Getting ready for compliance - questions

[Mike.Gayner]

I'm getting ready to have my 1971 Kawasaki A7 Avenger re-registered, which means going through the compliance inspection. I haven't done this before and have a few questions. My understanding is that it's more or less a thorough WOF, but specifically I need to know:

1. Do I need to have indicators? My understanding is that pre-1978 bikes don't need indicators (source, page 10) but I'm not completely clear.
2. Do I need a working horn? I have no idea if a horn is a requirement or not.
3. On this bike a brake light switch on the front brake was optional, and I don't have one. Is this going to be a problem? The rear brake has a light switch (actually just reviewing page 8 of the source above it looks like brake lights might be optional too).
4. This bike originally had mirrors but no longer does - do I need mirrors? Again keeping in mind the age.
5. Do I need to get a brake cert? The front drum isn't exactly a stellar performer but I'm pretty sure it has plenty of material left.
6. Do I need a working speedo? Parts are scarce and shipping from the USA is expensive.

I'm sure I have other questions. I'll ask them as they come to mind. Thanks.

[Akzle]

yes you need a speedo. The irony being that it doesnt have to work.

I would expect a brake cert.

Also, i think mirros "where originally fitted", so yes.

Lights etc, no, i dont thinkso.

[F5 Dave]

To some extent it will depend on who's doing the cert that day. Their knowledge of rules applying to historic vehicles will be as patchy as ours. They will be trained to do newer cars so take any evidence from the book (website) to point at.

You will need a device to estimate speed. I wouldn't expect to get away without mirrors if there is fitment for them. Heck fit some cheapies for the test to avoid too many arguments. You will need a horn, but that should be super easy to sort. You might need to fit some non std parts & trawl for the right ones that should pop up one day.

There will def be a brake test & it will take an understanding tester to realise that they are all like that. But do yourself a favour & service the brakes for your own safety.