Café Racer: Should You Fear the Technical Control?

Motorcycle Technical Inspection: list of checkpoints

Since the beginning of the 2000s, there has been a debate that has come up regularly: European regulations on the periodic technical inspection of two-wheelers . The previous deadline, scheduled for January 1, 2022 , was the source of many protests in April 2021.

Coordinated in particular by the FFMC (French Federation of Angry Bikers), the project has been postponed for a year, giving way to a government reflection on a visual and sound control of the motorcycle as well as the evaluation of its pollution rate. .

To follow up on the actions of various associations ( Respire , Ras-le-Scoot , and Paris sans Voitures ) with the Council of State, the project has been relaunched and announced for next October! Would be concerned, mopeds, scooters with two or three wheels, motorcycles, sidecars, quads and cars without a license. So, should the Café Racer fear the technical control?

• Which motorcycle checkpoints and at what price?
• How many checkpoints and what would they cover?
• What will be the cost of the motorcycle technical control?
• German motorcycle technical inspection: TÜV SÜD checkpoints
• General controls
• Lighting and electrical equipment
• Checking the direction of the two-wheeler
• Brake operation check
• Wheels and tires
• Drive, Chassis, Frame and Anchor Parts
• Exhaust gases and noise
• What can we conclude from the motorcycle inspection carried out in Germany?
• What to remember.

The technical control of motorcycles is debated in France and has opposed its supporters to its detractors for years. In this deleterious atmosphere tinged with conflicts of interest, the prospect of setting up a CT for two-wheelers, starting in the fall of 2022, seems risky to say the least. Between the necessary approval of the centers, the training of technicians and their number according to towns and regions, the road still seems long.

S ince the publication of this article, in May 2022, decree no. 2021-1062 of August 9, 2021 (implementation of the technical inspection of motorized vehicles with two or three wheels and motorized quadricycles) has been repealed by decree no. 2022-1044 of July 25, 2022. This same decree was canceled on October 31 by the Council of State for excess of power.

As a result, the decree of August 9, 2021 has been reinstated. To date, we are awaiting the publication of the implementing measures for this decree .

The fact remains that if motorcycle technical inspection is required in 2023, it will be introduced for less than 0.5% of two-wheeler accidents linked to technical failures, out of a fleet of around 4 million vehicles, including a third of a scooter. In fact, the recriminations of associations demanding its implementation are, for their part, essentially motivated by noise pollution.

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Safety and respect for the environment, like the automotive world, will be the basis of motorcycle technical inspection. Braking, steering, exhaust, lighting, mechanical structure will be key points of the CT. As for their number, it is difficult to say exactly, but around forty can be legitimately considered. It remains to be seen which will lead to the obligation of a counter-visit.

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The price of the car inspection depends on the region and each center. It will be the same for motorcycles with an additional constraint to anticipate for two-wheelers, the proximity of a center equipped for these new controls and the risk of having to travel a certain number of kilometers to pass its CT. Time and fuel costs which will be added to the €50 to €90 or more to be expected.

Today, the debate is therefore once again revived and while waiting to see what will result from the balance of power engaged, we wanted to focus more precisely on the nature of the technical verifications of a motorcycle CT. Indeed, in addition to the periodicity and the cost, many wonder and worry about what might be invalidated.

These questions are at least justified for modified and customized motorcycles such as Café racers, Scramblers, Bobbers and other Trackers. Depending on the transformations made, it is clear that the problem will arise irremediably if such control were to be introduced in France. Should you store your gleaming Café racer in a corner of the garage and take advantage of its LED lighting as a light in the living room? Or will we be able to continue to vibrate on the handlebars of our machine without the risk of being grabbed by the constabulary?

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Motorcycle technical control already exists in several countries of the European Union. The terms and technical aspects controlled are different depending on the country , so we looked at our German neighbors what was going on. With a number of motorcycles in circulation close to France, it seemed interesting to us to list the elements taken into account during their motorcycle technical inspection . Indeed, it is reasonable to imagine that if, in the years to come, a CT project for motorcycles finally sees the light of day, the points checked correspond more or less to it.

The Café Racer universe is not to be outdone across the Rhine and the Glemseck gathering is a real success every year. Note the TÜV sticker on the number plates of his superb machines. Like what, the rigor of the German CT in no way represents a brake on our common passion.

