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Many of you have contacted me regarding tyres for your
Raleigh Wisp, Ariel 3 and other small classic mopeds, motorcycles, and
autocycles. You have said that there are a number of tyres available, but the
rules of the legal requirements of tyres have always been a bit unclear.
Hopefully the information below can help:-
Information
On the 27th November 2012, I made a number of
enquiries specifically regarding 2-12 tyres for a Raleigh Wisp. After speaking with a number of wholesale
suppliers and clubs I contacted the main authority on the subject of vehicle Mot
requirements, the UK transport office.
VOSA informed me that the legal requirements on motorcycle
and moped tyres are different to those of Cars. There is not a requirement for
markings on the side of the tyres such as the ratings and triangles. For a
moped with a capacity of less than 50cc the tread below tread depth may be less
than 1mm, if the tread pattern is clearly visible around the entire circumference
and across the whole breadth of the tread. The tyre must also meet the VOSA standards
found on the website link below.
The representative I spoke agreed that I could put this
information and a link on my website:
The VOSA telephone number is 0300 123 9000
The full details of the requirements can be found at the VOSA
website under section 4:-
Summary
Where possible I would always advise that tyres are
purchased which do have ratings and age related markings. In particular age
related markings are useful because tyres do perish depending on age and
storage conditions.
In the case of the Raleigh Wisp, BSA Ariel Three where the machines
are rare and tyres are no longer made with stamps then if the only option is to
buy a replacement without the markings I would advise that you buy from
www.classicmopedspares.com or
another reputable dealer within the UK.
Disclaimer
This article is
for information only was written on the 27th November 2012 and may not
be updated in line with any legal changes that are made in the future. It is
your responsibility to comply with any current legislation. Classic Moped
Spares will not be held liable for any compliance failures or anything written
in this article