Failed WOF

[judecatmad]

Is this right.....it didn't sound right given that Dave's bike passed last time around....

The VTNZ in Upper Hutt failed Dave's bike this morning cos there's no knobble on the end of his clutch lever.

Thing is, it passed 6 months ago, and 6 months before that...and so on...with the same clutch lever (at the same VTNZ). The guy said the rules changed AAAAGES ago, so it's not something that's changed between this WOF and the previous one.

It's not a biggie, but I just wanted others' opinions and to know if anyone else has ever come up against this before?

And what do you do if their advice is wrong and they're failing the bike on something that's bollocks? What's the come-back?

As always, looking to learn something new :)

[ozrobo]

in oz if you dont have the nipple on the end of a lever so not sure o the rules here i reakon try anouther vtnz

[MSTRS]

Could be right. That 'knobble' is designed to prevent brake/clutch levers from becoming stabbing implements in the event of an off. Just replace it as a matter of safety.

[judecatmad]

Could be right. That 'knobble' is designed to prevent brake/clutch levers from becoming stabbing implements in the event of an off. Just replace it as a matter of safety.

Yeah, that's what the guy said. I just didn't understand how it's passed all the other times with the same knobble absence! LOL

Just lucky I guess.

*sigh* MORE bits to buy! I wish we had the money to upgrade him rather than only being able to afford to patch up the bike he's got!

[Sidewinder]

Is this right.....it didn't sound right given that Dave's bike passed last time around....

The VTNZ in Upper Hutt failed Dave's bike this morning cos there's no knobble on the end of his clutch lever.

Thing is, it passed 6 months ago, and 6 months before that...and so on...with the same clutch lever (at the same VTNZ). The guy said the rules changed AAAAGES ago, so it's not something that's changed between this WOF and the previous one.

It's not a biggie, but I just wanted others' opinions and to know if anyone else has ever come up against this before?

And what do you do if their advice is wrong and they're failing the bike on something that's bollocks? What's the come-back?

As always, looking to learn something new :)

just get a new bike then

[Conquiztador]

U probably came across a guy that did his job properly?

[judecatmad]

U probably came across a guy that did his job properly?

Probably. If it's such a safety hazard (which I can understand their point about it being so, had never occurred to either of us previously), it's a bit of a worry that only one guy in the last 18 months did his job properly.

Ah well, we've only got to limp along with the wreck of a ginny until after I'm back at work next year. Then there will be spare money for new toys :D

[Str8 Jacket]

Yep, when I bought my KR from motorad the knob was missing on the end of the clutch lever and they advised me that they would have to replace it or it would fail its WOF....

[crazybigal]

the knob on the end is not just there to stop your hand slipping off!:devil2:
if you crash the raw broken metal will cut you up and go right through your arm or leg or what ever.
it is in the WOF rules

[The Pastor]

splash out and spend the $20 to get a new one.

[inlinefour]

Is this right.....it didn't sound right given that Dave's bike passed last time around....

The VTNZ in Upper Hutt failed Dave's bike this morning cos there's no knobble on the end of his clutch lever.

Thing is, it passed 6 months ago, and 6 months before that...and so on...with the same clutch lever (at the same VTNZ). The guy said the rules changed AAAAGES ago, so it's not something that's changed between this WOF and the previous one.

It's not a biggie, but I just wanted others' opinions and to know if anyone else has ever come up against this before?

And what do you do if their advice is wrong and they're failing the bike on something that's bollocks? What's the come-back?

As always, looking to learn something new :)

Not all testers pick up on everything. I had the same thing when I was a teenager and I was told that in an accident the end of the lever could do some damage (yea so, as would most other things...) if it was to impale you. I did not argue nor get upset, just went around to the local bike wrecker, put on another one and got the WOF. There are alot of strange rules governing WOF issue for motor vehicles. One older fellow at the place I allways goto said its up to the tester. He said that he preferred to utilise common sense, but not all his collegues worked on the same principle. I have also in the past taken a cage for its WOF, just to have all the stickers on the windows removed as it was "a requirement". However that staff member apparently was well known for doing that sort of stupid thing and had "moved on" by the time the cage was next due. The stickers I replaced the ones that was removed was never an issue again, go figure. Personally I think its a case of finding a WOF station that does not have staff working there with attitudes, or whatever you want to call it. As for the lever with the end piece missing, I tend to agree with that. :Pokey:

[judecatmad]

splash out and spend the $20 to get a new one.

