Aftermarket Levers = WOF Fail?

[The End]

Recently got a WOF on my bike through VTNZ, and the tester explained that aftermarket levers result in a WOF fail unless they have been certified.

They explained that the levers must be certified by an inspection and approval process and a plate stamped to the frame, declaring the aftermarket levers are certified.

Also that in the event of an accident, insurance likely wouldn't cover you if you have non-certified aftermarket levers as the vehicle is deemed non-road worthy.


First time I've had this in 5 years of having bikes with aftermarket levers. Is this really true?


Edit: I should add they passed my WOF, on the condition I swap out the aftermarket for stock levers as soon as I got home.


inb4 "You got your WOF at VTNZ, there's your problem"

[Katman]

Ask them to show you the wording in the WOF manual.

It's one that I've never heard of.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I call bullshit. I use CRG levers on all my bikes and have never had an issue.

[Gremlin]

Or better yet, read the requirements for yourself: https://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/motorcycles/brakes/service-brake-and-parking-brake

No mention of levers, but there is the usual clause about modifications affecting performance.

[jasonu]

New Zealand, the land of rules and regulations for just about every single little fucking thing.

[Swoop]

New Zealand, the land of rules and regulations for just about every single little fucking thing.
Enforced by morons lacking any knowledge of the subject/topic/job *.





*but wearing a hi viz vest - proving this point.

[5150]

I can see how they could possibly object. :rolleyes:

329841

[pritch]

inb4 "You got your WOF at VTNZ, there's your problem"

You answered your own question.

I have mixed feelings about this, I have had CRG levers on several bikes. The rip offs start at Pazzo and they might be alright, and go down to very suspect "made in China" no-name stuff which I would not want on my bike thanks.

Last time the guy who usually tests my bike was off work sick so I took it to VTNZ. I was lucky the tester liked the bike. He gave me the usual comment about a loose chain so I quoted the manual at him and the problem went away.

You want somebody who won't just pass anything, but won't stuff you about. Ask around to find who other people use.

[nzspokes]

Been to one VTNZ, guy was way too little for the bike and he got very close to dropping it. I wouldnt let him test ride it so I rode around the carpark and showed him the brakes worked.

I go places they know what they are doing these days.

[Zedder]

New Zealand, the land of rules and regulations for just about every single little fucking thing.


With 300,000 plus federal regulations and 4,500 federal criminal statutes, the USA is doing its bit:http://www.nationalreview.com/article/418689/too-many-laws-means-too-many-criminals

[pritch]

Yeah, the currently endangered Affordable Care Act alone runs to 11,000 pages. Dim bulb Trump says, "Who knew health care could be so complicated?"
The answer would be, "Anybody with a clue would know that something that takes up 11,000 pages isn't going to be easy."
And that is just one act.

[AllanB]

New Zealand, the land of rules and regulations for just about every single little fucking thing.

I disagree re motorcycles - we are one of the last decent countries that you can fuck around with stuff and get away with it. Germany - anything added must be TUV approved. Aussie - very strick on pipes and parts etc etc.

I ran CRG's for years on the Hornet - never a issue.

I do not believe it is a WOF requirement to have them certified yet ... but with the el cheap-o shit on TM and ex China it may not be long before it is.

And how would they know? Really?

Last VTNZ I took a bike to was interesting, I'd changed shops as the one before almost dropped my bike getting on it - after instructing his colleague that they would be 100% responsible for any damage in the event it was dropped I was asked to ride it and test the brakes ....

Anyway the next VTNZ was great - I'd not bothered putting in the Yoshi db killers and half expected a discussion - but he loved the sound. What he did question and needed a 'management' opinion on was the bar-end mirrors. The manager came over took one look and told him he was a dick .... passed.

[onearmedbandit]

Aftermarket levers here for all controls, rearsets replace standard footpegs, incl brake and gear lever. Aftermarket throttle assembly with a/m levers and perches and of course clutch in a completely non-factory position. Last WoF was done by an ex-certifier who helped write the book on the rules for certifying. He had no issue with anything I had done.

