Motorcycle technical inspection 2023

We will try to take stock of the current situation regarding technical control and custom motorcycles . We are also going to do a tour of Europe to see the situation in the neighboring countries of France.
Then we will try to project ourselves to see what can await us in France .

Read the latest news from MAY 2022 on the subject: https://remmotorcycle.com/blogs/remmotorcycle/le-controle-technique-moto-prevu-pour-2023

What we know today for France.

After years of struggle (partly thanks to the FFMC ), motorcycle technical control has not yet been introduced in France. It's been postponed for years. This is a subject that has come back to the fore since the 2000s.

This is a European law, therefore, which will most certainly be applied one day or another… But alternatives can be found.

As you surely know, there was a vote in the European Parliament on February 25, 2021 for (48 votes for and 1 vote against - as a reminder there are 705 MEPs) for the application of the technical inspection of 2 wheels in 2022 as provided for in European Directive 2014/45/EU .

It should be noted that according to European directives, European countries are not obliged to adopt motorcycle technical inspection if they cannot justify measures aimed at reducing the number of accidents (doubling of safety barriers, repairs roads, or even the use of abrasive paints for markings on the ground, etc.).

This alternative system only concerns the few European countries that have already implemented these measures.

Update of 05/17/2022:

Read the latest information about the motorcycle CT :

https://remmotorcycle.com/blogs/remmotorcycle/le-controle-technique-moto-prevu-pour-2023

WHY IS THE MOTORCYCLE TECHNICAL CONTROL USELESS?

To put it simply, only 5% of motorcycle accidents are caused by a technical problem . The cost/benefit ratio of this measure no longer needs to be demonstrated. Indeed, such a measure will cost taxpayers dearly without convincing results.

A second study called MAIDS (Motorcycle Accident in Depth Study), carried out in 2005, shows that only 0.3% of accidents are linked to a technical failure (mainly related to tyres).

On the other side, there are companies like DEKRA which are lobbying in Brussels in order to win a new market estimated at 1.5 billion euros per year.

We invite you to read the FFMC argument: Motorcycle technical control: Europe requests it, the FFMC asks France to clarify its position

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICAL CONTROL

Let's take a look at vehicle technical control in order to better understand the issues and the objectives.

It must be understood that the CT (technical control) concerns the functional and safe organs .

As Minister Elisabeth Borne recalled:

“The role of technical inspection is therefore to check that the vehicles inspected do not harm road safety or the environment. It is not to validate or refuse transformations made to a vehicle , whether or not these modify its technical characteristics. This question of the validation of modifications to the vehicle falls within the field of approval on the one hand, as regards significant transformations, and registration on the other hand, as regards the modification of characteristics indicated on the certificate. of registration. Vehicles subject to “tuning” have therefore been part of this general legislation for years. »

Vehicle control is based on 9 main elements : steering, lighting and signaling, equipment, brakes, ground connection, mechanics, pollution and noise level, bodywork and chassis, visibility.

E30 Swapped (M70B50 conversion) (rtsauto.com) A modified car having benefited from a "swap"; that is to say a change of engine (generally) larger, and of which all the other organs have been changed (front axle and rear axle, braking system, rims, steering wheel, transmissions, etc.) can perfectly have a valid technical control.

Thus a prepared vehicle, considered illegal by the constabulary, can have a valid technical inspection .

The CT is only one of the elements necessary to drive legally . It is in addition to a gray card , insurance and a driving license for the vehicle concerned.

HOW DOES IT HAPPEN IN OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES?

It should be noted that the weaker the associations of defense of motorcyclists in the country are, the more the control is generally severe .

In addition, all European countries have a different history , culture and approach to motorcycling , individual freedoms and road safety .

EUROPEAN COUNTRIES WITHOUT MOTORCYCLE TECHNICAL CONTROL

IRELAND

Ireland decided not to set up a technical control while indicating that alternative measures were going to be taken to improve the road safety of motorcycles.

FINLAND

Finland has taken the necessary actions to reduce motorcycle accidents and thus bypass the obligation to have a technical inspection for motorcycles.