LOL, like I said, it's not a biggie. I know they're not expensive.

Just couldn't understand why it had passed all its WOFs prior, is all....

[judecatmad]

Not all testers pick up on everything. I had the same thing when I was a teenager and I was told that in an accident the end of the lever could do some damage (yea so, as would most other things...) if it was to impale you. I did not argue nor get upset, just went around to the local bike wrecker, put on another one and got the WOF. There are alot of strange rules governing WOF issue for motor vehicles. One older fellow at the place I allways goto said its up to the tester. He said that he preferred to utilise common sense, but not all his collegues worked on the same principle. I have also in the past taken a cage for its WOF, just to have all the stickers on the windows removed as it was "a requirement". However that staff member apparently was well known for doing that sort of stupid thing and had "moved on" by the time the cage was next due. The stickers I replaced the ones that was removed was never an issue again, go figure. Personally I think its a case of finding a WOF station that does not have staff working there with attitudes, or whatever you want to call it. As for the lever with the end piece missing, I tend to agree with that. :Pokey:

With cars, I could understand not picking up on everything - there's a lot of stuff you could miss. But bikes aren't exactly overly complex, and especially not a ginny...LOL.

I guess I'm of the 'if there's a list of requirements, then go through the list until you get to the end' mentality. WOFs really should be a standard thing - if it fails here, it fails everywhere, if it passes here, it passes everywhere.

I'm not cross, I guess I just struggle to understand how the same place can both pass and fail the bike on the same item when nothing's changed. It seems somewhat less than 'standard' that you're at the whim of the tester on any particular day, rather than being subject to the same list of absolutes.

I'm very 'black and white' - there are no shades of grey in my life, LOL. Dave and I have rather long 'discussions' about speed limits every time we go on a road trip!

Guess it comes from being a Policeman's daughter. It's either right or wrong, it either passes or fails.....and if it passed last time then, damn you man, why is it not OK this time around?! :rofl:

But yes, now that it's been pointed out to me (many times today), I can indeed see why the knobble is a good idea. I have learnt the error of my ways :D

[roadracingoldfart]

There is no bearing on getting a WOF based on the tester using common sense or whatever. The rules are writen by a bunch of idiots i agree but if it comes down to the crunch and a WOF is issued to a vehicle , be it a bike or a car and the vehicle didnt meet the criteria as per the rules of inspection (rules of stupidity) then its the person that actually issued that WOF as a pass that will be held responsible. If for EG a bike was issued a wof and the reason for a crash or failure can be placed to the inspectors individual "interpretation" of the rules then they are then liable to face criminal charges.
These charges can be as serious as manslaughter so for that reason alone i will only issue a wof to a vehicle that meets the rules as written and not what i think to be acceptable. I dont have to agree with the rules as set out and normally dont.
If a vehicle has been failed for a WOF it seems really stupid to read the posts on the likes of this and other sites that just slag the inspectors of for failing for something that has "always been like that". All i can say is there are humans involved so mistakes can be made but if a failure is called within the rules as set out by the book then just accept it and fix the bloody issue.
If an item like the lever in this thread then it is still wrong but a slack inspector looked at it in the past who did his / her job badly but the fact remains its still a lever with specs outside the rules as set out.
As for the rules as set out now ill give you all an insight to the level of stupidity involved.
With a front wheel drive car a burst CV joint boot can not be a fail .
Fine i hear some say its just a boot and wont stop the car operating safely.
I ask what happens if a boot is burst and the grease inside is going onto the brake rotor ? .
LTSA say thats fine , its not a fail item for a wof inspection as long as the brake reading is ok under a poxy brake test.
All that lovely grease on the road for us motorcyclists aye !!! WTF

[pete376403]

Are the WOF regulations available on-line?

[Bonez]

Are the WOF regulations available on-line?Yes certainly are and have been posted on kb several times.

