Running a track bike on the road

Millhouse · October 03, 2013, 04:04:42 PM

Fitted a new zorst QS and throttle tube and need a test ride to shakedown.
Yes I know it's daft but what are the minimum requirements to be "legal" other than mot, tax and insurance?

Rear reflector and a horn?
Lights??
Indicators???

mc101 · October 03, 2013, 04:13:11 PM

The rest you can ignore but I go everywhere with the horn

Millhouse · October 03, 2013, 04:19:25 PM

Gobert · October 03, 2013, 06:25:49 PM

Depends what you mean by legal - a bike that will pass a "daytime" MOT is not necessary road legal with regards to the Construction + User Regulations. Massive grey area and most of the people stopped with this kind of bike only get away with it because very few people know whats, what.

Insurance is not that easy to get either if you declare all the mods and while it's easy to appear legal to those who know no better, what if the worst happens?

I looked into it in detail and didn't fancy taking the chance - loads of people will say they've done it for years without any issues but then loads of people drive round without any insurance, licence etc and never get caught.

big gav · October 03, 2013, 07:17:17 PM

Andy is 100% right. The only true way to get round it is to declare that the bike has been built 100%
by yourself then appy for sva ( single vehicle approval ) then once it has been approved see if someone will insure
it as a custom bike. Dont tell them it's a road going trackbike. You need to treat it as a roadbike that you use mainly on track. If you get my drift.

tucola · October 03, 2013, 09:33:03 PM

Surely there's a rule that shakedown runs don't count as far as normal rules of road-worthyness, insurance, etc. are concerned?

Isn't there?

I'd probably just pick a quiet time and just go...

Millhouse · October 03, 2013, 10:00:35 PM

Testing a loud exhaust and a quickshifter down the duel carriageway past the big police station behind my house probably is the exception to that rule Iain!!

MOzZereLLa · October 04, 2013, 06:28:15 AM

Pop up and use my airfield

Always used to amuse me watching Joey Dunlop documentaries. Footage of him and Robert just jumping on their race bikes and "practicing" around the local roads. The coppers used to let them get on with it!!!

m6rk · October 04, 2013, 09:15:08 AM

move near a disused airfield...

When i lived in tangmere I used to have a word with the local security guard and test the racebike there.. it was ok until the local kids started trying to chase me on their peds...

Gilby104 · October 04, 2013, 06:35:09 PM

Quote from: Millhouse on October 03, 2013, 10:00:35 PM
Testing a loud exhaust and a quickshifter down the duel carriageway past the big police station behind my house probably is the exception to that rule Iain!!

Does the numberplate not come off....

Millhouse · October 04, 2013, 06:35:58 PM

Yep, but if there's ever a way TO get noticed this would be it!!!

Gilby104 · October 04, 2013, 06:40:47 PM

Quote from: Millhouse on October 04, 2013, 06:35:58 PM
Yep, but if there's ever a way TO get noticed this would be it!!!

Ohhhh I don't disagree.... but if you're going to get recognized.......

Maddog · October 05, 2013, 01:14:33 AM

My ZX10 was a road bike turned into a track bike and has a "daytime mot" The only thing it needs was a legal size plate, horn, tax and insurance. It doesnt need any lights, indicators,mirrors. I feel a bit naked without lights,mirrors etc on road but i only use it on the odd occasion.

WizzBang · October 05, 2013, 09:02:39 AM

The main reason I haven't put mine on the road is the insurance black hole....

I've mot'd it (my tester never put any advisories on it either) and I could insure it as standard, but if stopped or involved in anything then I'm likely to not be covered as it's nowhere near original.

I did do a modified bike quote and tried to give as many details but the price went up to around £850 instead of the £95 as standard.