State inspection

[chauffeur]

I've always thought the annual state inspection requirement for bikes is yet another government overreach with little to no value.

I need to modify that thought.  The most recent inspection identified that my brake light was not lighting when I applied the front brake.  That's not good.  

Troubleshooting identified that the connections to the switch assembly on the right grip were tarnished and not making good contact.

I also found that the switch for the rear brake light needed adjustment.    

These are old bikes and stuff like this happens.  I'm sure glad they identified it.    

  

[Jess from VA]

I always do a complete self inspection before I go to a state inspection station.

Our brake light switches do need some work/adjustment/cleaning from time to time.

Right now, my front is perfect, but my rear will not activate if I am just touching the pedal with minimal drag braking.  Thanks for the reminder.  It's just a thumb wheel (and a squirt of solvent/lube) from fixed. 

[Earl43P]

My morning commute is in the dark.
I check mine frequently when a car pulls behind me at the light, both front and rear switch.
Don't even have to turn around, I can see the result in the mirror.
I also habitually (paranoid) blink them when a car is approaching me stopped at a light in the morning.

I also test low/hi beam occasionally, particularly against pickup tailgates. Then you can tell BOTH lamps are lighting. I ride daytime high beams unless on a group ride.

A couple good habits that have paid off in the past.

[RainMaker]

Took mine in a couple of years ago and the tech said he had to ride it in and check the brakes.  I told him no one else had ever done that but he said he rode bikes and it was required.  So I reluctantly handed him the key. He started up, put it in gear and promptly rode over a curb and almost into a fence.  Took 3 guys to pick up the front end and get it back over the curb and upright.  No damage but one mad owner.  Since that day, I go back to the same place and they just wave me in, punch the VIN number in and give me a certificate.  No charge.

[franco6]

There is no charge at the inspection site anymore .Included in the new sticker.    with a slight surcharge 
 

[turtle254]

There is no charge at the inspection site anymore .Included in the new sticker.    with a slight surcharge 
 

Not true … $7.00 at the inspec. site and the rest included in sticker at the court house.

[The emperor has no clothes]

There is no charge at the inspection site anymore .Included in the new sticker.    with a slight surcharge 
 

Not true … $7.00 at the inspec. site and the rest included in sticker at the court house.

So, you guys have to go to an inspection site and then afterwards go to the courthouse to get a sticker ?

[turtle254]

There is no charge at the inspection site anymore .Included in the new sticker.    with a slight surcharge 
 

Not true … $7.00 at the inspec. site and the rest included in sticker at the court house.

So, you guys have to go to an inspection site and then afterwards go to the courthouse to get a sticker ?

Have to proof you have it inspec. to get your lic. plate sticker  …   no more sticker for inspec.

[Valker]

And they do NOT need to ride the bike.

[The emperor has no clothes]

There is no charge at the inspection site anymore .Included in the new sticker.    with a slight surcharge 
 

Not true … $7.00 at the inspec. site and the rest included in sticker at the court house.

So, you guys have to go to an inspection site and then afterwards go to the courthouse to get a sticker ?

Have to proof you have it inspec. to get your lic. plate sticker  …   no more sticker for inspec.

Here we have no inspection. My wife gets our renewals over the web, and new stickers come in the mail. Are you guys able to do this, or do you have to go down there physically ?

[Jess from VA]

In VA, you pass the inspection (car, truck motorcycle), you get the sticker at the inspection station. (and they must stick it on the bike/car right then, no taking it with you)

The inspections (safety and emissions) are put in a VA DMV database at every inspection station.  If your inspections are good when you need a new license tag, you do it online (or mail or in person) and get it.  If your inspection is expired you don't get it.  

Safety inspection every year, every other year is safety AND emissions on 4-wheels, no emissions on bikes.

$16 four wheels, $12 bikes,  $28 emissions.  Get caught with an expired inspection ... about $100.

They tend to cruise all the huge parking lots, malls, yada all over town the first day or two of each month (for fresh expirations).  People forget.  I have.  $100 forehead smack.

[RainMaker]

There is no charge at the inspection site anymore .Included in the new sticker.    with a slight surcharge 
 

Not true … $7.00 at the inspec. site and the rest included in sticker at the court house.

So, you guys have to go to an inspection site and then afterwards go to the courthouse to get a sticker ?

Have to proof you have it inspec. to get your lic. plate sticker  …   no more sticker for inspec.

Here we have no inspection. My wife gets our renewals over the web, and new stickers come in the mail. Are you guys able to do this, or do you have to go down there physically ?

We can pay the yearly registration tax over the web.  The inspection info is fed into that system so if you haven't been inspected, you can't renew the plates. 

The safety inspection is, I think, a good thing but I am somewhat in the minority.  Perhaps inspections should only take place on cars over a certain age. 

I assume in states without inspections that the local police have to determine when a car is safe or unsafe to drive

[Rocketman]

And they do NOT need to ride the bike.

The only time anyone's asked, it was a 25 yr old bike that had just been resurrected, and it looked like it.  He told me that since their motorcycle guy was out, he would let me ride the brake check.  Up to a certain speed by the time I hit line A, then full stop before line B, and I was done.  I had no objection to doing it myself, but if he wanted to do it, I'd be pushing back.  A lot.

Mark

[Rocketman]

There is no charge at the inspection site anymore .Included in the new sticker.    with a slight surcharge 
 

Not true … $7.00 at the inspec. site and the rest included in sticker at the court house.

Concur with Turtle.  Franco6, I want to go to YOUR inspection site, if they're not charging you at all...

[franco6]

I have been getting motorcycle inspections at Mansucko power sport and THERE IS NO CHARGE!!!  thank you.
It is included in the online Texas fee. The cars are $25.00 at the site plus the renewal on line.

[hueco]

There is no charge at the inspection site anymore .Included in the new sticker.    with a slight surcharge  
 

Not true … $7.00 at the inspec. site and the rest included in sticker at the court house.

That is true for bikes and cages.  The station I take my business to only wants proof of insurance and VIN.  No other checks. I check my brake light, turn signal lights, high-low beams, tire pressure every time before I ride. Check it out.https://www.dps.texas.gov/RSD/VI/CostOfInsp.htm

[Daniel Meyer]

They need to abolish the entire program...with extreme prejudice. A waste of life.

"TWO TRIPS, ONE STICKER"

The state is...actually PROUD of this debacle. The man hours lost are incredible. I can (and do) beep my horn and check my lights...and the registration could just be a couple pennies added to the gas tax.

[rocketray]

I too had unknown brake light issues at my recent inspection ...had a new blinker switch put in too ...it cost a little but it sure does have that new tactile feel.. ....and yes that is the first time in some 50 years they found something at an inspection...maybe when we hit 60 it should be mandatory....