Maintenance
Pre-ITV motorcycle check: no surprises at the official test
By the workshop · 5 min read · September 3, 2026 · Updated September 21, 2026
If you ride every day around the Garraf, the ITV (Spain's compulsory roadworthiness test, similar to the UK MOT) comes round sooner than you think. A visit to the workshop before the official appointment saves you time and trouble.
The problem: why motorcycles fail
Turning up at the ITV station without checking your bike first is a lottery. Most failures come from simple faults that go unnoticed in daily use: blown bulbs, worn brakes, tyres at the limit, emissions (the polluting gases coming out of the exhaust) above the permitted level, incorrect free play and excessive noise. Free play is the slack in moving parts such as the throttle cable or the suspension, and if it is not set correctly the bike will not pass.
The solution: a pre-ITV check
To avoid riding to the station and coming back with a fail, the practical thing is to have a pre-ITV check done at a workshop you trust. At Vila Motor Center we go point by point through the items that decide whether your bike passes. We check that every light works, the condition of the brake pads and shoes, the tread and pressure of the tyres, and we set the free play to the specification for each model. We also make sure the exhaust stays within the noise limits and that emissions comply with the regulations.
The proof: why it pays to come to the workshop first
Riders in the Garraf who use their bike every day know that wear never stops. By coming to our workshop in Sant Pere de Ribes before your appointment, you make sure that anything that could fail the inspection is found and fixed in time. On the day of the official test you arrive knowing your bike meets all the basic safety and environmental requirements.
Book your check
Don't leave the ITV to the last minute. Bring your bike to Vila Motor Center and we will carry out a full pre-ITV check so that you only pay for the official inspection once. Get in touch to book your appointment.
What you ask us
What exactly is a pre-ITV motorcycle check?
It is an inspection carried out at the workshop beforehand, where the basic safety and regulatory items on your bike are checked before you go to the official ITV appointment.
What is checked during this inspection?
We check the lights, brakes, tyres, exhaust emissions, free play (the slack in moving parts) and exhaust noise.
We do it
Would you rather not get your hands dirty?
We get it ready for you at the workshop. Book a slot and pick a real time.
