Re-registering and modifying - Cafe Racer

[will_nic]

Hello!

I'm new here. I have recently purchased a 1978 CX500 (some might think this is mad as they arent the most blessed with aesthetics) as a cafe racer project. The bike has its original plates but was de-registered in 1990 and hasn't been on the rode since. I have had a quick chat to the guys at VINZ and from what I gather it will be far easier to get the bike re-registered in original condition before doing any modifications?

Any recommendations for the re-registering process?

The bike needs a bit of work before getting it back to road worthy condition. I have rebuilt the front forks, replaced all wheel bearings and brake pads and will give it all a bit of a once over. However things like the throttle control and levers need replacing, will this be a big alarm bell for the guys doing the inspection if the parts are not original?

Cheers,
Will

[mossy1200]

If you are not cutting the frame forward of the location of the rear shock mounts or seat mount or reducing the strength of these areas then timing of registration shouldn't matter.

[will_nic]

If you are not cutting the frame forward of the location of the rear shock mounts or seat mount or reducing the strength of these areas then timing of registration shouldn't matter.

Thanks Mossy, but I do plan on modifying the frame forward of the rear shock mounts. Best option to re-register the bike first then?

315856

[neels]

Will be much easier to get it going and reregister original, then do your modifications after.

[will_nic]

Will be much easier to get it going and reregister original, then do your modifications after.

Cheers Neels. I'm trying to save myself from doing to much work to the bike that is just to get it road legal, which will later be modified, removed etc.

[neels]

Cheers Neels. I'm trying to save myself from doing to much work to the bike that is just to get it road legal, which will later be modified, removed etc.
Yep, that is a pain in the arse, but for compliance they're basically looking for it to be as per original spec, if there are any modifications they may require certification.

A mate of mine went through this with a land rover, even though it was modified for different seats eons ago and had plenty of WOF's before it was deregistered, it was easier for him to install the awful factory seats for compliance. He may have then put the other ones back in and had no issue with WOF's since :whistle:

[mossy1200]

Thanks Mossy, but I do plan on modifying the frame forward of the rear shock mounts. Best option to re-register the bike first then?

315856

Yes.

I got mine through ok but the addition was back further other than a cross brace which they wont have realised wasn't stock.

[FJRider]

.... However things like the throttle control and levers need replacing, will this be a big alarm bell for the guys doing the inspection if the parts are not original?

Cheers,
Will

Aftermarket stuff is not usually a worry.

The issues they look at is in any chassis cutting and welding. Proof that a certified welder did such work will be required.



As already stated ... getting it road worthy as standard first does help.

[will_nic]

Aftermarket stuff is not usually a worry.

The issues they look at is in any chassis cutting and welding. Proof that a certified welder did such work will be required.



As already stated ... getting it road worthy as standard first does help.


Thanks guys. I'll keep the bike as original as possible for re-registering, give it a bit of riding over the summer then start to modify. Seems like the certification process can be a bit of a hassle if you don't know what your doing.

[will_nic]

Yes.

I got mine through ok but the addition was back further other than a cross brace which they wont have realised wasn't stock.

Nice build! Thanks for the advice.

Cheers,
Will

[will_nic]

Yep, that is a pain in the arse, but for compliance they're basically looking for it to be as per original spec, if there are any modifications they may require certification.

A mate of mine went through this with a land rover, even though it was modified for different seats eons ago and had plenty of WOF's before it was deregistered, it was easier for him to install the awful factory seats for compliance. He may have then put the other ones back in and had no issue with WOF's since :whistle:

What a nightmare.... Rules are rules I guess!

[nodrog]

Aftermarket stuff is not usually a worry.

The issues they look at is in any chassis cutting and welding. Proof that a certified welder did such work will be required.



As already stated ... getting it road worthy as standard first does help.

what's a certified welder?

[FJRider]

what's a certified welder?

One able to show the welding was done by someone (with written proof) they are offically qualified to do the work.

[nodrog]

One able to show the welding was done by someone (with written proof) they are offically qualified to do the work.

You dont need that.

[FJRider]

You dont need that.

No I don't ... I'm A qualified welder.


Those that are NOT ... good luck.


Those that are not and have no issues ... good for them.


Those that DO have issues ... you were warned.

