Hitchcocks Forum

I've just bought a 1957 Norman B2C which is a very rare machine, it was ridden by a very famous works rider but i want to ride it on the road but not sure of MOT requirements. I will apply for a daylight Mot as it's not fitted with lights but does it need a horn, i would imagine so. Does it need a speedo and if so could i fit one of the cycle ones you can buy today as i have heard others have done. I would like to fit a stoplight but if i do does it mean i have to have the rest of the lighting system. I could use one of the dry cell small batteries for stop light and horn so it would be no problem but there are so many grey areas in the rules that even the Mot Stations differ as to just what the rules mean. I have searched for the rules on line but nobody seems certain, it would be just my luck to fall foul of the law. Thanks fellas.

Good news. Pre 1960 motorcycles no longer need an MOT.
They do need to be road legal though so yes, you need a horn (but a cheap bulb horn will do) and a speedo (but a cycle one will do) I do believe you can't have a stop light without the rest of the lighting but it would be a very savvy plod who knows (or cares)

Geoffro, I have a trials bike (a RE Works Replica) and you need a horn only. There is no such thing as a "daylight mot" but the certificate will carry an advisory that it shouldn't be used after dark, this is a recent addition by the way! If I was you I wouldn't bother with a stop light as you're opening yourself up to a bit of a nightmare. In any case you'll be going so slowly others will think you're stationary! Just ride defensively and carefully! REgards, Mark

Oh, you do need a speedo under Construction and Use regulations but it's not part of the MOT.
REgards, Mark

You can fit a brake light without fitting the rest of the lights if you want, but as Mark says you can manage without one on quiet roads.
I have a Bullet trials bike that just has a speedo a cheap bulb horn and no lights or reflector. I would try and fit a proper speedo rather than a push-bike one.

Thanks fellas thats put my mind at rest to a certain extent. Lets get the bike on the road !