Fireblade 919 and ulez

[Ian Geary]

With one month to go before ulez expands, I have taken my cbr900rr to get tested for nox emissions.

It's a 1999 model, the last of the carb'd ones.

Google revealed some testing centres that "only do tests".
Others quoted very high pass rates.

I have gone to the netc in Hackney Wick - just of the A12 in Tower Hamlets.

The guy said straight away it won't pass, and the 80% bike pass rate being bandied around is fake. Whilst 125s will probably pass, any larger bike will fail. (Which makes the "test only" business model questionable)

So, rather than waste £175.on a fail, he suggested fitting a cartridge style catalytic converter. With the right cat fitted, pretty much anything will pass apparently. Although adjusting carb fueling might be possible, it's far more work to get right on a multi cylinder bike, so more labour= more cost.

I'm enjoying a coffee nearby at the mo, but it will only take an hour apparently.

Fitting and the test will be just over £400, so it will pay back in 30 trips into London.

I'm sharing this partly to pass the time, but also to give people a real world example of bringing an older bike into compliance. (Bikes with cats/ fuel injection) but just not the documents obviously are much easier to get recognised.

I also highly recommend the chaps at netc for practical, no BS advice.

Ian

[Biker9090]

The best idea for this is to ask the question on the owners group on Facebook. EVERYWHERE else has been of the opinion that most bikes WILL pass. You'll likely get people who have already been through the process.

[MDUBZ]

When you contacted honda about a certificate of conformity what did they say?

Link if you haven't contacted them.. https://www.honda.co.uk/cars/owners/certificate-co...

The link to apply is in the 'how to get one' section. There is a drop down for vehicle type on the form itself so don't worry about all the blurb referencing cars.

Edited by MDUBZ on Monday 3rd July 01:21

[AnotherGuy]

I don't think Honda are able to supply CoC for older bikes. I asked about my 1999 carb model CRB600F, they wrote back :

Thank you for contacting Honda UK and for providing the requested information.

According to the provided VIN (XX1XX11XX111111), your CBR600F, is a vehicle for which we would not be able to supply a Certificate of Conformity, due to its age. Honda UK can supply COC’s for motorcycles which are not older than 2001.

If you would like to obtain the emissions details of your motorcycle, it will have to be independently tested at a Vehicle Emissions Testing Facility. We would recommend referring to the Vehicle Certification Agency (https://www.vehicle-certification-agency.gov.uk/contact-us-uk.asp) for additional assistance.
Tel: [phone];
Email: [e-mail]

[moanthebairns]

Worrying about making a motorbike legal in London. Well I never. At least the st scheme they started in Glasgow, all bikes are exempt.

[dibblecorse]

moanthebairns said:

Worrying about making a motorbike legal in London. Well I never. At least the st scheme they started in Glasgow, all bikes are exempt.

They had to as no one rides anything newer than a 2001 bike up there !!

[NSR500]

dibblecorse said:

moanthebairns said:

Worrying about making a motorbike legal in London. Well I never. At least the st scheme they started in Glasgow, all bikes are exempt.

They had to as no one rides anything newer than a 2001 bike up there !!

Well my bike is a 2021 so that's your theory blown out the water

[Sidecar Man]

Carrying round a broken number plate in you're jacket. Only £100 fine if you actually get stopped. Amazing how easy a number plate breaks now a days