fj1200 passed the MOT today.

[ELIMINATOR]

Passed. :bravoo:  I didn't even get an advisory, last year I was told there was a flutter on the brake testing machine for the front brakes. I knew they weren't quite right, as there was a bit of juddering if I braked hard.

The other day, I put a few spots of ACF50 inbetween the disc and the carrier, and around the circlips & sprung washers. After it had passed I tried the brakes, no judder.

Is it possible for the floating action of the disc to be lost through siezing / corrosion?

I changed the standard gearing, on the motorway in 5th at 80mph, I dropped into 4th, dropped into 3rd, then dropped into 2nd :beauty: Think this was about 8,000 rpm. Bloody hell. I haven't ridden it since August, even with the higher gearing I was still surprised how quick it is. :bravoo:

[ELIMINATOR]

An MOT is the UK Ministry of Transport test. To make sure the bike is roadworthy.

[movenon]

An MOT is the UK Ministry of Transport test. To make sure the bike is roadworthy.

I feel safer just knowing that I feel for you guys. What a bunch of crap.
George

[Windmill]

When you've seen some of the lethal stuff out there which has been failed on a test, trust me - it does make you feel safer! I'd agree some of the rules & regs are a bit silly though.......

Good result on the test and gearing, just in time for the better weather

Saw one out on the motorway today, three indicators on at once! both on the front & left one on the back! where he thought he was going I don't know, probably straight to casualty

[crzyjarmans]

I've been waiting for the US to start some sort of inspection thing for motorcycle's

[Dan Filetti]

I've been waiting for the US to start some sort of inspection thing for motorcycle's

In the US, it's state by state.  In PA we have an annual safety inspection requirement (basic safety items: lights/ brakes/ tires/ suspension...) for both cars and bikes.  Cars also get a smog test.

It's a racket of course, a way for the state to collect millions in fees, but you can not get an annual inspection/ emissions sticker unless you car is properly registered (more $$ for the sate) and insured, so at least it helps keep the uninsured riff-Raff off the roads...

I think it's Maryland where an even more comprehensive safety inspection must be done every time the vehicle title changes hands.  Other states just have the smog/ emissions test.   Again, it varies by state.

Dan

[rktmanfj]

I used to hate the annual inspection law we had here.

However, in the last several years, a certain group of new US residents has become well known for pulling anything out of salvage yard that will move under its own power, and putting it on the road.  These 'rolling wrecks' are a definite hazard for all road users, but the state seems not to care, because they think they are recipients of the registration fees.  What they don't get, however, is that probably half of them are registered in a neighboring state (Ohio).

Just the other day, I blew past an older model Honda Accord which had at least two broken windows, and the passenger-side rear wheel was at least 30 degrees from vertical.

While I really don't want to have to take my stuff in every year, something needs to be done.

[RichBaker]

I've been waiting for the US to start some sort of inspection thing for motorcycle's

In the US, it's state by state.  In PA we have an annual safety inspection requirement (basic safety items: lights/ brakes/ tires/ suspension...) for both cars and bikes.  Cars also get a smog test.

It's a racket of course, a way for the state to collect millions in fees, but you can not get an annual inspection/ emissions sticker unless you car is properly registered (more $$ for the sate) and insured, so at least it helps keep the uninsured riff-Raff off the roads...


Dan

I was a PA-certified Inspection mechanic back in the late '70s and early '80s, before I came back to AZ.  Some of the worst, most unsafe cars I've ever seen are on the roads around here, I think the safety inspection program is a pretty good idea....  Some people never check their brakes 'til WAY too late....
I have an acquiantance who drives an F250 4x4, he had let his brakes get so bad, the pads fell out of the front end. He drove like that for several months , until he could afford new brakes!  He is a tile setter, probably carries a 1/2 ton, or more, of tools and materials.
As I recall, the fee was capped at $25, all to the shop, and in case of a failure, the re-inspect was free, by law.  At the time, the PA state inspection was the MOST comprehensive inspection in the country... I had to go to classes for 3 months, then was tested in the shop.

[rktmanfj]

At the time, the PA state inspection was the MOST comprehensive inspection in the country... I had to go to classes for 3 months, then was tested in the shop.

