Hitchcocks Forum

Hi guys }---------------- I bought my No.1 Bullet this time last year and it came with a fresh, 1-day old MoT ( From a reputable dealer in Stafford).... After some minor adjustments, it is now all "present,ready and correct, Sir" for its' first inspection within my ownership...... So, as forearmed is the thing to be--- can you good people give me your ideas on these questions ???}---------------- a) Is it a fail if you don't present the current V5c at the test ??----------------b) My bike is a 2005 Classic 500 home market import machine which has passed previous MoT's, in its' current condition, for the last 3 years with no problems. So, must it have a prop-stand cut-out switch, a handlebar emergency cut-out switch and an extra reflector at the rear??( These were NOT fitted on the bike when I bought it)--------------- c) The speedometer is dual marked with the larger numbers being in Km...Is that ok ?? ............. It's probably just me sipping at the cup of Paranoia, but you know what it CAN be like at some test stations !!! NORM----------- this is the one we talked about last year---- I was toying with the idea of converting to a 5-speed, L/H change (shift??) gearbox etc ?????... Well, 3,500 miles later and I'm still in one piece ---- and so's the R/H "loopy" gearbox as well !!!!.... So you were right after all, LoL !!!!!!!

Hi Alan.

It is indeed a small world - I bought my Bullet in April last year from a reputable Stafford dealer! He had a pitch at the Stafford Classic show and the Enfield was irresistable. Mine is a home market model with no side stand cut out, no kill switch and no additional reflector. The speedo was originally kilometres only so I changed this to a MPH, although strictly I did not need to. It passed the MOT this year with no problems, the dealer gave me a brand new one day old MOT last year with no advisories,(the speedo was kms only at that time) and I have the previous MOT's - all with no advisories.

So no need to worry - although as always it is best to use a classic-friendly tester.

Forgot to add that you do not need to show the V5. Everything is on Swansea's computer these days..

Hi mate. None of my bikes have a prop stand cut out switch nor a kill switch on the handle bars. They are all UK model bikes (A Honda and two Royal Enfields.) They always fly through their MOT's. I fit a small stick on reflector to the Enfields for MOT day but last year I forgot and the examiner didn't blink an eyelid.

Hi Alan a, b, & c will allow a pass. I have never known a V5c, registration document, to be required for a MOT, cut out switches and extra reflector just cosmetic, dual mph & kmh perfectly OK. ….If the testers will pass a Bullet with the non existent brakes & lights and the straight through exhausts some bikes have, they will pass anything. …Regards Fred

Hi guys and thanks for those swift replies....WINKIE, I know the dealer concerned--- but mine is A.N.Other dealer on the Wolverhampton Road ??....Guys, your answers are much as I have been expecting.... I am always asked to bring the V5c when I book my bikes in with this particular shop/tester, I'll ask why this time... One good thing is that they do have a senior tester who is well-steeped in "Proper" bikes...He got their 1st year Apprentice to test my 1965 Mobylette last time....10 mins later and the engine still wasn't started....didn't know about the de-compressor.....Just a thought, my bike looks bog standard BUT I have an 8.5:1 piston in with a 32mm Amal and timed to suit !!! I'll "forget" to mention that, shall I ?? ......... will let you know what happens...........

So - couldn't sleep last night with worry - unable to eat due to stress - we all have to know - did it pass, Alan?? And did they explain why you need the V5?

Hi Guys, and WINKIE-- to freely MIS-quote young Francis of the Howerd }----- "Worry ye not"--- It passed !!---of course it did, AND they managed to start it for the direct lights check all by themselves !!(Bonus points all round)...Meanwhile I asked the chap at reception about this V5c requirement of theirs....The short version is that they do it on behalf of the customer to check the VOSA records re}-- the bikes' authenticity etc. He said that with modern bikes VIN plates there is little or no probs. but with earlier machines and, in particular early British-made bikes the VIN wasn't section-coded as it is to day---giving rise to possible errors such as duplication and the like.......... Speedometers are not required for an MoT...................neither are the reflectors mentioned, or the other items.... BUT, if they are fitted then they must work.... No advisories either SO}--- went for yet another "Test Run" of some 30 miles out into the Shropshire countryside. .. BAD IDEA 'cos, YE GODS it were TAY-TERZ out of town... So came home, put bike into workshop and had a cup of HOT coffee..... Next it's the turn of our 1970's GL1000 Gold Wing.... A simple carb-set overhaul and tune/balance.....Simples.....wot could POSSIBLY go wrong ??? --- LoL !!