[xwhatsit]

Interesting about the levers needing the knobs on the end -- my brake one is missing, which is fine with me as the levers are loooooong and my bar-end mirror wouldn't fit without one. Never thought about it from the safety point of view, might see if I can find a short one that'll fit. It's passed two WoFs with it missing, but I don't really want a brake lever sticking out of my shoulder so I'll track down a new one.

I like the `grey area' in WoFs. If every tester stuck exactly to the rules and some didn't use their common sense, I think a lot of completely safe bikes would be failed on spurious grounds and some people would be pissed off. Strictly speaking, as my clip-ons are not original manufacturer bar set-up, my bike shouldn't pass. However the tester inspected them in detail, said the welds were perfect (they are very well made, more than worth the money) and they seemed more solid than the original set-up, and gave me a pass.

I'm all for more common-sense and less blind authority in situations like this.

[Grahameeboy]

Well at least the tester did not fail it with the cat.....:eek5:

[Monsterbishi]

Perhaps the tester concerned would let it pass if you put something on the end to blunt it off? bit of rubber hose perhaps?

Once you pass you can pull it off and be on your merry way.

[pete376403]

Ball end levers were not standard equipment on old eg 60s - early 70s Brits. So a concours restoration with period equipment would fail a wof? I don't disagree with the safety regulations, just the inconsistancy of application, from one testing station to another, or even between examiners in the same station.

[Rhino]

Ball end levers were not standard equipment on old eg 60s - early 70s Brits. So a concours restoration with period equipment would fail a wof? I don't disagree with the safety regulations, just the inconsistancy of application, from one testing station to another, or even between examiners in the same station.
I totally agree about the disparity between examiners at the same station. I take my bikes to a local VTNZ and they have two guys who are bikers. I would much rather they check the bikes than someone who doesn't know what they are looking for.

Roadracingoldfart, you have made some very good comments. If a requirement is stipulated in the regs, it must be checked properly. The examiner can be liable if the job is not done correctly and an accident results because of that.

[skidMark]

Is this right.....it didn't sound right given that Dave's bike passed last time around....

The VTNZ in Upper Hutt failed Dave's bike this morning cos there's no knobble on the end of his clutch lever.

Thing is, it passed 6 months ago, and 6 months before that...and so on...with the same clutch lever (at the same VTNZ). The guy said the rules changed AAAAGES ago, so it's not something that's changed between this WOF and the previous one.

It's not a biggie, but I just wanted others' opinions and to know if anyone else has ever come up against this before?

And what do you do if their advice is wrong and they're failing the bike on something that's bollocks? What's the come-back?

As always, looking to learn something new :)

it's $20 for a new lever stop bitching.

[jonbuoy]

Yeah my biggest concern in an accident is the clutch/brake lever somehow stabbing me in the leg/chest, not the oncoming traffic,grinding along the asphalt or the rapidly spinning rear wheel/chain. If the impact is severe enough to push a lever through your body isn't the knob on the end just going to make a bigger hole? Ridiculous.

[popelli]

it's $20 for a new lever stop bitching.

I would be more worried about the testers who failed to pick this up than the one that did

you pay good money to have your bike tested, you want the job done properly

[skidMark]

Yeah my biggest concern in an accident is the clutch/brake lever somehow stabbing me in the leg/chest, not the oncoming traffic,grinding along the asphalt or the rapidly spinning rear wheel/chain. If the impact is severe enough to push a lever through your body isn't the knob on the end just going to make a bigger hole? Ridiculous.

A) yes it would make a bigger hole but a snapped and is sharper and will go in easier...

B) when you crash throw yourself clear of the bike....

C)ive had plenty of crash practise and only once everrr being hit by the bike....the footpeg hit my foot so hard it tore through my boot and broke my ankle in 2 places... it weas complicated but in no situation should you ever get stabbed by a lever

[xwhatsit]

That's a good point. How on earth do you get in a position where the lever can stab you? I'm having almost as much difficulty visualising it as with NordieBoy's leg getting stuck between the headers and the front end :confused:

[BuzzardNZ]

Thread dredge I know.

Mine just failed on the grounds that it was too dirty!!! :shit: :facepalm:

[willytheekid]

Thread dredge I know.

