The MOTOGP test stands for Motorcycle Polytechnique International, and is a testing program that is designed to ensure that motorcycle manufacturers are able to produce high quality products while meeting the highest standards of safety and performance. The MOT certificate itself isn’t anything particularly remarkable – it simply means that a manufacturer has passed certain stringent requirements in regards to producing a certain type of motorcycle. While it’s not particularly difficult to obtain the test, you need to know what you’re getting into first. This article aims to help get you started with the process.
The MOT comes from the Manufacturers’ Licensing Agency test, which is carried out by the Highways Traffic Commission. Every motorcycle manufacturer must have their own MOT certificate in order to race or provide evidence to support their claim that they do – in the case of factory-built bikes. Grand Prix motorcycle race is the premier category of motorcycle street racing events held on public road tracks sanctioned by the FÉdÉration Internationale de Motocrommie. Any non-works bike that is submitted for this championship will be subject to the MOT exam.
As well as the MOT certificate, MOTOGP also requires that the bikes be constructed using approved specifications. Each year, a team may choose to either participate in the MOTOGP test or not. If a bike is not eligible for the test, teams may decide not to race it at all, or use it to gather data for another motorbike project. Even if a bike is eligible for the MOT, some manufacturers choose not to participate in the MOT because of the costs involved, or for political reasons.
Once a bike has been accepted into the MOTG programme, it goes through a rigorous process of inspection and testing. The MOT inspectors will check the condition of the vehicle and its parts, and look for any signs of wear or damage. The tyres will also undergo a rigorous test, both on the outside and on the inside. The tyres pass two sets of tests: the tyre pressure test, and the brake fluid pressure test.
In addition to the tyres, the MOT looks into the engine and chassis to ensure everything is in proper working order. A wheel alignment is carried out to ensure that the wheels are set up on the bike correctly. All parts of the bike will also undergo a rigorous test with the tyres being placed under various conditions. The parts being tested include the frame, the exhaust system, the oil and lubrication systems, the seats and seat mount, the turn signals, the mirror, the hand controls, the lights and the speedometers. A complete list of all parts is drawn up and inspected by the MOT inspector, who checks each of these items one by one to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
If a team doesn’t pass their MOTG test, they may be required to make changes to their bikes. They can’t start testing until after a lapse of twelve months has passed, after which they must prove again that their vehicle is in accordance with the regulations. It’s worth remembering that MOT testing isn’t just for safety. It’s an essential requirement if you want to pass your MOT. So, if you’re planning a new bike, take the time to go through a motor checklist with your MOT inspector.