[Akzle]

Yeah, the currently endangered Affordable Care Act alone runs to 11,000 pages. Dim bulb Trump says, "Who knew health care could be so complicated?"
The answer would be, "Anybody with a clue would know that something that takes up 11,000 pages isn't going to be easy."
And that is just one act.

NZ Bill of Rights Act: 8 pages.

NZ Income Tax Act: 3444 pages.


so you know the government has it's priorities straight.




vote akzle.

[HenryDorsetCase]

NZ Bill of Rights Act: 8 pages.

NZ Income Tax Act: 3444 pages.


so you know the government has it's priorities straight.




vote akzle.

I would and will if you stand.

If you really want to get the shits up have a look at s17 of the Tax Administration Act 1994.

[98tls]

I disagree re motorcycles - we are one of the last decent countries that you can fuck around with stuff and get away with it. Germany - anything added must be TUV approved. Aussie - very strick on pipes and parts etc etc.

I ran CRG's for years on the Hornet - never a issue.

I do not believe it is a WOF requirement to have them certified yet ... but with the el cheap-o shit on TM and ex China it may not be long before it is.

And how would they know? Really?

Last VTNZ I took a bike to was interesting, I'd changed shops as the one before almost dropped my bike getting on it - after instructing his colleague that they would be 100% responsible for any damage in the event it was dropped I was asked to ride it and test the brakes ....

Anyway the next VTNZ was great - I'd not bothered putting in the Yoshi db killers and half expected a discussion - but he loved the sound. What he did question and needed a 'management' opinion on was the bar-end mirrors. The manager came over took one look and told him he was a dick .... passed.
Have to agree to be fair my old shitter has little oem stuff left has never been certified blah blah and always passes a wof with flying colours...that said as you say "how would they know" the difference between an oem TLS front end and later model GSXR front end etc etc etc......fwiw funny story awhile back left the thing at the place it got a wof for a few days so they parked it in the showroom when i picked it up the bloke said he had people come in to have a look at Suzukis new TL1000S :oi-grr:

[AllanB]

he had people come in to have a look at Suzukis new TL1000S :oi-grr:

One of the magazines ran a 'what it would look like now' TL a year or two back. If done well, Suzuki could have a sales winner with a fresh version.

[mossy1200]

One of the magazines ran a 'what it would look like now' TL a year or two back. If done well, Suzuki could have a sales winner with a fresh version.

I thought gsxr750 was the new suzuki winner.

[98tls]

I thought gsxr750 was the new suzuki winner.

GSXR 750 has been a winner since the day it was born mate mate thing is being these days in many cases motorcycles are not purchased for there capabilities more so what they look like there capable of doing.:yawn:

[AllanB]

I thought gsxr750 was the new suzuki winner.

Meh - they must be going to drop it soon.

[mossy1200]

Meh - they must be going to drop it soon.

The mid size sports bike is back. Italians making smaller sports bikes. They probably will. Who knows why they do what they do.

[pritch]

Meh - they must be going to drop it soon.

Sportbike sales have plummeted, the 600s seem to be terminal. The new Moto2 engine will be 675, the incentive to build 600s is gone. A 750 is handy to have available for anyone who wants a sprotbike but doesn't need a litre bike. It's not impossible that the 750 could be the survivor if the litre bikes don't sell.

[onearmedbandit]

Meh - they must be going to drop it soon.

Suzuki have stated previously that the 750 will always exist in their lineup as long as the GSXR badge continues.

[roogazza]

Sportbike sales have plummeted, the 600s seem to be terminal. The new Moto2 engine will be 675, the incentive to build 600s is gone. A 750 is handy to have available for anyone who wants a sprotbike but doesn't need a litre bike. It's not impossible that the 750 could be the survivor if the litre bikes don't sell.

329856

Alive and well in the Horowhenua pritch . Can't wait to throw a leg over it tomorrow morning.:confused:

[F5 Dave]

I took my shorty levers off and swapped for std. What an improvement!

