Motorcycle technical inspection 2023

We will try to take stock of the current situation regarding the technical control And custom motorcycles. We will also make a tour of Europe to see the situation in countries neighboring France.
Then we will try to project ourselves in order to see what can wait for us in France.

Read the latest news fromJUNE 2023 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 FFMC), motorcycle technical inspection has not yet been introduced in France. It has been postponed for years. This is a subject that has come back to the forefront since the 2000s.

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

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

Please note that according to European directives, European countries are not not required to adopt the motorcycle technical inspection if they cannot justify measures aimed at reducing the number of accidents (the doubling of safety barriers, the repair of roads, or the use of abrasive paints for ground markings, etc.).

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

Update from 05/17/2022:

Read the latest information about the motorcycle inspection: 

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 any 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 linked to tires).

On the other side, there are companies like DEKRA who 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 argument of the FFMC:   Motorcycle technical inspection: Europe requests it, the FFMC asks France to clarify its position

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICAL CONTROL

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

It is important to understand that the CT (technical inspection) concerns functional and safety organs.

As Minister Elisabeth Borne recalled:
 

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

 Vehicle control revolves around 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 (generally) larger engine, and in which all the other components have been changed (front and rear axle, braking system, rims, steering wheel, transmissions, etc.) can perfectly have a valid technical inspection.

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

THE CT is just one of the elements needed to ride legally. It is added to a gray card, a insurance and one driving license for the vehicle concerned.

 

HOW DOES IT HAPPEN IN OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES?

"17 EU countries have already implemented the motorcycle inspection. But as usual within the European Union, the rules are far from being harmonized. For example, Austria imposes an inspection annually while Sweden is satisfied with an inspection every two years."

It should be noted that the less strong the country's biker defense associations are, the more control is generally severe. 

In addition, all European countries have a history, a culture And a different approach each other, with regard to the motorbike, of the individual liberties and some road safety. 

EUROPEAN COUNTRIES WITHOUT MOTORCYCLE TECHNICAL CONTROL

IRELAND

Ireland has decided not to implement a technical inspection at allindicating that alternative measures would be taken to improve road safety for motorcycles.

FINLAND

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

THE NETHERLANDS

The Netherlands will not set up a motorcycle technical inspection because they have been implementing road safety plans for motorcycles for several years. The plan was put in place in 2010.

Here are some major measures:

Translation :

- Improve biker training

- Inform motorcyclists as best as possible

- Inform and educate motorists

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

- Write CROW guidelines

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

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 shown in the video, The 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 regarding the decisions taken in Belgium.

MONTENEGRO

No motorcycle technical inspection at present.

PORTUGAL

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

On the other hand, there exists 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 trailers and semi-trailers referred to in No. 3.1 of Annex I to this decree-law only takes effect from the publication of the decree referred to in No. 5 of Article 11."

Other information on technical inspections in Portugal:Inspection Tips (imt-ip.pt)

EUROPEAN COUNTRIES WITH MOTORCYCLE TECHNICAL CONTROL:

ITALY 

Italy has applied controls since 2014 to all 2-wheelers.

The technical inspection must be carried outwithin 4 years following the date of the first recording thenevery two years.

The cost is €45 to €66.88 depending on the location where the exam is carried out (2020 price).

In the event of an infraction, the fine is between €173 (deadlines exceeded by a few weeks) to €8,009 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:

• Brakes
• Direction
• Electrical system (especially lights and buzzer)
• Axle and suspension
• Integrity of frame and number plate (i.e. identification check: frame number / manufacturer plate = CG number)
• Noise levels (according to CG and manufacturer's plate)
• Levels of polluting gases (if applicable)
• Speed ​​limit (for mopeds)

DETAILS:

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 you have passed the exam, there are 3 possibilities:

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

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

Here is a BMW K100 whose buckle, saddle, exhaust, LED strip and other elements have been modified. This motorcycle has a validated examination.

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

The different sources:

Revisione Moto: come and when farla - Blog Linear

Revisione moto 2020: costs, cos'è and come funziona, dove farla e quando - The Italian Times

Revised motorcycle in Europe: come funziona (sicurmoto.it)

Motorcycle review 2021: costs, schedule and procedure (sicurmoto.it)

Revisione moto: cos’è, ogni quanto farla et quanto costa | Verti

DENMARK  

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

Indeed, the technical control bodies also carry the cap certification body (which is not the case in France).

Rules during motorcycle technical inspection

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

Here are the most common 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 inspection was carried out more than 2 years ago.
• During a change of ownership when the motorcycle is more than 10 years old andthe last successful inspection 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.

So, It is most often when selling/purchasing motorcycles that a service inspection comes into play.