[TLDV8]

Times have changed no doubt but would be very curious to know what the powers to be accept as a welding procedure or certification that covers a notched steel tube tee joint as in a motorcycle frame.

[FJRider]

Times have changed no doubt but would be very curious to know what the powers to be accept as a welding procedure or certification that covers a notched steel tube tee joint as in a motorcycle frame.

The testers livelyhood and reputation will be at stake.


As such ... the letter of the law will be of little interest to the tester. His/her decision will be the last word.

[Voltaire]

Mate put his café Honda 750 4 thru Vin recently, they got him to put original footpegs and bars back on for the vin.
As mentioned what you do after is up to you.
Another mate has done a series of 90's Ducatis in the last year and had no issues other than them not liking SS brake lines.

[nodrog]

No I don't ... I'm A qualified welder.


Those that are NOT ... good luck.


Those that are not and have no issues ... good for them.


Those that DO have issues ... you were warned.

You do not need to be a certified welder for lvv cert.

[Tazz]

You do not need to be a certified welder for lvv cert.

I'd give you a chicken dinner but I've only got 6.

The reason people assume you have to be is because people the certifier knows nothing about rock up with a finished project the certifier knows nothing about so they try cover their ass a little.
General consensus is to talk to one as you go, show him you are not a clueless tool and can weld (or whoever is welding for you can) ticketed or not, they can see shit not already covered in paint, then go from there.
Talking as you go can also save having to do a lot of little things you might not think of. A common one is people not leaving enough thread past the nut on bolts. Easy, but annoying fix.

[FJRider]

If any have questions regarding certification ... Get the answers from those (in your area) doing the testing ...


http://www.lvvta.org.nz/contact.html#certifier

[eldog]

Slightly off topic but with mods to bikes in general in mind

This got me to thinking, how far can I go BEFORE I need to see a LVV certifier

Previous owner changed the exhaust, was he/she liable for the cost of the cert or ME because I am the current owner?
Its a off the shelf item, rather than a one off special, it hasn't been tampered with and doesn't need to be.
Does changing say the rear shock to a different model - similar size/stroke/length say an Ohlins instead if the OEM one

I have added some auxiliary positioning and driving lights - OK I have to follow the lighting code as vague as it is. But I don't have to get it certified as long as I haven't changed the OEM light.
but If I add a relay and a higher spec lamp would that matter (No not a HID one)

This would mean a change to the vehicle and a note to the insurer for just in case stuff.

[FJRider]

Slightly off topic but with mods to bikes in general in mind

This got me to thinking, how far can I go BEFORE I need to see a LVV certifier

Previous owner changed the exhaust, was he/she liable for the cost of the cert or ME because I am the current owner?
Its a off the shelf item, rather than a one off special, it hasn't been tampered with and doesn't need to be.
Does changing say the rear shock to a different model - similar size/stroke/length say an Ohlins instead if the OEM one

I have added some auxiliary positioning and driving lights - OK I have to follow the lighting code as vague as it is. But I don't have to get it certified as long as I haven't changed the OEM light.
but If I add a relay and a higher spec lamp would that matter (No not a HID one)

This would mean a change to the vehicle and a note to the insurer for just in case stuff.

http://www.lvvta.org.nz/contact.html#certifier

[eldog]

http://www.lvvta.org.nz/contact.html#certifier

I saw your previous post already

I went back and reread it, s l o w l y
1. Suspension change by changing the shock with a non OEM would be a mod - I would like to make it a bit easier to alter but OK with it now.
2. Exhaust doesn't seem to be covered except by noise emission check - so YES a mod, but only for noise.

My light additions as long as they meet the WOF std are OK

The bike passed a recent through WOF - no problems :yes:

[tri boy]

I'm certify able, now, if only I could find my lace up jacket........

[FJRider]

YES its a mod, but its an off the shelf mod for the bike, can put the original pipe back on no worries.

I was hoping there has been someone who has done similar and been there done that.

I don't want to open a whole can of worms for myself at present.

The bike passed a recent through WOF - no problems :yes:

Availability/cost of stock standard parts dictates what gets fitted. (any excuse etc)


All the motorcycles on Trademe that are not in the system ... are still for sale at ever increasing asking prices.