[AllanB]

Suzuki have stated previously that the 750 will always exist in their lineup as long as the GSXR badge continues.

God lets hope they don't 'upgrade' the 750 to look like the new 1000 :sick:


Actually the comments re capacity are valid - weird numbers out there now (shit I ride a 848) and the 800ish is where the party is at.

GSXR 777 anyone?

[Oakie]

I suppose there has to be some 'after-market' coverall regs otherwise there's nothing stopping Johnny Clever-Pants whipping up a replacement lever out of a piece of old steel he found in the garage.

[pritch]

329856

Alive and well in the Horowhenua pritch . Can't wait to throw a leg over it tomorrow morning.:confused:

You must be younger than I thought.:msn-wink:

Enjoy.:niceone:

[Swoop]

God lets hope they don't 'upgrade' the 750 to look like the new 1000

It was difficult to imagine an uglier pipe until the '17 gsxr1000 appeared. It genuinely looks like a 20l plastic container got attached onto the end of the exhaust. :facepalm::no:
In comparison the new blade exhaust looks superb, being quite small and not to the recent "flugelhorn" shape of several manufacturers.





Anyway: Aftermarket shorty levers!
Post up some suggested suppliers. I'm still searching for a set!

[R650R]

It was difficult to imagine an uglier pipe until the '17 gsxr1000 appeared. It genuinely looks like a 20l plastic container got attached onto the end of the exhaust. :facepalm::no:
In comparison the new blade exhaust looks superb, being quite small and not to the recent "flugelhorn" shape of several manufacturers.





Anyway: Aftermarket shorty levers!
Post up some suggested suppliers. I'm still searching for a set!

Who buys a 1000L sportbike or any bike actually and doesn't upgrade the end can anyway at least....

[R650R]

I was looking at some regs awhile ago maybe about lights or something... pretty sure the wording across the board on most stuff that was you can replace stuff with similar aftermarket items and ist not an issue.\

Eg shock absorbers, brake calipers, master cylinder, headlamp assembly etc...... But if you had some crazy lever swith holes drilled for weight loss etc then yeah that's gonna attract scrutiny.
Modification is only an insurance issue if you haven't told them or you are negligent, eg failed to fit the new parts properly or test them before riding....

[F5 Dave]

Shock absorbers, wheels, no problem as cars lead the way there. But any mods to the brakes needs it to be certified.

[cods4]

Shock absorbers, wheels, no problem as cars lead the way there. But any mods to the brakes needs it to be certified.

Cars require a cert for wheels where the size (diameter or width) is different to factory. And I think any non factory suspension requires cert, I think you would be alright with changing springs but that's about it.

[pritch]

Anyway: Aftermarket shorty levers!
Post up some suggested suppliers. I'm still searching for a set!

If i was doing it again I'd buy CRG again and I'd start here: http://www.hardracing.com/CRG.htm

[Blackbird]

Who buys a 1000L sportbike or any bike actually and doesn't upgrade the end can anyway at least....

I don't! My standard shortie end can on the GSX-S 1000 looks ok and whilst it has a nice note, it's not loud enough to draw attention to myself which is just fine :laugh: . I'd sooner spend my money on suspension than an aftermarket can. Better performance than a noisy can without being thought of as a poseur :whistle:

[Katman]

Shock absorbers, wheels, no problem as cars lead the way there. But any mods to the brakes needs it to be certified.

Apparently aftermarket air shocks fitted to a motorcycle require certifying.

[Jeeper]

Cars require a cert for wheels where the size (diameter or width) is different to factory. And I think any non factory suspension requires cert, I think you would be alright with changing springs but that's about it.
That's not correct. Cars can have bigger wheels as long as rolling circumference is not greater than 5%. As for suspension, thats more complicated. If you are lowering it vs lifting it involves different standards. Like for like replacement from reputable aftermarket manufacturer has never been a problem for me on cars, as long as original mounting points are not altered. Insurance company has to be aware of any changes though.