NETHERLANDS

The Netherlands will not set up a motorcycle technical inspection because it has had road safety plans in place for motorcycles for several years. The plan was implemented in 2010.

Here are some big steps:

Translation :

- Improve biker training

- Inform motorcyclists as well as possible

- Inform and educate motorists

- Carry out a study on the effects of the visibility of motorcyclists on road safety.

- Write CROW guidelines

- Implement the 3rd directive on motorcycle licenses (permit A, A1 and A2).

BELGIUM

Belgium is currently in the same situation as France .

Here is a video explaining the current situation in Belgium:

Source: (rtbf.be) Date: February 4, 2021

As indicated in the video, Wallonia could choose to apply a technical inspection in the event of resale or after an accident.

We will know more in the coming months about the decisions taken in Belgium.

MONTENEGRO

No motorcycle technical control at the moment.

 

PORTUGAL

Portugal is in a similar situation to France, the motorcycle technical control is not currently applied and the Portuguese government has not yet ruled on this subject.

On the other hand, there is a law has already been established on this subject . However, a decree must still be passed for this law to be applicable:

Article 11 paragraph 5 ( 114276684 (dre.pt) ):

"The obligation to carry out periodic checks on motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles, as well as on the trailers and semi-trailers referred to in No. 3.1 of Annex I to this Decree-Law only takes effect from publication of the decree referred to in No. 5 of Article 11."

Other information on technical inspections in Portugal: Tipos de Inspeções (imt-ip.pt)

EUROPEAN COUNTRIES WITH MOTORCYCLE TECHNICAL CONTROL:

ITALY

Italy has applied a control since 2014 on all 2 wheels.

The technical control must be carried out within 4 years of the date of the first registration and then every two years.

The cost is €45 to €66.88 depending on where the exam is performed (2020 rate).

In the event of an offence, the fine is between €173 (delays exceeded by a few weeks) to €8009 and 3 months of administrative detention (if the motorcycle was already suspended from circulation).

In the event of an accident with a motorcycle without a validated examination, the insurance does not cover the costs.

The mandatory periodic inspection in Italy is used to check the following elements:

• Brakes
• Direction
• Electrical system (especially lights and buzzer)
• Axle and suspension
• Frame and license plate integrity (i.e. ID check: frame number / builder plate = CG number)
• Noise levels (according to CG and manufacturer's plate)
• Pollutant gas levels (if applicable)
• Speed ​​limit (for mopeds)

DETAILS:

The noise and pollution limits are checked against the manufacturer's data when the vehicle has them or against the general scale established.

The speed limit is 45 km/h for mopeds.

Once the exam has been passed, there are 3 possibilities:

• Validated : means that you can circulate and that the next exam will take place in 2 years
• Repeat : you can continue to circulate, but you will have to repeat the exam within 1 month (if it does not pass the validation).
• Suspended : you will have to carry out the interventions indicated in the certificate in order to circulate again

Here is the example of 2 motorcycles available on the Italian second-hand market and having the Italian technical control:

Here is a BMW K100 with modified buckle, seat, exhaust, LED strip and other elements. This motorcycle has a validated examination.

Here is a 2002 Harley Road King with a 30k€ preparation and Italy authorizes its use .

The different sources:

Motorbike review: come e quando farla - Blog Linear

Motorcycle review 2020: costo, cos'è e come funziona, dove farla e quando - The Italian Times

Revision delle moto in Europa: come funziona (sicurmoto.it)

Motorcycle review 2021: cost, scale and procedure (sicurmoto.it)

Motorcycle review: cos'è, ogni quanto farla e quanto costa | Verti

DENMARK

The rules in Denmark are similar to those established in Spain or Germany.

Indeed, the technical control bodies also wear the hat of certification body (which is not the case in France).

Rules during the motorcycle technical inspection

The rules do not apply to motorcycles (less than 49.9cc).

Here are the most frequent cases where the owner must have his motorcycle checked:

• When changing ownership, when the motorcycle is between 5 and 10 years old and the last approved check was carried out more than 2 years ago.
• When changing ownership when the motorcycle is more than 10 years old and the last successful check was carried out more than 1 year ago.
• When importing a motorcycle.
• During changes in the design of the motorcycle.
• In the event of a change in the registration of the motorcycle.