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

Here are some examples:

• Fork replacement
• Rear swingarm replacement
• Replacement of wheels with a circumference 5% greater or less than the original.
• Power increase
• Replacement of brake calipers
• Converting a drum brake to a disc brake
• Fitting a float kit
• Cutting or modifying the frame
• Frame replacement.

(These are modifications which, in France, should be subject to a transition to the DRIRE (formerly MINES)).

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

Here are the elements 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 rotors must be straight and free of rust or wear.
• The motorcycle should brake smoothly, without jerks.
• The license plate must be legible
• Forks must be straight and free of wear
• The handlebars must not be worn and must not be too close to the tank.
• Mudguards must be secured correctly
• Tires must have a minimum tread of 1mm
• The chain must be equipped with protection
• Mirrors must be fixed and intact

The price of motorcycle technical inspection in Denmark:

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

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

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

Please note: Most of this information comes from of 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)

1977 HONDA CB750 Cafe Racer approved and inspected.

SWEDEN 

The technical inspection examination in Sweden focuses on the good condition and functioning of all elements of the motorcycle.

The control in detail:

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

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

- 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.

- Checking the brakes (including the ABS system) and carrying out a functional check. When checking the brakes, a check of the transmission, brakes, wheels, and actuation system is also carried out.

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

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

Following this general check, the motorcycle is lifted 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 chassis underneath and the integrity of the engine mount.

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

This helps control rolling, transmission and exhaust noise.

A sound test can be performed if it is considered important.

On this subject:

"Sound monitoring during control inspections normally takes place during test rides. If the sound is significantly louder than normal, a measurement should be carried out. If you have a motorcycle that is fully approved for riding, racing and speed indicated on the manufacturer's plate apply. To this value, 5 dB (A) must be added to obtain the limit value of the motorcycle.If you own an older motorcycle, the travel and speed information with a limit value >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 first put into service.
• Thereafter no later than 24 months after the month in which the previous comprehensive inspection was carried out.

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

Sources:

 Motor cycle control - Transportstyrelsen

 Agency regulations Swedishtransport on noise measurement 

Technical inspection details: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 level, has a new saddle, taillights, short exhaust etc... And it has a valid inspection.

source:XJ600 - French design and style Cafe Racer - Hojstyling.se

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

GERMANY 

German motorcycles are subject to a periodic inspection called TÜV For more than 20 years.

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

Germany has an extensive history of controls and benefits from a large network of competent companies in the field..

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


Regarding modifications to motorcycles; There is two possibilities for the Germans:

• Buy parts already certified TÜV
• Have the modifications certified by an approved professional.

Take the example ofa rear buckle from BMW, there are products already approved TÜV and others not having this approval on the parts market. Products without certification can still obtain certification from an examiner TÜV after assembly.

The same applies to home-made parts which 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 scrambler in Germany. However, the German budget for preparation is necessarily higher for the purchase of TUV parts and the passage to TUV inspection if necessary.

An important point to note, TUV centers cannot be compared to French technical inspection. In France, technical inspectors have no authorization to certify a vehicle or a part. This task falls to other organizations. These organizations are dissociated in France as well as in several countries.

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

https://www.louis-moto.de

Example of motorcycles prepared in Germany:

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

LUXEMBOURG 

In the Grand Duchy, the Motorcycle inspection has been in use for many years.

For €40, the points checked are as follows:

• Legal documents
• CO2 emissions
• Headlights and bulbs
• Honk
• Condition and lifespan of tires
• Chain tension
• Fork triple clamp clearance
• Brake condition
• Chassis number match.

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

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

The technical inspection must be carried out:

• Before returning to service a vehicle which has been subject to changes technical characteristics of the approved series model (example :tuning);
• After one major repair following an accident (wheels, suspensions, deformation zones, steering, brakes, airbags, etc.);
• After one repair or transformation of the chassis ;
• On special summons if the expert of an insurance company has noted a technical defect an organ 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 approved technical characteristics;
  • 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, we cannot link this accident to a fault of the technical control center, unless this machine has only traveled a few kilometers between these two dates.»"

Source:

Technical inspection of motorcycles (dekra-automotive.lu)

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

Pass the periodic technical inspection for vehicles — Citizens — Guichet.lu - Administrative Guide - Luxembourg (public.lu)

Example of production circulating in Luxembourg:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Andrea (@virgan82)

IN SPAIN 

Technical inspection for motorcycles has existed for several years. 

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

Here are the main checkpoints of the ITV motorcycle, the Spanish inspection:

• The frame number
• Horn: It must work
• Lighting: All lights must work properly. Approval 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. Approval verification.
• Fairing: Check the condition
• Mirrors: in good condition, with approval
• The seat and wings: Check the condition
• Checking the handlebars and the Neimann lock.
• Checking the stand
• Brakes: measures the braking effectiveness of the front and rear brakes.
• Suspensions:Correct operation.
• Exhaust: approval check, sound level check compared to the manufacturer's plate.
• CO2 gas emissions: measures levels so that they are within legal limits, depending on whether an exhaust is catalyzed or not.
• Checking for oil leaks, fuel leaks and transmission condition.