I seem to remember someone telling me that PA would fail a car for just a few total square inches of rust-through (7" is the number that comes to mind).

[Dan Filetti]

At the time, the PA state inspection was the MOST comprehensive inspection in the country... I had to go to classes for 3 months, then was tested in the shop.

I seem to remember someone telling me that PA would fail a car for just a few total square inches of rust-through (7" is the number that comes to mind).

Sounds like Rich would be the one to answer for sure, but I can tell you that rusted out floor boards will not pass.  My sister had an MGB that would not pass, for just that reason...

Oh, and Rich, I agree with you generally, it does help keep absolute junk off the road.  But a brand new car, as an example, does NOT need an inspection, and you'd have to TRY to get it to a point where it's unsafe for the first couple of years.

Coming at it the other way, once per year is not enough for certain safety items depending on miles etc.  It is decidedly not a perfect system.  Still, it makes the state millions so it will not change anytime soon.  Oh,  the shops are charging more than $25 now.  Although it's not horribly expensive -Last time I had my car done it was $80 total with the smog test. 

Dan

[DB Cooper]

Here in Ontario, bikes and cars have to go through a safety inspection every time the vehicle changes hands, and cars do have to have a smog test every two years, which is capped at $24.95. You can also buy a vehicle, in "as is" condition, do your own work on it and then take it in for an inspection at a later date. You can take it to any certified garage of your choice, and they can charge you anything they want, but generally it's around $60.00. The inspections are reasonably thorough, as it is the mechanic's signature that goes on the paperwork, and he could face pretty stiff penalties if the vehicle is involved in accident due to a safety related issue. The one caveat is that the inspection is only valid for a month or so, then he is off the hook. MOT, as well as police will pull over any vehicle they see that is in obvious need of repair, and force the vehicle to have an inspection. Some other provinces in Canada have annual inspections for cars, but I'm not sure which ones, or if  the bikes need an annual or not.
Kevin

[crzyjarmans]

I've been waiting for the US to start some sort of inspection thing for motorcycle's

In the US, it's state by state.  In PA we have an annual safety inspection requirement (basic safety items: lights/ brakes/ tires/ suspension...) for both cars and bikes.  Cars also get a smog test.

It's a racket of course, a way for the state to collect millions in fees, but you can not get an annual inspection/ emissions sticker unless you car is properly registered (more $$ for the sate) and insured, so at least it helps keep the uninsured riff-Raff off the roads...

I think it's Maryland where an even more comprehensive safety inspection must be done every time the vehicle title changes hands.  Other states just have the smog/ emissions test.   Again, it varies by state.

Dan

Everywhere I have lived I have had to smog/inspection on my cars/trucks, I lived in PA in 84/85 don't remember having to inspect my bike, Could be my memory isn't what it use to be , Wonder how many other states require one to inspect there bikes?, I moved to NV in 87', I'll ask my cousin if there are inspecting bike in MA, I'm originally from MA, They didn't inspected bike when I lived there, Ill ask my cousin if they have started inspecting bikes?

[yamaha fj rider]

ELIMINATOR good news on passing MOT.

Utah requires a safety inspection every other year until the vehicle is ten years old, then every year after that, motorcycles included. Cost is about $18.00 for a car or light truck, motorcycles are about $8.00. They check lights, tires, brakes, horn and a quick look over the bike for no mechanical problems that makes it unsafe. Takes about 15 minutes, more time for the paperwork than the test. Emissions testing is on a county basis, some require it some don't, cost is about $30.00.

Kurt    

[movenon]

No inspections in Idaho for motorcycles of any kind.

For street bikes you have to have: license plate, registration, motorcycle endorsement on your drivers licence, and proof of insurance.

If you are under 18 you must wear a helmet. (but flip flops and shorts are OK  ).

George

[RichBaker]

At the time, the PA state inspection was the MOST comprehensive inspection in the country... I had to go to classes for 3 months, then was tested in the shop.

I seem to remember someone telling me that PA would fail a car for just a few total square inches of rust-through (7" is the number that comes to mind).

Any perforation of the body will fail it.....