Thus, it is most often when selling/buying motorcycles that a service inspection comes into play.

However, major significant changes in the design of the motorcycle can also lead to a motorcycle technical inspection.

Here are some examples:

• Fork replacement
• Rear Swingarm Replacement
• Replacement of wheels that are 5% larger or smaller in circumference than the original.
• Power increase
• Replacement of brake calipers
• Conversion from drum brake to disc brake
• Assembly of a float kit
• Cutting or modifying the frame
• Frame replacement.

(These are modifications which, in France, should be submitted to the DRIRE (ex-MINES)).

A network of private companies does this in Denmark in the manner of Germany.

Here are the items checked during the motorcycle technical inspection in Denmark:

• Lights must work, including additional lights
• The license plate reflector must be visible
• Brake pad thickness
• Brake discs should be straight and free of rust or wear.
• The motorcycle should brake smoothly, without jerking.
• The license plate must be legible
• Forks must be straight and free of wear
• The handlebar should not be worn and should not be too close to the tank.
• Mudguards must be attached correctly
• Tires must have a tread of at least 1 mm
• The chain must be equipped with a protection
• Mirrors must be fixed and undamaged

The price of motorcycle technical control in Denmark:

The average price is 200 to 600 Danish crowns or the equivalent of 27€ to 80€.

Sources: Syn af MC - sådan er reglerne - DKMCS.DK

Syn af motorcykel ved ejerskifte eller ændringer (bilsynvodskov.dk)

Note: Most of this information comes from companies selling services to control motorcycles .

Here are some examples of motorcycles for sale with their valid motorcycle technical inspection:

Dirt Track based on a Suzuki GS 450cc ( Find Scrambler i Motorcykler - Køb brugt på DBA )

HONDA CB750 Cafe Racer from 1977 approved and inspected.

SWEDEN

The MOT examination in Sweden focuses on the good condition and functioning of all parts of the motorcycle.

The control in detail:

- Chassis number check - manufacturer's plate / registration document

- Verification of the frame , the bodywork, the front fork and the suspensions (condition and operation).

- The engine and transmission are checked . This includes examining the fuel pipes, exhaust system, electrical system, power transmission systems such as drive/chain or pulley/belt and joints.

- Verification of the brakes (including the ABS system) and performance of a functional check. When checking the brakes, a check of the transmission, brakes, wheels, and the actuation system are also carried out.

- The bodywork is inspected , as well as the saddle, the footrests, the central and side supports in order to verify that no dangerous device has been installed on the motorcycle.

- All lights and signaling systems are checked . This includes running lights, reflectors, signal lights, brake lights, indicators and headlights.

Following this general check, the bike is jacked up and further checks are carried out to check mechanical details such as wheels and tires Of course, your tires must meet the required tread depth. Check that the wheels are balanced and that the wheel bearings roll freely.

When checking the undercarriage, an examination of the appearance of the frame underneath and the integrity of the engine mount.

Then there is a driving test to check the reaction of the shock absorbers, the steering, the controls, the brakes, the movements of the motorcycle, counters, lights etc...

This controls rolling, transmission and exhaust noise.

A sound test can be carried out if this is deemed important.

On this subject :

"Sound checking during check inspections normally takes place during test rides. If the sound is significantly higher than normal, a measurement should be made. If you own a motorcycle that is fully homologated to ride, race and speed indicated on the manufacturer's plate apply. To this value must be added 5 dB (A) to obtain the limit value of the motorcycle. If you have an older motorcycle, the information on stroke and speed with a value limit > 103 dB(A) applies."

A motorcycle must be inspected in the following cases:

• The first time no later than 48 months after the month in which the vehicle was put into service for the first time.
• Thereafter no later than 24 months after the month in which the previous full inspection was performed.

Motorcycles 40 years of age and older may be exempt from inspection provided the motorcycle has an approved and valid inspection within the last two calendar years for the exemption to take effect.