In Germany, the technical control of motorcycles is passed every two years and must validate the following points to obtain the TÜV (Technischer Überwachungs Verein) label . Several technical control bodies existing in Germany, we took as referent TÜV SÜD . Here is the list of the main points checked on the motorcycles:

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• Presentation of the gray card or registration certificate and, if necessary, other documents at hand, such as proof of tire approval.
• Is the factory plate (type plate) present and clearly legible?
• Does the vehicle identification number (chassis number) correspond to that on the papers and is it clearly legible?
• Are the mirrors intact and securely fastened?
• Do the handlebar lock and speedometer work?
• License plate clearly legible, undamaged and securely attached?

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• Are the lamp housings and reflectors intact?
• Are all lights and indicator lights working?
• Are the headlight reflectors in order and not corroded?
• Do all bulbs glow evenly and flicker-free?
• Are the brake light switches properly adjusted?
• Is the battery in good condition and properly attached?
• Does the horn work?
• Are the electrical connections solid and not oxidized?
• Are the electric cables laid without chafing and without damage?
• Are the spark plugs and spark plug connectors specified in the vehicle documents installed?

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• Is the steering free, smooth and without stopping points?
• Is the handlebar secure and undamaged?
• Are the handlebar grips tight?

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• Are the brake system components (levers, lines, hoses, linkage, pads, rotors and drums) in good condition?
• Has the brake fluid not run out and is the brake fluid level correct?
• Is the braking system sealed and ventilated?
• Are the brakes free to move?
• Is there a travel reserve in the lever and the pedal?

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• Is the tread depth of the tires correct (minimum prescribed depth of 1.6 mm - 1.0 mm for light motorcycles)?
• Does the tire size and designation correspond to those in the vehicle documents - or is the tire pair approved and do you have proof of this?
• Is the specified rolling direction for the tires correct?
• Are the tires free of any damage, such as dents, cuts or cracks?
• Are the rims intact and firmly attached?
• Are the wheel axles fixed and secure?

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• Are all bolts tight and secure, if provided?
• Are the chain, sprocket and chain wheel in good condition?
• Is the chain correctly tensioned and sufficiently lubricated?
• Is the running direction of the chain correct when using a chain lock?
• Is the chain guard in place?
• Are the suspension struts and fork tubes tight?
• Is the driving position of the side stand and the main stand secure?
• Is the fuel tank properly secured and undamaged?
• Are the fuel hoses secure and routed smoothly?
• Are the engine and gearbox waterproof?
• Are the fairing and windshield of the fairing undamaged and provided with edge protection?
• Is the seat properly fixed?
• Are the footrests in order?
• Are the cables, joints, linkages, locks and bearings lubricated?

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• Is the exhaust system sealed and properly secured?
• Is the motorcycle too noisy?

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Or should Café racer riders fear motorcycle technical inspection? Although it only presents an inventory of what is practiced today in Germany and in no way prefigures what the rules adopted at European level could constitute, the current TÜV certification does not pose any particular problems for motorcycles. modified. The checks carried out to date are nevertheless common sense. One of the most sensitive points will undoubtedly be at the level of the muffler: pollution and dB. An aspect of the problem that it will be good to anticipate by adding a dB Killer baffle if necessary.

TÜV certification is renowned for its rigor and it is rather reassuring to see the number of German Café Racer circulating with the famous sticker on the license plate. Also, while waiting for the rest of the debates to come, pamper your old motorcycle, take care of your modifications to protect yourself from a costly counter-visit.

The Blackpines team selects and offers quality motorcycle parts and accessories in its online store to allow you to equip and transform your motorcycle as you wish.

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Following the cancellation by the Council of State of the decree of July 25, 2022 repealing that of August 9, 2021 providing for the establishment of a technical inspection of two-wheeled vehicles, three-wheeled vehicles and motorized quadricycles, the forthcoming introduction of a motorcycle technical inspection is put back on track.

Pollution and dB level checks could be carried out more simply, at a lower cost, which would respond favorably to the requests of associations awaiting technical inspection. These two points are clearly the main claims too, until the probable establishment of a technical control, be attentive to them.

For additional information, a report on the technical inspection broadcast at the beginning of September on BFM Business:

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