James Whiting Fireblade - cat for MOT?

[dand]

As per title - does a James Whiting Fireblade require a cat for the MOT or does it get through on visual test only?

[Jonathan Kay]

1. Have you got the date of first registration?
2. MoT inspection before or after 20 May 2018?

Jonathan

[dand]

Yes, it's a 2003 car.

For the change in MOT rules, I don't think they could've caused more confusion if they'd tried. I think the changes at the end of May are to with classic cars (rolling 40 year exemption) and the proposals/discussion/consideration of the kit car rules won't come in until September.

I plan to have it MOT'd in the next couple of weeks.

 

[Jonathan Kay]

New regime from 20 May 2018.

Jonathan

[Jonathan Kay]

The rules and procedures under the current regime are in Section 7 of the inspection manual.

I'd go and have a cat with the tester before the inspection in case there's any disagreement in interpretation...

Jonathan

[elie boone]

If it's on carbs then you are going to destroy the Cat.

[dand]

Friendly local MOT guy says these days he can't tell what's required until he's testing it and the computer tells him what to do next. 

Reading the MOT manual it seems that for Caterhams if the 6th digit of the VIN is a C or a K and the 10th a W or earlier it's OK. On mine the 6th is a K but the 10th is a 1. So I've no idea.

And, yep, it's on carbs.

 

[pikeyboy]

My 2003 Fireblade has never had a cat on it for the MOT or otherwise.

[Ian Mackenzie]

I had a Westfield with a Fireblade engine and it was a visual inspection.

There are a couple of key point in the current manual ( https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mot-inspection-manual-for-class-3-4-5-and-7-vehicles)

- Q plated vehicles are to be treated as being first used before 1 August 1975 for emissions purposes. Therefor there is no emissions requirement. (see here: https://www.mot-testing.service.gov.uk/documents/manuals/m4s07000301.htm)

- "Regulations do not require vehicles to achieve CO or HC readings below the original capability of the engine when new. A very few vehicles may never have been able to meet the MOT limits. Where a vehicle owner claims that this is the case, and has sound supporting evidence (e.g. a letter from the vehicle manufacturer), the vehicle should be considered exempt from the CO and HC emission requirements.If the owner does not have sound supporting evidence, a Test Certificate should be refused." (see here: https://www.mot-testing.service.gov.uk/documents/manuals/m4s07000304.htm ) The new manual has similar wording post 19th May on page  105.

In the above you need proof of the engine age, I believe a quick search on the internet will help. I know that Honda UK have issued letters before. I'm assuming your blade engine is a 998 (I meant 893, oops!) which will be pre 1995 and therefor exempt from emissions. 

So in short currently you are exempt both pre and post 20th May, but you may need proof of your engine age for the tester.....and a copy of the appropriate page of the testing manual to help persuade the tester, they will also have access to the manual at the garage....I went through all this with another car.....

I hope this helps.

Cheers

Ian

P.S. I managed to get a ZX9R on carbs through a BET test with a CAT  at an SVA Test, but that is another story....

[pikeyboy]

Ian FYI our blade engines are the RRW type, available upto 1998, and are of 919cc capacity.

[dand]

Thanks guys - that's very helpful.

It just seems you need a PhD in MoTs to figure out the rules!