For motorcycle enthusiasts and professionals alike, having the right equipment in a garage is essential to maintaining and repairing motorcycles. With the growing popularity of motorcycles in the UK, there is a higher demand for quality motorcycle garage equipment.
The first piece of equipment that should ideally be in every motorcycle garage is a hydraulic lift table or motorcycle scissor lift. These allow the motorcycle to be lifted off the ground, making it easier to perform repairs and maintenance tasks. Lift tables come in various sizes and weight capacities, so it’s important to choose one that can support the weight of your motorcycle.
Next, a quality set of tools is necessary for any garage. Having a set of high-quality tools will make working on a motorcycle easier and more efficient. Some essential tools include a torque wrench, socket set, pliers, screwdrivers, and wrenches.
A motorcycle tyre changer is another important piece of equipment for a garage. This will allow for quick and easy tyre changes. Tyre changers come in manual and electric versions, and both have their advantages.
A wheel balancer is another essential tool for a motorcycle garage. It ensures that the wheels are balanced properly, which can help prevent uneven tyre wear and improve the ride quality of the motorcycle.
A parts washer is also a useful tool for a motorcycle garage. It helps to clean parts quickly and efficiently, making it easier to identify any issues and perform repairs.
Finally, a workbench is a must-have for any garage. It provides a space to work on the motorcycle and store tools and equipment. Look for a workbench with a sturdy frame and a durable work surface.
Having the right equipment in a motorcycle garage or motorcycle MOT Bay is essential to maintaining and repairing motorcycles. From lift tables to tyre changers, having the right tools can make all the difference. Whether you’re a professional mechanic or a motorcycle enthusiast, investing in quality motorcycle garage equipment is a wise decision.
What’s required or recommended for a Class 1 & 2 Motorcycle MOT Bay?
To carry out MOT tests on motorcycles in the UK, you need to have an approved Class 1 & 2 Motorcycle M.O.T. Bay.
The inspection process and rules for motorcycle, scooter, moped and motorcycle combination (class 1 and 2 vehicles) MOT tests can be found in the DVSA “MOT Inspection Manual for Motorcycles and Sidecars“. It includes requirements for equipment, premises, and personnel.
Some of the equipment requirements for a Class 1 and Class 2 motorcycle MOT testing bay include
- A motorcycle lift (this is recommended but not required for a motorcycle MOT bay)
- Brake testing equipment such as a class I & II roller brake tester
- Headlight testing equipment
MOT testing premises requirements include
- Proper lighting
- Ample ventilation
- Sufficient space for the testing area, and surrounding each piece of MOT testing equipment
MOT testing personnel requirements include
- Having a qualified tester with the necessary AEDM certification and up-to-date training or annual MOT assessment.
Motorcycle scissor lifts
AΒ motorcycle scissor liftΒ is a device used to easily and safely raise a motorcycle off the ground for maintenance or storage. These motorcycle lifts are typically made of steel and powered by air or hydraulic cylinders.
Motorcycle lifts, sometimes called motorcycle lift tables or motorcycle ramps come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the type, engine size and weight of the motorcycle you intend to work on.
Due to their minimal footprint, motorcycle scissor lifts take up minimal floor space when not in use. Furthermore, they provide a safe and secure platform for working on motorcycles, allowing you to focus on the task at hand without worrying about stability or balance. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic, MOT testing station or a home motorcycle enthusiast, a motorcycle scissor lift is an investment that can greatly enhance your motorcycle maintenance experience.
Motorcycle Tyre Changers
Motorcycle tyre changers allow for quick and easy replacement of motorcycle tyres, which is essential for maintaining optimum performance and safety on the road. Motorcycle tyre changers come in different types and sizes, ranging from manual models to fully automated machines. They are designed to handle a wide range of motorcycle tyres, from small scooter tyres to large touring bike tyres. Some models feature advanced technology, such as a pneumatic bead breaker and tyre press, which make the tyre-changing process even faster and more efficient..
They assist the tyre fitter in securely holding the motorcycle wheel, usually by way of a clamp, such that either manual or automated tools can be used to level the tyre off the rim, and subsequently do the reverse to put a new or repaired tyre back onto the wheel rim.Β With automated motorcycle tyre changers, they will also rotate the tyre during the removal and re-application process of the tyre.
Most of the tyre changers sold by Concept Garage Equipment can also be used for motorcycle tyre changing, often with the simple addition of a tyre changer motorcycle adaptor which fits onto the clamping jaws of the tyre-changing machine allowing you to easily fit tyres onto Motorcycle wheels by propping up the wheel and increasing the clamping size.
Motorcycle Wheel Balancers
Motorcycle wheel balancers are the unsung heroes of the biking world. These compact, often portable machines can make all the difference when it comes to ensuring a smooth and safe ride.
The motorcycle wheel balancer is used to spin each motorcycle wheel to assess the weight of the wheel of the motorcycle with the tyre installed to check for uneven weight distribution across the wheel’s circumference.
The tyre fitter would use the machine to identify the lightest point on the tyre’s rotation and apply small metal weights to the tyre’s rim to neutralise the weight differences and cause an even weight across the whole wheel circumference.
Most of the wheel balancers sold by Concept Garage Equipment can also be used for motorcycle wheel balancing, though due to the difference in both the size of the wheel rim, as well as the tyre size and shape difference, this will usually need a motorcycle adapterΒ to ensure that the motorcycle tyre fits correctly and centrally on the car tyre changer, therefore converting this into a motorcycle tyre changer.
Also, you must ensure that the wheel balancer that you intend to use for motorcycle wheel balancing has the correct software to balance this size and type of tyre, so check with your garage equipment supplier before making a purchase on this basis.
Help with yourΒ Class 1 & 2 Motorcycle MOT Bay
If you are looking to set up a Class 1 & 2 MOT Bay for motorcycles, or upgrading an existing MOT Bay to include motorcycle MOT testing and need some information, helpful free advice or additional garage or motorcycle MOT equipment give Concept Garage Equipment a call, we would love to help you get your garage equipment set up and paying for itself as soon as possible.
We can offer you advice over the phone atΒ 0113 469 0572, we have Class 1 & 2 MOT equipment for sale online and over the phone, including delivery, installation and staff training in the correct use of the MOT Bay or garage equipment and can offer full project management of your MOT Bay build, installation and training, we can remove all your headaches along the way.Β
Call us today onΒ 0113 469 0572Β or use the website contact form today, we are here to help.