Motorcycle MOT 2026: How to Prepare Your Bike

The motorcycle MOT has been mandatory in France since 2024. Many riders dread this test, but with proper preparation, it's straightforward. Here's everything you need to know and my complete checklist to pass on the first attempt.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

What Gets Checked

The motorcycle MOT covers 5 main categories:

My Preparation Checklist (1 week before)

Here are the points I systematically check on clients' bikes before the MOT:

• [ ] Lights: check ALL lights (dipped, main, brake, indicators, plate). Replace blown bulbs
• [ ] Tires: check tread depth (> 1.6 mm minimum). Check sidewalls
• [ ] Brakes: check pad thickness. Top up brake fluid if needed
• [ ] Exhaust: refit the baffle if aftermarket. Check mountings
• [ ] Side stand: verify the cut-off switch kills the engine when in gear with stand down
• [ ] Mirrors: both must be present and firmly attached
• [ ] Steering: check for play by lifting the front end
• [ ] Horn: verify it works
• [ ] Leaks: no visible oil or fluid leaks

Most Common Failures

Based on early motorcycle MOT statistics in France:

1. Lighting faults (35% of failures) — blown bulb, beam too high
2. Non-compliant exhaust (25%) — missing baffle, racing pipe
3. Worn tires (15%) — tread below legal minimum
4. Insufficient braking (12%) — warped discs, worn pads
5. Missing or broken mirror (8%) — often the right side

Cost and Frequency

• Average price: 50-70 EUR (depending on center)
• Frequency: every 2 years (3 years for first MOT after 5 years)
• Retest: free if done within 2 months
• Fine: 135 EUR for expired MOT

My tip: book the MOT early in the week (Monday/Tuesday). Inspectors are more relaxed and the retest deadline is more comfortable if needed.

Exhaust: The Sensitive Point

This is THE contentious topic. If you have an aftermarket exhaust (Akrapovic, Yoshimura, Arrow, SC-Project...), here are the rules:

• EU-homologated exhaust ("e" marking + number): no problem
• Road-legal but modified (baffle removed): refit the baffle
• Racing/competition exhaust: systematic failure — refit the original for the MOT

Always keep your original exhaust. It's worth its weight in gold on MOT day.

On L'Atelier, you can find your bike's technical specifications to check wear limits (disc thickness, pads, tires) before the MOT. The AI assistant gives you exact manufacturer values.