Hi all, I am just starting to build a Haynes Roadster and I want to use a bike engine. I am not too concerned about having an age related plate, how does this affect me with regards to emmissions, I have not yet bought an engine.

Iirc then it won't effect anything at the SVA but it will be much easier when the car is 3 years old and you need an MOT.

Steve

Thanks Steve, is it ok even if the engine is quite new?

If you have a pre '95 engine you have only to comply with 3.5% CO & 1200ppm HC's for SVA. If you have a newer engine you will require a full CAT test at SVA, but if registered on a "Q" plate will be visible smoke only for MoT, if registered on age related plate full CAT test at MoT. HTH

Many Thanks, back to Ebay then to source an engine!

You want to try Malc form Yorkshire engines on here for your bike engine much more helpful than any ebay trader

Just a clarification point, when it states visable smoke test I had more coming off my carbon can than out of the end of the exhaust!

Would I have failed?!

Steve

The fact that it's a bike engine doesn't change things- the emissions requirements are still the same.
One issue worth considering is that as stated above, if its pre 95 its easier to pass a carb'd engine. The emissions tests get stricter for engines > 95 and as most car engines were EFI by then trying to pass a carb'd engine will be difficult. Trouble is a fair few bikes still rang carbs until relatively recently. If the bike engine is fuel injection it should be possible to pass without a major problem pretty much regardless of age. Problem happens when you have a relatively new engine on carbs...

second that about malc at Yorkshire, extremely helpful for the install.
Tim