Sources:

Kontrollbesiktning av motorcykel - Transportstyrelsen

regulations of the Swedish Transport Agency on noise measurement

Detail of technical inspection: TSFS 2017_54.pdf (transportstyrelsen.se )

Example of preparations made in Sweden:

Source: Suzuki GSX 400 F "Bratana" i Brat Cafe Style - Hojstyling.se

This Suzuki has been modified at the buckle, has a new saddle, rear lights, short exhaust etc... And it has a valid inspection.

source: XJ600 - Från pendlarhoj till stilren Cafe Racer - Hojstyling.se

This XJ600 has benefited from a bigger preparation with a lot of work on the buckle, the hull and saddle, as well as the tank.

GERMANY

German motorcycles have been subject to a periodic inspection called TÜV for more than 20 years.

In Germany, it takes 90 euros for a control every two years to obtain the TüV label (Technischer Überwachungs Verein – association for technical control).

Germany has an important past concerning controls and benefits from an important network of competent companies in the field .

In addition to safety checks common to other countries, Germany checks all installed parts .


Regarding modifications to motorcycles; there are two possibilities for the Germans:

• Buy parts already TÜV certified
• Have the changes certified by a licensed professional.

Let's take the example of a rear buckle from BMW , there are products that are already TÜV approved and others that do not have this approval on the parts market. Products without certification can still obtain certification from a TÜV examiner after assembly.

The same is true for home-made parts that must be validated by an examiner. In this case the rule is simple, amateur work will most likely be penalized.

So yes, it is still possible to make a cafe racer or a scrambler in Germany. However, the budget for the Germans in terms of preparation is necessarily higher for the purchase of TUV parts and the passage to the TUV inspection if necessary.

An important point to note, the TUV centers cannot be compared to the French technical control . In France, technical inspectors have no authorization to certify a vehicle or a part. This task falls to other organizations. These bodies are separate in France and in several countries.

Sources:
Veränderungen am Motorrad – TÜV Check - 550Moto | Cafe Racer Blog

https://www.louis-moto.de

Example of motorcycles prepared in Germany:

An R-NineT completely reworked from A to Z with engine preparation. The price is up to the changes made. This motorcycle is TUV certified.

LUXEMBOURG

In the Grand Duchy, the motorcycle inspection has been in effect for many years.

For 40€, the points checked are the following:

• Legal documents
• CO2 emissions
• Headlights and bulbs
• Honk
• Condition and lifespan of tires
• Chain tension
• Fork crown clearance
• State of the brakes
• Correspondence of the chassis number.

As well as any other element whose visual aspect would require a more detailed inspection. Among these are of course the added accessories such as exhaust pipes, additional lights, etc.

In this case, the Luxembourg motorcyclist must go to the approval in order to determine that these accessories are indeed approved. If this is the case, these will be entered on the registration card against payment.

The technical inspection must be carried out:

• Prior to the return to service of a vehicle which has been subject to changes technical characteristics of the homologated series model ( example :tuning);
• After one major repair following an accident (wheels, suspensions, crumple zones, steering, brakes, airbags, etc.);
• After one repair or modification of the chassis ;
• On special summons if the adjuster of an insurance company has noted a technical defect a component that could affect the safety of the vehicle following an accident;
• As part of periodic checks ;
• On special summons if the police found during a check that:
  • The vehicle does not comply with the homologated technical specifications;
  • There is an obvious technical defect in the vehicle.

“Are these measures effective? " It is very difficult to establish a link between accident and technical failure " , explains Michel Turk, President of Eurobiker Luxembourg. “ If the motorcycle passed the inspection in November 2018 and an accident takes place with this same motorcycle in September 2019, this accident cannot be linked to a fault of the technical control center, unless this machine has traveled only a few kilometers between these two dates. ""

Source:

Technical inspection of motorcycles (dekra-automotive.lu)

Extract from the article: Motorcycle technical control, this ghost that haunts us... (moto80.be

Passing the periodic technical inspection for a vehicle — Citizens — Guichet.lu - Administrative Guide - Luxembourg (public.lu)

Example of realization circulating in Luxembourg:

See this post on Instagram

A post shared by Andrea (@virgan82)

IN SPAIN

The technical control for motorcycles has existed for several years .

