By Anonymous (203.96.111.201) on Monday, July 02, 2001 - 10:03 pm:

In Japan, cars must pass a test every two years called "Shaken". It is a total car test and it is designed to keep un-roadworthy cars off the road and aids in the turnover of newer vehicles.
However, the costs are extensive. In many cases the price is to expensive and many good cars are taken off the road rather than have the costs met! My RS Civic was put through Shaken last September. It cost me 128,000 Yen (about US$1,160)! The only mechanical fault on my RS was a broken drive shaft boot. The total cost for parts and labour came to 9000 Yen. So where did the other 119 000 Yen go you ask?

If you have perfectly maintained car, you have to pay about US$1,000 for
Shaken! This price does not include consumption parts or the repair fee. On the whole, most people don't maintain their own cars. Shaken is the only time many japanese car owners have maintenance performed on their cars. Almost all cars put through Shaken are done so by car dealers.

Shaken costs are comprised of:

- Basic inspection technical fee 35,000Yen
- Weight tax (below 1000kg) 25,200Yen
- Compulsory insurance 28,450Yen
- Shaken act fee 8,000Yen
- Consumption tax 5%


Total = 101,482Yen

If your car needs some repairs, add the costs to the total.

The Shaken tests include:
(1) Speedometer test
(2) Static Brake test
(3) Front wheel alignment test
(4) Exhaust gas test (CO, NOx)
(5) Head light beam angle test
(6) Maintenance check by official inspector.
(7) others

Shaken is useful for everyday people with no interest or knowledge about car mechanics, car dealers,
and car maintenance shops. Car freaks (enthusiasts) are another matter. Often car enthusiasts have their cars in better condition than the everyday motorist however, modifications are not looked upon lightly by Shaken officers.

Basically, Shaken admits the use of genuine parts only. A few years ago, lowered suspension would not pass the Shaken neither would bigger engine swaps. Only five years ago, cars over 12 years old needed Shaken every year. Accordingly, almost all Mugen parts were not admitted through Shaken. Therefore many of the older Mugen parts have disappeared. I still can't find Mugen parts for 1st generation civics in Japan. It is a very foolish thing!

I am worried my RS Civic also might not pass the Shaken this time around because I am using the quad keihin CV carbs and the great Mugen R1 replica cam.