist.

When does a motorbike need its first MOT?

A motorcycle needs its first MOT by the third anniversary of its registration, then once a year after that. Test class depends on engine size: class 1 covers bikes up to 200cc and class 2 covers bikes over 200cc. You can have the test up to a month (minus a day) before the current MOT runs out and keep the same renewal date. Some very old vehicles are exempt, so check the rules for your bike on the government’s historic vehicles page.

Motorcycle MOT vs car MOT: what is different

• Test classes: bikes are tested as class 1 or class 2, cars as class 4.
• What is checked: motorcycle tests focus on frame, steering and suspension, wheels and tyres, brakes, lights, exhaust, chain or belt drive and controls. There is no seat belt or airbag section.
• Emissions: bikes do not have the same emissions testing as cars, but the exhaust and noise are checked.
• Advisory wording: advisories on bikes often mention chain wear, fork seals, bearings and cable condition.

MOT history is not a full history check

MOT history is excellent for mileage and condition clues, but it is only one part of a motorbike history check. It cannot tell you whether the bike has finance outstanding, is recorded as stolen or has been written off, and neither does our free check or pro report. If you are spending real money, use a dedicated history check that covers those records, read how to check if a motorbike is stolen or written off and see the buying checklist. For the live official MOT record, use the free government MOT history service.

Frequently asked questions