As in Germany, the parts used are important and the approval bodies are the same as those of the technical control (unlike France or Italy).

Here are the main control points of the ITV motorcycle, the Spanish inspection:

• The frame number
• Horn: It must work
• Lighting: All lights must work properly. Certification verification.
• License plate light: presence and operation. Approval verification
• Lever control
• Tires: check the depth of the grooves (minimum legal measurement of 1.6 mm). The tires must be the same as those indicated in the data sheet. Certification verification.
• Fairing: Check condition
• Mirrors: in good condition, with homologation
• The seat and the fenders: Check the condition
• Checking the handlebars and the Neimann lock.
• Kickstand check
• Brakes: measures the braking efficiency of the front and rear brakes.
• Suspensions: Correct operation.
• Exhaust: approval check, sound level check against manufacturer's plate.
• CO2 gas emissions: measures levels so that they are within legal limits, depending on whether an exhaust is catalysed or not.
• Checking for oil leaks, fuel leaks and transmission condition.

As you can see, controls in Spain are more thorough than elsewhere in Europe.

In case of preparation on a motorcycle , you have to go through a company to have the motorcycle checked and homologated.

Here is an explanation made by a company that provides this service: Guia-para-que-tu-moto-sea-homologable-reducida.pdf (donkeymotorbikes.com)

So the preparation café racer , scrambler or bobber costs more in Spain because it must be certified in the German way.

For example, the company DONKEY MOTORBIKE offers a fixed price of €395 if you have modified the chassis, installed rearsets or changed the shock absorbers to certify the modification.

If you change the brake system or other more important change the price increases to 850€.

Additional costs are to be expected for preparation. However the advantage is that it is easier than doing the process as well as via the DRIRE in France for example.

Example of preparation from Spain:


Source: BMW R 100 - Motocasion.com

A BMW with a welded rear loop that is validated.

Here is another example made by Cafe Racer Sspirit on a DUCATI Monster 900 :

Sources:

Pasar ITV moto, points a revisar para la inspección y consejos (itvcitaprevia.es)

La verdad sobre homologar las Cafe Racer y pasar la ITV - Best Cafe Racers

Modifications Cafe Racer without homologation - Donkey Motorbikes

In short, other European countries that apply a motorcycle technical inspection:

• Austria: check after 3 years from first registration, then after 2 years and finally every year;
• Bulgaria: review every 2 years;
• Croatia: control after 2 years from the first registration, then every year;
• Estonia: control after 3 years from the first registration, then three times every 2 years and finally every year;
• Greece: check every 2 years;
• Latvia: check every 2 years;
• Lithuania: check after 3 years from first registration, then every 2 years;
• Poland: control after 3 years from the first registration, then after 2 years and finally every year;
• United Kingdom: check after 3 years from first registration, then every year;
• Czech Republic: check after 4 years from first registration, then every 2 years;
• Romania: check every 2 years;
• Slovakia: check after 4 years from first registration, then every 2 years;
• Slovenia: control after 4 years from the first registration, then twice every 2 years and finally every year;
• Hungary: control after 4 years from the first registration, then every 2 years.

IN WHICH SAUCE WILL THE FRENCH BE EATEN?

Here are our assumptions for April 2021 after a global study of the situation:

As we have seen, the situation and the infrastructures in France are different from other countries.

France does not have a TUV-type organization like in Germany and not approved professionals like in Spain.

In addition, France has biker associations such as the FFMC to defend the interests of bikers.

Thus it is unlikely to have the application of a motorcycle technical control as in Germany and Spain.

Motorcycle technical control should be carried out by the same centers that already carry out controls for cars. The technical control centers have no knowledge of the vehicle upon factory acceptance. Their job is to follow specifications in order to ensure that the vehicle does not represent any risk from a road safety point of view.

Like Sweden or Italy.

Regarding the sequence of events

First, France needs to clarify the situation on what will be applied.

Then, if the motorcycle technical inspection is chosen from among all the solutions that can reduce the number of motorcyclist accidents, its characteristics will have to be defined.

