Aftermarket LED headlights now a UK MOT fail!

[Nick Evans]

Today I was told my RT could not be tested because it is fitted with LEDs, not the original tungsten. Apparently this changed in January but was not enforced until the beginning of February.

Please note that since January 2021, the MOT Inspection manual has been updated to include LED bulbs.
Section 4.1.4 now states the following:
“Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.”

Not sure I fancy changing bulbs every year just to do the MOT, it takes me about an hour to change them back and forth. On the other hand, I now have 3 useless very nice LEDs

[beemerboy9]

That new clause was sponsored by BMW to boost sales of the 2021 model with LED lights.

[BoB21]

wouldn't put it past them.

[Nick Evans]

The other thing my unhelpful dealer told me is that where a machine was originally sold with ABS, it must be fitted and working, so if it has been removed it is a fail. Going to be interesting

[Our Gee]

Does this type of "modification" need to be declared to your Insurer ?. Especially the practice of removing the ABS.

[hammo]

Is it me but why would you want to remove ABS on your bike ?

[MikeS]

I think it was an alternative to forking out a large sum of money on earlier 1200s  when the ABS failed.


[size=2px]https://ukgser.com/forums/showthread.ph ... BS-Removal[/size]

[RTs4me]

I know of several people who have stripped off the ABS from K75/K100 and R1100RT bikes, which I've never thought was a sensible idea.

To my way of thinking, it's a Luddite approach - ''it isn't working and I'm such a good rider that I don't need ABS, so I'm going to remove it all''. Not a good idea. If it fails, fix it properly and carry on. Repairs are possible and not as expensive as some would have you believe.

Does anyone have access to the specific wording in the MOT manual that describes the situation where a bike that was fitted with ABS/servo assist ex-factory, that has now been removed/bypassed, would fail?
As stated, may lead to some interesting discussions for some at next MOT time.

[David.]

Does anyone have access to the specific wording in the MOT manual that describes the situation where a bike that was fitted with ABS/servo assist ex-factory, that has now been removed/bypassed, would fail?

This isn't the MOT manual but is guidance on changes, https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... nformation

New or changed inspection

Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) can’t be removed from a vehicle made on or after 1 January 2010.

Don't know if this covers what is being discussed.

[7vwh]

The above guidance appears to relate to heavy goods vehicles and was withdrawn in June 2019. There is no specific mention of ABS in the Motorcycle MOT manual but could be considered under;
1.1.21 Complete braking System(d) Braking system component modification(i) Unsafe - Major defect(ii) adversely affecting braking performance - Dangerous defect
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspect ... 1613920864

[Nick Evans]

I was only reporting what the cheerful soul at my now ex-dealer told me.