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[Gremlin]

Who buys a 1000L sportbike or any bike actually and doesn't upgrade the end can anyway at least....
BMW is the first that I haven't touched the exhaust. Of course, with 120k+ on it now, the remaining quantity of packing is questionable :laugh:

I have however messed with a lot of other things, including $5k on suspension.

[Racing Dave]

Sportbike sales have plummeted, the 600s seem to be terminal. The new Moto2 engine will be 675, the incentive to build 600s is gone. A 750 is handy to have available for anyone who wants a sprotbike but doesn't need a litre bike. It's not impossible that the 750 could be the survivor if the litre bikes don't sell.

Triumph's new engine for Moto2 is 765cc.

[cheshirecat]

Sportbike sales have plummeted, the 600s seem to be terminal. The new Moto2 engine will be 675, the incentive to build 600s is gone. A 750 is handy to have available for anyone who wants a sprotbike but doesn't need a litre bike. It's not impossible that the 750 could be the survivor if the litre bikes don't sell.

Still perfectly happy with my VFR, 23 years old and been taking to Boyles for its WOF and what little needs to be done for half of t

[danchop]

fucking stupid rules and regulations get more and more complicated,requiring cert this,cert that,pay this pay that...
Yet never an amendment to one of the most left out issues a wof should involve checking for-brake shoe/disc pad thickness.

[onearmedbandit]

Sportbike sales have plummeted, the 600s seem to be terminal. The new Moto2 engine will be 675, the incentive to build 600s is gone. A 750 is handy to have available for anyone who wants a sprotbike but doesn't need a litre bike. It's not impossible that the 750 could be the survivor if the litre bikes don't sell.

While it's true that 600cc sportsbike sales have been dropping, linking the incentive to build them because of the change in Moto2 is forgetting the WSS series, and national SS racing.

[pritch]

I may be forgetting WSS but so too are Honda who have dropped the CBR600RR from their line. I seem to recall that one of the other Japanese manufacturers was considering following their lead. None of them wanted to make engines for Moto2.

[manxkiwi]

Anyway: Aftermarket shorty levers!
Post up some suggested suppliers. I'm still searching for a set!

Titax are very good also, in my opinion. Check 'Fastbikesgear', might not have the second 's'?

[AllanB]

Titax are very good also, in my opinion. Check 'Fastbikesgear', might not have the second 's'?

http://www.fastbikegear.co.nz/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2019_2020


I had a set of CRG leavers on a Honda - very nice. Got them form these guys - good international service. http://www.kyleusa.com/

[pritch]

I had a set of CRG leavers on a Honda - very nice. Got them form these guys - good international service. http://www.kyleusa.com/

Previously I used Dan Kyle on a number of occasions and would have suggested him this time but when I checked he didn't seem to be offering all the levers. I was told by someone who has connections in the industry that Dan Kyle wakes up every morning wondering how he can beat Hardracing today. There used to be very good specials available when they were competing hard out.

CRG are great but here are other good brands, Gilles Tooling comes to mind but you'll have to find yer own link.

[Swoop]

Titax are very good also, in my opinion. Check 'Fastbikesgear', might not have the second 's'?

Yes, I'd looked there.
A bit pricey for 2 levers. $295-

[AllanB]

The question is what is aftermarket?

At a silly price I can buy genuine Ducati Performance levers - no doubt Ducati get someone to make em and brand them as such. That will be a fact as I hunted down on the net the identical DP LED indicators without the Ducati logo significantly cheaper ....

So if I buy 'Ducati' branded ones they would be OK with the WOF Nazi the OP encountered even though they are made by one of the 'aftermarket' suppliers?

Taken to the extreme a fair amount of anyones ride is 'aftermarket' in that the brand manufacture did not actually make the parts in house ........

I have my eye on a set of Evotech levers ......

ASV is another popular brand.