Mine just failed on the grounds that it was too dirty!!! :shit: :facepalm:

:laugh:First Ive heard of that one...PIC'S!!!:eek: (This I gotta see)


ps...clean ur bike ya filthy bugger :laugh:

[Tazz]

Thread dredge I know.

Mine just failed on the grounds that it was too dirty!!! :shit: :facepalm:

Eh? Did you bring in this thing or what?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-705006752.htm

Have heard of it happening to 4x4's occasionally, but generally they'ree so muddy the inspector can't see half the things he needs to.

[BuzzardNZ]

:laugh:First Ive heard of that one...PIC'S!!!:eek: (This I gotta see)


ps...clean ur bike ya filthy bugger :laugh:

I've never cleaned it since owning it from new and never will. Rain seems so keep it clean enough.

It looks clean up top ( so much so that it almost looks new ) but the swingarm and rear shock are covered with 7 years worth of caked up gunk.

I thought it was pretty picky of them to fail it on that :mad:. It passed every other time before with what I would think would have been just as much shit down there.

[gjm]

I'm all for my bike/car being checked properly. I look after them and wouldn't ride/drive if I thought it might be unsafe, but I could miss something.


If a requirement is stipulated in the regs, it must be checked properly. The examiner can be liable if the job is not done correctly and an accident results because of that.

I thought the result of a WoF inspection was only a statement of vehicle condition at the time it was examined by the tester? (Obviously major stuff shouldn't happen in the moments following a test.)

[FJRider]

in oz if you dont have the nipple on the end of a lever so not sure o the rules here i reakon try anouther vtnz

It's not that easy ... the bike will come up on the computer as having failed on that issue. Until THAT issue is sorted ... no other tester will touch it until THAT issue is sorted.

For the want of a replacement lever ... whats the issue .. ??

The testers have their Discretion to pass/fail a vehicle according to the legislation ... as they interpret it ...

Just as Police have Discretion .. to issue/not issue an infringement notice according to legislation ... as they interpret it ...

[Oakie]

Dirty? I suppose if headlights, tail lights or indicators are too dirty to be useful it's fair enough.

[R650R]

Did they actually fail it or refuse to inspect???
Pretty reasonable request, think its mandatory for trucks, cracks in chassis etc...
Looking back at the dredge section, mate just bent his mtb handlebars with his nutsack in a crash, was pretty happy he had replaced the endcaps...
Guys here say it doesn't really bother them after I've apologised for car and bike being slightly dirty at busy times... I usually give it a good wash, bit of degreaser good for making a tired drive chain look brand new :)

[unstuck]

Clean that shit ya fucker, I charge extra if fuckers bring shit to me and it is covered in shit.:2guns:

[BuzzardNZ]

Did they actually fail it or refuse to inspect???
Pretty reasonable request, think its mandatory for trucks, cracks in chassis etc...
Looking back at the dredge section, mate just bent his mtb handlebars with his nutsack in a crash, was pretty happy he had replaced the endcaps...
Guys here say it doesn't really bother them after I've apologised for car and bike being slightly dirty at busy times... I usually give it a good wash, bit of degreaser good for making a tired drive chain look brand new :)

They inspected it and it passed on everything apart from the swingarm, rear wheel rim and rear shock being filthy.

I may have to get off my arse and by some degreaser, but I'm pretty bloody lazy when it comes to cleaning :yawn:

[BuzzardNZ]

Clean that shit ya fucker, I charge extra if fuckers bring shit to me and it is covered in shit.:2guns:

And I'd happily pay for you to clean it :laugh:

[unstuck]

And I'd happily pay for you to clean it :laugh:

Some fuckers get rather upset when you charge them to clean stuff before you work on it, then I remind them I have a whiney bitch policy also. Usually shuts em up quick. :devil2:

[jellywrestler]

They inspected it and it passed on everything apart from the swingarm, rear wheel rim and rear shock being filthy.

I may have to get off my arse and by some degreaser, but I'm pretty bloody lazy when it comes to cleaning :yawn:

well maybe they need to see whether the rear shock is leaking as that's part of the WOFrequirements. it would pay to keep that area clean as chain lube etc holds onto dirt which could fuck your seals.

