Hi Folks,
My wife's 1981 350 Strada K1 failed the MOT test last week because the speedo was only in km/h, with no mph markings.
Even though the MOT test is carried out at Govt. run test centres here in Northern Ireland, I would have thought the same legal requirements apply so I have a few queries for you all:
1. Can I just apply some 'stick-on' markings to the existing speedo, and if so is there a suitable supplier or do I make up my own to show 30, 40, 60 and 70 mph?
2. Is the speedo common across the Strada and Sport range, or will I need to get one from the exact same year/model? The originals have a black trim but this looks as if it may swap to similar earlier chrome versions?
3. Lastly, does anyone have a suitable mph speedo for sale? (I have also put a post in the 'wanted' section)
Many Thanks,
Michael
Strada speedo query
Have been digging about on the net and found this site:www.motuk.co.uk/
I can't find any reference to the speedo being part of the test, which is essentially a safety test to make sure the vehicle is roadworthy. No doubt it is a legal requirement to have a device which shows your speed in mph/kph or both but it doesn't appear to be needed for an mot. Copied this from the web site:
"It is worth noting that not everything constituting a motor vehicle is a testable item. It is fair to say that if the testers manual does not specifically mention an item it is not possible for an mot station to test it and fail it. Remember you have the right to appeal against any decisions that you do not believe to be correct and all mot stations provide a form to enable you to do so."
Maybe you should challenge your test station or better still just go elsewhere!
Nei.
I can't find any reference to the speedo being part of the test, which is essentially a safety test to make sure the vehicle is roadworthy. No doubt it is a legal requirement to have a device which shows your speed in mph/kph or both but it doesn't appear to be needed for an mot. Copied this from the web site:
"It is worth noting that not everything constituting a motor vehicle is a testable item. It is fair to say that if the testers manual does not specifically mention an item it is not possible for an mot station to test it and fail it. Remember you have the right to appeal against any decisions that you do not believe to be correct and all mot stations provide a form to enable you to do so."
Maybe you should challenge your test station or better still just go elsewhere!
Nei.
Neil/Jem,
Thanks for your replies.
As I mentioned in my original query, the MOT is dealt with differently in Northern Ireland and has to be carried out at one of the Government run 'Test Centres' which also cater for cars and commercial vehicles, as well as bikes.
This can mean that you get someone doing the test who is maybe not as familiar with bikes as others, but most of them are very good and over the years I have started to think that an 'independent' test is perhaps a better idea than having the work carried out by a dealer checked by himself. I also do a bit of flying, and this procedure of having a second person check and sign off any work done is used extensively in aviation.
Anyway, from listening to experiences friends have had over the years in trying to argue or have these test outcomes overruled, I reckon it is probably easier to just do what they want this time.
I suppose ultimately it comes down to what is legally required for a vehicle to be roadworthy in the UK, and a mph speedo probably makes sense.
I do like the thought of telling them to stuff it, though!
Regards,
Michael
Thanks for your replies.
As I mentioned in my original query, the MOT is dealt with differently in Northern Ireland and has to be carried out at one of the Government run 'Test Centres' which also cater for cars and commercial vehicles, as well as bikes.
This can mean that you get someone doing the test who is maybe not as familiar with bikes as others, but most of them are very good and over the years I have started to think that an 'independent' test is perhaps a better idea than having the work carried out by a dealer checked by himself. I also do a bit of flying, and this procedure of having a second person check and sign off any work done is used extensively in aviation.
Anyway, from listening to experiences friends have had over the years in trying to argue or have these test outcomes overruled, I reckon it is probably easier to just do what they want this time.
I suppose ultimately it comes down to what is legally required for a vehicle to be roadworthy in the UK, and a mph speedo probably makes sense.
I do like the thought of telling them to stuff it, though!
Regards,
Michael
Blimey! I too have not had an issue so far. I have tried searching on the internet for the definitive answer. Best I have found is if you are using a vehicle after dark then the MPH must be visible, so I think that just marking the clock is out unless you can come up with some luminous paint. Another reason for moving to France I guess.
Incidentally has anyone had trouble at MOT time for not having a separate red reflector at the back?
Incidentally has anyone had trouble at MOT time for not having a separate red reflector at the back?
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boris tarpit
- Posts: 80
- Joined: 18 Jul 2007 20:50
- Location: caught between the twisted stars
The tester at the station I used to use years ago would "test" bikes by asking "is it alright??" then write a ticket out. His mechanic was a bit more stringent, he'd sort of look round the bike til he found something wrong then stop the test, let you fix it on the pavement then pass it. Usually he never got past checking the lights, the rest of the machine not tested at all.
Back on topic, has anyone ever worked out a way of taking the bezel off a speedo so it can be refitted?? It would be nice to just alter the Kph on the speedo face to Mph. Does anyone sell replacement bezels??
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Back on topic, has anyone ever worked out a way of taking the bezel off a speedo so it can be refitted?? It would be nice to just alter the Kph on the speedo face to Mph. Does anyone sell replacement bezels??
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No man is an island - except for the Isle of Man.
I'd like to do just that with the speedo on my 250 single. Unfortunately I don't think it's that easy. Read an article recently in a mag about a guy that repairs speedos & he has special jigs & an hydraulic press to remove/replace the bezels. I hope you won't ask for details as I can't remember the mag it was in (too much time spent reading & not enough doing!)
Neil.
Neil.
Neil,
Converter gearbox arrived from NLM today.
It is actually a Motrax part, and fits down at the front wheel end of the speedo cable between the cable and the drive unit.
This gearbox reduces the speedo needle deflection for the same speed.
So what was showing as '100' at 100km/h now shows '60' for 60mph.
It also comes with a sticker for 'mph' to put over the km/h bit on the standard speedo.
The only problem with this is my wife now has a speedo which can go to 200mph ! A little quick for a Strada?
The odometer reading at present is in km, but will record miles from now on - a little confusing but not a disaster I suppose.
Regards,
Michael
Converter gearbox arrived from NLM today.
It is actually a Motrax part, and fits down at the front wheel end of the speedo cable between the cable and the drive unit.
This gearbox reduces the speedo needle deflection for the same speed.
So what was showing as '100' at 100km/h now shows '60' for 60mph.
It also comes with a sticker for 'mph' to put over the km/h bit on the standard speedo.
The only problem with this is my wife now has a speedo which can go to 200mph ! A little quick for a Strada?
The odometer reading at present is in km, but will record miles from now on - a little confusing but not a disaster I suppose.
Regards,
Michael
Speedo failed MOT because of K/PH markings?
Frankly I'm amazed that it failed.
My wifes car has a speedo that hasn't worked (at all!) for the last 6 years and has never been noted on the MOT forms. Sounds like either your, or my, MOT station doesnt understand the rules!
My wifes car has a speedo that hasn't worked (at all!) for the last 6 years and has never been noted on the MOT forms. Sounds like either your, or my, MOT station doesnt understand the rules!