In addition, it will be necessary to wait until at least 2023 (see 2025) for all the technical centers to acquire the equipment necessary to carry out the checks for a motorcycle.

The motorcycle technical control will perhaps be very close to the Italian or Swedish motorcycle control with a control of the efficient and non-discriminatory security elements.

OTHER VALID POSSIBILITIES

Other solutions could be put in place instead of the compulsory technical inspection.

It is possible that there is a verification check in the event of a sale or after an accident. This is what the region of Wallonia in Belgium is considering.

The other solutions:

- More prevention

- More awareness

- More specific checks carried out by the police and gendarmerie.

It is also possible that it will still be postponed and not discussed but in this case, France will be in the grip of EU sanctions.

THE TECHNICAL CONTROL WE MAY HAVE (IF APPLICABLE):

A motorcycle technical inspection based on road safety and the environment.

So a review of all the elements related to these themes.

	Braking system	Brake fluid level Condition of brake pads and discs Correct operation - Brake test
	Lightings	Operation of the various elements: direction indicators, front and rear lights, brake lights.
	wing mirror	Presence and good working order
	Tires	Wear control
	Transmission	Status of the chain, belt or universal joint kit.
	Engine	Check for any leaks. (oil and, if applicable, coolant)
	The counter	Presence and good working order
	Meter indicators	Presence and good working order
	Honk	Presence and good working order
	License plate lighting	Presence and good working order
	Steering and suspension	Checking for proper operation
	Chassis number	Verification of chassis and gray card correspondence

It could be added a sound control of the exhaust, and perhaps a pollution control depending on the year of the motorcycle.

Basic checks and controls that are already carried out on most motorcycles by mechanics during overhauls or interventions.

 

Update of November 2022:

Read the latest information about the motorcycle CT:

https://remmotorcycle.com/blogs/remmotorcycle/le-controle-technique-moto-prevu-pour-2023

SOME TIPS

Here are some tips in case of modification of a motorcycle to ensure that you can anticipate this inspection.

KEEP THE ORIGINAL PARTS

The first advice is to keep the original parts of the motorcycle if you plan to change certain elements that could be problematic. I'm thinking the exhaust. We do not know if a technical center will have the technical means to control the sound volume of the motorcycle. So in this case, it would be better to keep the stock exhaust.

FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS, PREVILIGATE THE ITEMS WITH "E" MARKING

For turn signals, headlight, taillights, tires, give preference to products with the "E" label. This means that these items meet European safety standards.

Indeed, perhaps the technical center could control this in addition to their proper functioning.

Note that TUV or ABE standards have no value in France. However, they can act as a quality label.

ANNUAL REVISION

We know full well the importance that the motorcyclist attaches to his motorcycle. The condition of the motorcycles is vastly better than the cars.

If you sense a problem but aren't sure, don't hesitate to seek expert advice. It is important that you feel safe on your motorcycle, but the most important thing is that you are actually safe!

This allows you to be safe in addition to preventing possible control.

CALL ON A PROFESSIONAL OR AN EXPERT

It is not recommended to do anything too amateurish, in some cases your life depends on it.

We favor neat and clean work. For this you can surround yourself with your friends with knowledge in each of the necessary fields (mechanics, bodywork, sheet metal etc...) or directly with professionals.

Note that the more careful the work, the safer you will be, and protected from technical control problems. And you can resell your project more easily.

CONCLUSION :

Motorcycle preparation is not dead!

At first, we must fight so that this useless technical control is not applied in France.

Following the success of the demonstrations of April 10 and 11 . The FFMC obtained a response from the government on this subject and confirmation of a postponement after 2022.

However, the fight is not over as no decision has been made yet.

As we have seen elsewhere in Europe, it is very difficult to harmonize this type of decision when each country has its own way of doing things, its own tolerances and objectives.

Even if it is applied one day or another, you should know that it will relate to safety, a motorcycle made correctly cannot be withdrawn from circulation .

Café racers, scramblers, bobbers, trackers still exist , even in countries where controls are drastic.

No, it's not the end, we can continue to customize our bikes.

Do not hesitate to leave us a comment to react, if an information is erroneous or if you have a question.