Many having extensive modifications ... but no cert' ..

Reality ... most are/should be ... for parts only (in my opinion)


If in doubt ... ask those doing the testing in the area you are in.

[eldog]

Availability/cost of stock standard parts dictates what gets fitted.
Reality ... most are/should be ... for parts only (in my opinion)
If in doubt ... ask those doing the testing in the area you are in.

Availability of stuff - no problems with getting OEM stuff for Yamaha or Suzuki, just wait a few weeks, OK prices aren't really too bad.
Gives you time to reflect on how to avoid things happening AGAIN.

Original owner obviously wanted to change the image of the bike, so changed the exhaust to an off the shelf item made for the bike, its a direct bolt on kit from the headers to the pipe ends.
Its actually not bad gives the bike some life, when you take off but is mostly a quiet bike when cruising

I only put quality stuff on any bikes I own, I don't modify stuff on a whim and keep it as stock as I can.

I asked the guy doing the WOF about the exhaust, he didn't seem to concerned. I was glad he did a through check on the bike - it was at a bike shop rather than a Car WOF licensing place.

[RichardB]

I've asked this question elsewhere (with no sensible replies) - I am working on a GN250 bobber project. Suspension is stock (not a hardtail), but would like to loose the frame rails behind the shock mount points. Would this constitute something that would require certification?

Its already lost a shit load of spurious tabs and extraneous stuff off the frame - nothing structural. Also in the bin are turn signals/rear light etc. Replacements must be E marked? (Or CE?) as fit for purpose? Any issues about genuine E mark from Asian manufacturers?

The sidecar will obviously need certification. Better (cheaper?) to certify bike and chair together if both need certification, or separate? Or can I manage a working legal ridable bike while working on building the chair?

[FJRider]

I've asked this question elsewhere (with no sensible replies) - I am working on a GN250 bobber project. Suspension is stock (not a hardtail), but would like to loose the frame rails behind the shock mount points. Would this constitute something that would require certification?

What structural chassis bracing would be left between the upper shock mounting points .. ????????


Its already lost a shit load of spurious tabs and extraneous stuff off the frame - nothing structural. Also in the bin are turn signals/rear light etc. Replacements must be E marked? (Or CE?) as fit for purpose? Any issues about genuine E mark from Asian manufacturers?

Is the rego still in the system ... ??? Yes ... should not be an issue. No ... you will have issues.


The sidecar will obviously need certification. Better (cheaper?) to certify bike and chair together if both need certification, or separate? Or can I manage a working legal ridable bike while working on building the chair?

Get the bike legal first ... if you can.

[eldog]

I'm certify able, now, if only I could find my lace up jacket........

Someone on here may have borrowed it and should be putting it to good use.....:cool:

[neels]

Firstly, take no notice of anything that fjrider posts.

Secondly, if its not a structural change to the bike, and it passes a wof then it's legal. The original subject of this thread was reregistration, which is a much tougher check than a wof check

[RichardB]

What structural chassis bracing would be left between the upper shock mounting points .. ????????

Nothing changed here. As stock bracing between shock mounting points.

Is the rego still in the system ... ??? Yes ... should not be an issue. No ... you will have issues.

Rego on hold, still live.

Get the bike legal first ... if you can.

Guess the pathway is do my bike mods, see how I get on for warrant. If passes then I have a rider while I work on chair. If not, proceed with chair and get both looked at for certifying.

[RichardB]

Firstly, take no notice of anything that fjrider posts.

Everything here is opinion unless backed up with a lawyer and certificate of authenticity :) . Taken as such.


Secondly, if its not a structural change to the bike, and it passes a wof then it's legal. The original subject of this thread was reregistration, which is a much tougher check than a wof check

My understanding is that re-registration pretty much everything will need to be as stock unless you have certification for mods (much more stringent inspection).

[will_nic]

Really interesting to hear about the process. I do plan on making modifications which will require certification so it's good to get the heads up. The safest option for me is definitely to keep the bike as stock as possible for re-registration. Although I do plan on changing the controls (throttle etc) and new brake line/cables.

Cheers,
Will.

[spinnanz2]

did you get it back on the road? Have you thought of looking for a live reg gl/cx frame? thats what I ended up doing.

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