Tyre Related Bike MOT Failures on the Rise

Defective tyres are now the fourth most common reason why motorcycles fail MOT tests in the UK. Statistics released by the Vehicle Operator and Services Agency (VOSA) also indicate that bike maintenance standards are on the decline.

The report showed that between 2006 and 2007, close to 5,000 bikes failed their annual MOT due to being fitted with tyres that were not fit for purpose, compared to nearly 1,700 the year before. This equates to a jump of 66 per cent. Cars and light vans did not fair particularly better during the same period, recording a 54 per cent rise in tyre related MOT failures.

This presents a worrying picture, says TyreSafe, and provides hard evidence of the extent to which tyres are neglected. The reality behind the statistics is that thousands of riders are putting their lives at risk every day on the nation’s roads as a result of insufficient care and attention to tyres.

To emphasise the importance of the role tyres play in the safety of motorcyclists, Bike Tyre Safety Month will be taking place throughout the month of March, a TyreSafe initiative designed to highlight the dangers of defective or badly worn tyres on motorcycles and scooters. The four-week long campaign, the first of its kind, has received full backing from both tyre manufacturers and retailers. Additional details of how to support the scheme may be found on the TyreSafe website at www.tyresafe.org.