Motorcycle maintenance
The importance of keeping your motorcycle properly maintained.
A well maintained motorcycle can reduce your chances of death or injury on the road. Make sure you know your motorcycle and how to look after it.
Motorcycle Routine checks - POWDER
Motorcycle Routine checks - POWDERCarrying out the POWDER pre-ride check ensures your bike is safe, reliable and roadworthy before every journey. Taking a few minutes to inspect your Petrol, Oil, Water, Damage, Electrics and Rubber can help you spot potential issues early and prevent them from becoming serious hazards on the road. Making this simple check part of your routine is an effective way to improve your safety, protect your bike and give you confidence every time you set off.
Motorcycle Safety Gear
Our Motorcycle Safety Gear video highlights the importance of wearing the correct personal protective equipment every time you ride a motorcycle. By choosing properly rated gear such as boots, gloves, trousers, jackets, and a well-fitted helmet, you can significantly reduce the risk of injury. Making safety gear part of your routine, along with ensuring visibility through high-visibility clothing, is a simple but effective way to protect yourself and stay safe on the road. Motorcycle Safety Gear VideoRegular servicing is vital
Vehicle reliability and safety are key issues for any road user but particularly for motorcyclists, whose machines offer little protection in the event of a collision. While some routine checks can be performed at home, more complex work must be carried out by a suitably qualified motorcycle mechanic.
Even if you confidently maintain your own motorcycle, a qualified mechanic can offer advice specific to your make or model. Always be guided by the owner's handbook and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Download 'This is your bike' - Our motorcycle safety booklet pdf | 1892 KBMotorcycle Standards
A motorcycle is a two wheeled motor vehicle, three-wheeled versions are called tricycles. It is important to know the rules and regulations governing the use of these vehicle types on the road.
Motorcycles are classed as L category vehicles and can be divided into five groups
| Category | Vehicle Description |
| L1e | Light two-wheel powered vehicle |
| L2e | Three-wheeled moped |
| L3e | Two-wheeled motorcycle |
| L4e | Two-wheeled motorcycle with sidecar |
| L5e | Powered tricycle |
Frequently asked questions
This content is for general information only. It does not, and is not intended to, provide legal or technical advice or to represent a legal interpretation of the matters it addresses.
Yes, but not with any passenger inside. The rules for towing are as follows:
- the overall width of the trailer cannot be more than 1 m.
- the distance between the rear axle of the motorcycle and the end of the trailer must not be more than 2.5 m.
- the trailer weight is not more than the towing capacity of the motorcycle or 150 kg - whichever is less.
In terms of retrofitting systems you must comply with S.I. No. 322 of 1993 on standards and policy surrounding the sale of protective goods and S.I. No. 360 of 1978 on use of crash helmets.
There are some safety aspects to be considered if attaching a camera to a motorcycle helmet i.e., will it affect the structure or integrity of the helmet in the unfortunate event of a collision? We advise you to contact the motorcycle helmet manufacturer or supplier regarding the fitment of such device to ensure that it does not contribute or cause injury to the wearer.
In relation to data protection of the public, see Data Protection Commissioner website for guidance for drivers on use of dash cams or email them at [email protected].
Yes. Under road traffic law, all mechanically propelled vehicles (MPVs) need to be registered, taxed, and insured. For registration of vehicles, you will need to contact Revenue.
Contact the manufacturer. If no CoC exists for this motorbike, it may be for off-road use only.
*A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is proof that the motorbike meets with all the necessary safety and quality standards. A motorbike cannot be registered in Ireland without a CoC.
Yes. Under S.I. No. 190 of 1963 of the Road Traffic Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicle regulations 1963 as amended require vehicles to be fitted with a silencer or other device suitable for reducing to a reasonable level, noise caused by the escape of exhaust gases from the engine and they prohibit use of a vehicle that causes any excessive noise in a public place. Should you wish to report an incident of excessive noise contact the Gardaí.
Important! This content is for general information only. It does not, and is not intended to, provide legal or technical advice or to represent a legal interpretation of the matters it addresses.
Related pages
Regulations on colours of vehicle lights, including fog lights, parking lamps and side-marker lamps
Tyres are the only part of your vehicle in contact with the road surface. That’s why it's vital you choose the appropriate tyres and keep them correctly maintained.
Road traffic legislation for vehicles in use on Irish roads. Type approval legislation for new vehicles. Irish and EU safety and environmental standards.