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

When preparing on a motorcycle, you must go through a company to have the motorcycle checked and approved.

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

So the preparation cafe racer, scrambler Or bobber cost more expensive in Spain because it must be certified in the German manner.

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

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

Additional costs are to be expected for preparation. However the advantage is that this is easier than taking the step as well as via DRIRE in France for example.

Example of preparation from Spain: 


Source:BMW R 100 - Motocasion.com

A BMW with a welded rear buckle that is validated.

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

Sources: 

Pasar ITV moto, points to be checked for inspection and advice (itvcitaprevia.es)

The truth about the Cafe Racer and the ITV - Best Cafe Racers

Cafe Racer modifications without homologation - Donkey Motorbikes

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

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

WHAT SAUCE WILL THE FRENCH BE EATED WITH?

Here are our assumptions for April 2021 after an overall study of the situation:

As we have seen, the situation and infrastructure 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.

Moreover, France has biker associations as the FFMC allowing the interests of motorcyclists to be defended.

It is therefore unlikely to have the application of a motorcycle technical inspection as in Germany and Spain.

THE motorcycle technical inspection should be carried out by the same centers which already carry out checks for cars. The technical inspection centers are not aware of the vehicle upon factory receipt. Their job is to follow specifications to ensure that the vehicle does not represent any risk from a road safety point of view.

Like Sweden or Italy.

Concerning the continuation ofevents

Firstly, France must clarify the situation on what will be applied.

Then, if the motorcycle technical inspection is chosen from all the solutions that can reduce the number of motorcyclist accidents, it will be necessary to define their characteristics.

In addition, you will have to wait minimum 2023 (see 2025) so that all technical centers acquire the necessary equipment to carry out checks for a motorcycle.

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

OTHER VALID POSSIBILITIES

There may be a verification check in the event of a sale or after an accident. This is what the Wallonia region in Belgium is considering.

Other solutions:

- More prevention

- More awareness

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

It is also possible that this will be further postponed and not discussed but in this case, France will be prey to EU sanctions.

THE TECHNICAL CONTROL WE MAY HAVE (IF APPLICABLE):

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

So an examination of all the elements linked to these themes.

	Braking system	Brake fluid level Condition of brake pads and discs Correct operation - Brake test
	Lighting	Operation of the different elements: indicators, front and rear lights, brake lights.
	wing mirror	Presence and good working condition
	Tires	Wear control
	Transmission	Condition of the chain, belt or universal joint kit.
	Engine	Check for possible leaks. (oil and, if applicable, coolant)
	The counter	Presence and Goodoperating state
	Meter lights	Presence and Goodoperating state
	Honk	Presence and Goodoperating state
	License plate lighting	Presence and good working order
	Steering and suspension	Checking correct operation
	Numberframe	Verification of chassis and registration document correspondence

An exhaust sound check could be added, and perhaps a pollution check depending on the year of the bike.

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

November 2022 update:

Read the latest information about the motorcycle inspection:

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

A FEW TIPS

Here are some tips when modifying a motorcycle to ensure you can anticipate this check.

KEEP THE ORIGINAL PARTS

The first tip is to keep the original parts of the motorcycle if we plan to change certain elements that could be problematic. I'm thinking of 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 original exhaust.

FOR THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS, PREFER ELEMENTS WITH “E” MARKING

For indicators, headlights, rear lights, tires, choose products with the “E” label. This means that these elements meet European safety standards.

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

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

ANNUAL REVIEW

We know full well the importance the motorcyclist places on his motorcycle. The condition of motorcycles is much better than cars.

If you sense a problem but are not sure, do not hesitate to seek advice from experts. It's important that you feel safe on your motorcycle, but the most important thing is that you actually feel safe!

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

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 prioritize neat and clean work. To do this, you can surround yourself with friends with knowledge in each of the necessary areas (mechanics, bodywork, sheet metal, etc.) or directly with professionals.

Please note that the more careful the work, the safer you will be and protected from technical inspection problems. And you will be able to resell your project more easily.

CONCLUSION :

Motorcycle preparation is not dead!

Firstly, we must fight to ensure that this unnecessary technical control is not applied in France.

Following the success of the demonstrationsApril 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 ways 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 security, a motorcycle made correctly cannot be withdrawn from circulation.

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

No, this is not the end, we will be able to continue customizing our motorcycles.

Do not hesitate to leave us a comment to react if any information is incorrect or if you have a question.