[jellywrestler]

I suppose there has to be some 'after-market' coverall regs otherwise there's nothing stopping Johnny Clever-Pants whipping up a replacement lever out of a piece of old steel he found in the garage.

probably better than some of the muck metal they make some levers from. to me it's not a bad move having levers certified, as an electrician everything i touch has to be, it's a pain in the arse but it stops a lot of shite coming in and being connected.
god only knows what some shit is made of these days.

[Akzle]

Ducati Performance

...so, not very good then?

[Jeeper]

There's a big difference between being contract manufacturer for a brand (i.e. oem supplier) versus any non-branded copy. That difference is quality control and materials.

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[manxkiwi]

Yes, I'd looked there.
A bit pricey for 2 levers. $295-

Did you get a price on CRGs? I think they offer a high end race version and a slightly cheaper option (still good though). ASV as mentioned are also extremely good, not sure how much they are?

[AllanB]

There's a big difference between being contract manufacturer for a brand (i.e. oem supplier) versus any non-branded copy. That difference is quality control and materials.

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

Ah but Grasshopper in the world we live in often the same factory that produces 'Excellent Bike Brand X' part A, also runs off an identical 'Different Brand Y' part A.

Then there is a cheap arse, ,we made a copy mold off 'Excellent part A' then we picked up all the loose bits of metal off the side of the road, melted them down and make 'Really shit Part A' companies. Usually Asian.

Possibly they have no morals, or soul. I do not know.

[Swoop]

Did you get a price on CRGs? I think they offer a high end race version and a slightly cheaper option (still good though). ASV as mentioned are also extremely good, not sure how much they are?
Yeah some high prices around. The other end of the spectrum is EvilBay's $20- sets.
This fullah ain't going anywhere near them! (probably turn out to be perfectly OK though!).

[rastuscat]

I took a Troll bike (R1200RT-P) to VTNZ in Lichfield Street a few years back.

There was only one guy on duty who had a motorcycle licence, so he did the exam. He was a little Asian guy, struggled to get on the bike, let alone ride it.

As I sat in the waiting room looking out at what was going on, I could see him scratching his head at which one of the very many switches did what. I gather he was looking for the horn.

He turned the siren on (not a WoF issue), then the flashing lights (also not a WoF issue). He transmitted on the Police channel, but of course, he wasn't wearing my helmet, so he couldn't speak on it.

I seriously doubt that he knew more about that bike than I did.

But here's a thought. It's asking a lot to have a guru at every testing station who knows everything about every bike and accessory, every time, all the time.

In regard to telling if it's a factory original lever, I've seen a lot of accessory ones that look a long way from factory. Pink, blue, bronze. It's like the guys who fit them want people to know they have after market parts fitted. It appears to be some sort of pissing contest.

I kind of like factory stuff myself.

[mossy1200]

I wonder how much better aftermarket levers perform during an emergency stop.

[AllanB]

I wonder how much better aftermarket levers perform during an emergency stop.

Given they tend to be adjustable if you have replaced a non adjustable set with a brake lever you have adjusted to your preference then possibly 'better'

Shit cheese-metal ones of course may actually break before you brake..............


CRG do make several styles now - the original roll-a-click is still around then flasher ones including carbon!

http://constructorsrg.com/levers/index.html

[FJRider]

I wonder how much better aftermarket levers perform during an emergency stop.

That would depend a lot on who made them ... and where/how they were made.

[mossy1200]

Shit cheese-metal ones of course may actually break before you brake..............




http://constructorsrg.com/levers/index.html

The old BByB is a possibility. You do not know what your buying unless you snap one to look at the ally quality.
I think lever brand wont effect brake performance when pulled on a modern abs bike. Snap a lever could have a negative effect though.

[manxkiwi]

I wouldn't be surprised if stock levers are made to only just meet any given standard. They are universally crap die cast aluminum. I doubt anything machined from solid would be any weaker, cheap Chinese or not. Clearly stock cast ones are more than up to the job of heavy braking. Billet ones would resist breaking better in an off.
I'm not saying the Chinese ones are great (I have Titax). But really doubt there's a safety element to the issue.

