Reasons Why Your Motorcycle Might Fail Its MOT

Among the most frequently detected defects in motorcycles during the MOT are, firstly, issues with lighting and signalling, followed by emissions problems, and then faults in axles, wheels, tyres, and suspension, according to the Spanish Association of Collaborating Entities of the Administration in the Technical Inspection of Vehicles (AECA-ITV).

Regarding the regions where the most defects are found in motorcycles, the Principality of Asturias ranks first with a 24.4% rejection rate in the first inspection, and the Balearic Islands come second with an 18.9% rejection rate. On the other hand, Ceuta is the autonomous city where the fewest faults are detected in these vehicles, with a 4.95% rejection rate in the first inspection.

These figures are particularly significant for this type of vehicle, one of the oldest in the fleet. According to official data, the average age of motorcycles increased by 11% over the last six years, rising from 15.2 years in 2017 to 16.8 in 2023.

"The increase in the age of the motorcycle fleet makes the MOT more important, as older vehicles statistically present more defects during the MOT, making them less safe and less environmentally friendly," stated Guillermo Magaz, managing director of AECA-ITV.

Ensuring that motorcycles are roadworthy can save lives. According to the European Road Safety Observatory, motorcyclists are 17 times more likely to die in a road accident than car drivers.

The accident statistics provided by the DGT also highlight the risks associated with these vehicles. The agency reported that in 2024, 289 people died in Spain while travelling on motorcycles, the highest number recorded since 2015. Of these, 26%, or 76 fatalities, occurred on motorways and highways, representing a 13% increase from 2023, also marking the highest figure in the last decade. The remaining 74% of fatalities occurred on other interurban roads, totalling 213, which is a 3% decrease compared to the previous year.

These figures contrast with the rest of Europe, where the number of motorcyclist fatalities has decreased by 16% over the last decade, with the exception of Portugal. The situation in our neighbouring country is particularly concerning, as the mandatory technical inspections for motorcycles, which were to be implemented this year, were not approved, despite a 26.2% increase in motorcyclist fatalities compared to 2019.

"The MOT is essential for reducing motorcycle accidents. Only through these periodic checks can the proper functioning of vehicles be ensured," concludes Magaz.