Hitchcocks Forum

I know that VOSA regs state that bikes manufactured after 1986 should have indicators fitted as an MOT requirement, UNLESS they were manufactured without them i.e. primarily for off-road use... I don't have indicators on my 1999 home market Bullet, and have removed the switchgear too and replaced with Miller-type horn/dipswitch... now where did I hear that there is a clause that states if no pillion seat and rear footpegs are present, you won't need indicators for MOT? How grey is this area? Any thoughts, comments and discussion are welcome I suppose I'll have to put that big yellow number plate back on too

I don't think you need them at all on any bike. I'm under the impression that if they're there they must work. Full stop. I recently MOT'd both a 1993 Bullet with no indicators or mirrors (I put black tape over the indicator switch but I don't know if I even need to.) I also recently MOT'd a 1990 Honda CG125 with no mirrors, again not even a comment. That bike did have working indicators though. You can always just ring up your test center and ask them if you want to double check. they shouldn't be but maybe they're all different?

Yes Matt - they are all different! Unfortunately my current tester is unwell after a bad crash on the race track, and he was very, erm, understanding, shall we say? The tester I used before was also great, but he has now become an AA bike breakdown rider, so I'm taking a chance with a garage I have never used. I called them today and all they would say was "Well let's see what it says on the computer" which don't bode well.

hi peter,from a personal point of view i think that all bikes should have indicators as riders who don,t usually don,t use the correct style of hand signal !! the occasional point of the finger is quite honestly useless!!also i,ve been lead to belive that if your bike was manufactured with them you should have them would your insurance pay out on a claim if they found you did not have them (i got a broken mirror on my car this week by a pillock and i was told that i should replace it asap as it would invalidate my insurance ) food for thought,ive heard the 86 rule i,ve also heard no switch mentioned as well ,mirrors on bikes i have a halcyon bar end mirror purchased at stafford can,t wait to fit 1 to the near side but was too tight to buy 2 at the time ,although i also look over my left shoulder when nescessary, the other thought black & silver plate ,i don,t subscribe to that either, don,t want to give a piggywiggy any reason to pull me except for speeding or black smoking or noise with that style of plate i,d be banned for life !!!just a few pearls of wisdom ,i say if you want, do as you please until someone official tells you otherwise but it may cost you? atb paul.

If direction indicators are fitted they must work, but need not be fitted to a machine which:
. cannot exceed 30mph / 50kph, or
. was first used before 1 August 1986, or
. 'off road' machines which are designed to carry only the rider.
. 'off road' machines with side car designed to carry the rider and one passenger in the side car.

off road machines are constructed or adapted primarily for use off roads (whether by reason of its tyres, suspension, ground clearance or otherwise).

Guys, it's all on-line for you: http://www.transportoffice.gov.uk/crt/d ... guides.htm

Thanks guys, I know this can be an emotive subject, and I appreciate your comments. I haven't used mirrors on any of my bikes for years now, firstly because of the numerous replacements I have had to buy (ever tried parking in one of London's dedicated m/c bays? Some scooter riders should live in a sardine tin) and eventually I became more aware of what other traffic was around me by not having mirrors... sounds bizarre but I developed a 'sixth sense' as it were. Plus it's good exercise for my neck, all that looking round before changing direction. Regarding indicators, I know it makes perfect sense to have them, but I remember a time when sex was safe, and motorcycles were dangerous! I have a strange way of looking at things, but we all like a bit of risk in our lives... don't we?

I'm the guy with the occasional point of the finger

... I am not as subtle as Chris...........With such a molested machine I do wish you well should you need to make a claim on your insurance.......And as for MOT I do hope the tester knows his stuff and acts appropriately.

Well guys just a quick update on the MOT - it passed.
I don't intend to put the indicators back... i think I'll get the angle grinder out and molest it some more!