[pritch]

I wouldn't be surprised if stock levers are made to only just meet any given standard. They are universally crap die cast aluminum. I doubt anything machined from solid would be any weaker, cheap Chinese or not. Clearly stock cast ones are more than up to the job of heavy braking. Billet ones would resist breaking better in an off.
I'm not saying the Chinese ones are great (I have Titax). But really doubt there's a safety element to the issue.

As with a lot of things, f'rinstance tyres, it's about confidence. CRG levers would have my complete confidence, as would some others. No-name made in China would not.



In regard to telling if it's a factory original lever, I've seen a lot of accessory ones that look a long way from factory. Pink, blue, bronze. It's like the guys who fit them want people to know they have after market parts fitted. It appears to be some sort of pissing contest.

I kind of like factory stuff myself.

And no, it isn't about pretty colours or a pissing contest, some after market levers do things that standard levers don't. Sometimes too it's nice to have something that is nicely designed and made, rather than an item knocked out as cheaply as possible like most standard levers. Other people will never understand any of that.

[baffa]

The quality of the metal used in the lever itself isn't really the issue.
it's more the bolt and assembly not snapping or working itself loose under pressure.
Standard componentry is more than adequate, but tends to have a rather heavy generic feel to it, and will be of lesser quality than a good quality aftermarket item.
The other thing people don't take into account, is how "worn" the levers are. If you've dropped your bike half a dozen times, and simply bent your lever back, the metal will be seriously fatigued.
Once you've gotten used to good quality aftermarket levers, standard levers feel clunky.

[Gremlin]

There was only one guy on duty who had a motorcycle licence, so he did the exam. He was a little Asian guy, struggled to get on the bike, let alone ride it.

As I sat in the waiting room looking out at what was going on, I could see him scratching his head at which one of the very many switches did what. I gather he was looking for the horn.
When I was going to VTNZ (now the local bike shop does WOFs, much better) I deliberately left the GSA on the centre stand. The bike was taller than the wee asian guy and the seat probably at his chest. He did look at it a bit, but there was probably no way he could get it off the centre stand. When I came back out, he asked me to do the braking test. Suited me just fine.


I wonder how much better aftermarket levers perform during an emergency stop.
I have cheapie aftermarket ebay folding, adjustable extendable levers. They fold just beyond the main lever, have clickers for adjusting reach and the lever length is adjustable. Excellent when they have to fit behind a handguard. Dropped the bike hard at one point and the lever snapped higher than the fold point :angry2: Now I also have metal backed handguards... so I'll probably bend the handlebar next time :facepalm: However, with BMW levers costing ~$120 each, and I actually like the aftermarket feel much better, I buy a couple of sets, and carry spares for when I drop it (yeah it's not if) <_<

[Big Dog]

When I was going to VTNZ (now the local bike shop does WOFs, much better) I deliberately left the GSA on the centre stand. The bike was taller than the wee asian guy and the seat probably at his chest. He did look at it a bit, but there was probably no way he could get it off the centre stand. When I came back out, he asked me to do the braking test. Suited me just fine.


I have cheapie aftermarket ebay folding, adjustable extendable levers. They fold just beyond the main lever, have clickers for adjusting reach and the lever length is adjustable. Excellent when they have to fit behind a handguard. Dropped the bike hard at one point and the lever snapped higher than the fold point :angry2: Now I also have metal backed handguards... so I'll probably bend the handlebar next time :facepalm: However, with BMW levers costing ~$120 each, and I actually like the aftermarket feel much better, I buy a couple of sets, and carry spares for when I drop it (yeah it's not if) <_<
Just don't buy ones stronger than your perch.

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[AllanB]

Just don't buy ones stronger than your perch.

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Good point here - rather stuff a lever than the works

[pete376403]

Aftermarket levers I have put on the KLR have a groove a bit inboard of the ball end, to provide a breaking point when it hits the ground (at it does, from time to time). The standard levers did not have this, so the perch broke instead. I know what I prefer. Dorks at VTNZ wouldn't have a clue about what works and what doesn't, which is why I don't go there.