Msva Or Not

[tea total george]

Hi
I am half way through building a relient trike,(if there is such a thing as half way, when will it ever finish?) :confused: , and after reading a lot about regestering a trike, I am still not sure if it has to go through an MSVA.
Could anybody please help me understand?
The trike is based on a Relient, using engine, gearbox, propshaft, rear axle, rear suspension and rear half of the original chassis, obviously the front half of the chassis has been modified (narrowed, using new 3x2 box steel), to accomadate a suzuki GS500 front end.
I have the registration certificate (V5C), which the reg no, vin no & engine no all match.
The docs state Make RELIENT, Model/type RIALTO GLS ESTATE
Body type TRICYCLE, Taxation class TRICYCLE
Seeing as how I have not changed the body type or taxation class do I need to get an MSVA and a Q plate or can I just get an MOT and retain the reg no.
I am hoping some one can help me.

[Reliantman]

From reading recent trike tech articals, I understand the new rules to say that if the trike still has the original l/l front end, it can still be regarded as a pig, but if it has motorcycle type forks, then it has been radically changed and needs an MSVA. Please correct me if I have misunderstood as I am in the same position as I have a Reliant frame nearly finished, and have the logbook and VIN plate to go with it.

[Alik Windrush]

If you were really cheeky you could keep the Reliant registration and everyone will live happily ever after.
However you'd be pushing the envelope a little and in my semi errect (sorry) 'official' capacity I would have to recommend that you went the MSVA route.

[100%Pat]

I agree with Alik, 100% Biker couldnt advise anyone to bend the rules even a little bit, but from what I hear the majority of folks do ! The general opinion of 'other' folks is that as it says on your docs its a trike.

[Mad Dog]

Just pasting in here what I put in your other copy of this thread:-


You have removed the bodyshell, so it is no longer a Rialto GLS Estate.

Plus you have substantially altered the chassis, and changed the steering/front suspension system.

So, unless you are disabled you have got to SVA it.


Nothing wrong with MSVA and Q-plate. It shows that the vehicle has been inspected, is correctly built and has passed all safety requirements, no stigma with a Q anymore and will therefore retain a good value..

[tea total george]

Hi Thanks to all of the replies, it looks like Iam going to be stuck with going through the MSVA, just to stay on the legal side.
once again many thanks for the replies.