[BuzzardNZ]

well maybe they need to see whether the rear shock is leaking as that's part of the WOFrequirements. it would pay to keep that area clean as chain lube etc holds onto dirt which could fuck your seals.

Makes me wonder why all the other WOF inspections I've had have never given a shit about that before ( it passed ), as I've never cleaned that part and as far as I know it's pretty much always been rotten in that area.

[unstuck]

They inspected it and it passed on everything apart from the swingarm, rear wheel rim and rear shock being filthy.

I may have to get off my arse and by some degreaser, but I'm pretty bloody lazy when it comes to cleaning :yawn:

Be careful spraying that shit around your swingarm and wheel bearings.:msn-wink:

[BuzzardNZ]

Be careful spraying that shit around your swingarm and wheel bearings.:msn-wink:

Which is why I don't plan on doing it. I'm due a 24K service soon and I'll have the shop sort it out... problem solved :niceone:

[pritch]

It needn't cost much, get a tin of degreaser from Supercheap or the retailer of your choice. A hose and your oldest holey pair of underdacks and yer in business.

[BMWST?]

Which is why I don't plan on doing it. I'm due a 24K service soon and I'll have the shop sort it out... problem solved :niceone:
I think you have no respect for your bike,the wof insoectors,or the bike shop.At least make sure they can actually see the parts mentioned.
Its also a matter of your own safety.Giving the bike a quick clean now and then is the best way to keep an eye on things

[jasonu]

Some fuckers get rather upset when you charge them to clean stuff before you work on it, then I remind them I have a whiney bitch policy also. Usually shuts em up quick. :devil2:

Norm Cobb used (prolly still does) return to sender any dirty suspension components he received at the owners cost.

[nzspokes]

I think you have no respect for your bike,the wof insoectors,or the bike shop.At least make sure they can actually see the parts mentioned.
Its also a matter of your own safety.Giving the bike a quick clean now and then is the best way to keep an eye on things

More likely trying to hide a fault. We used to get that all the time at a workshop I helped out at.

[Katman]

It's not that easy ... the bike will come up on the computer as having failed on that issue. Until THAT issue is sorted ... no other tester will touch it until THAT issue is sorted.


While a fail is registered in the system as a fail, it isn't until the WOF has been put through online that the previous inspection result is displayed.

And while it is possible to source that information before starting the inspection process, I doubt that many inspectors would bother to carry out the process in that order.

[BuzzardNZ]

More likely trying to hide a fault. We used to get that all the time at a workshop I helped out at.

Nah that's not it. If there was something wrong with it I'd want it to be found and fixed.

I'm sure any decent WOF inspector could tell if I'd deliberately smeared grease and shit all over it to try and cover something up.

[pritch]

I'm due a 24K service soon and I'll have the shop sort it out... problem solved :niceone:

It must be nice to be among the idle rich and be able pay someone else a hundred and whatever dollars an hour they charge in Wellington to clean your bike?

Dunno how good a job he'll do either 'cause looking at your bike the thought may occur to him, "He doesn't give a shit, why should I?"
My bike goes in to the shop shite and briny and hopefully the shop dude will think something like, "This guy's a fussy bastard, better do a good job."

Seems to work most of the time.

[rastuscat]

This is NZ

There's no such thing as a fail. Simply not yet competent.

Sit the exam again.

[BuzzardNZ]

It must be nice to be among the idle rich and be able pay someone else a hundred and whatever dollars an hour they charge in Wellington to clean your bike?

Dunno how good a job he'll do either 'cause looking at your bike the thought may occur to him, "He doesn't give a shit, why should I?"
My bike goes in to the shop shite and briny and hopefully the shop dude will think something like, "This guy's a fussy bastard, better do a good job."

Seems to work most of the time.

I doubt it will take them an hour to clean. I trust the shop I go to and I'm sure they'll sort it out no matter what. I've been going to them for 25+ years and I think the fact that I'm a loyal customer counts for something.

I'm going to get new tyres, chain + whatever it needs for the 24K service, so they are going to have to take the wheels off anyway.

Last time I went they cleaned it for free! Good guys at Wellington Motorcycles ( BTW it wasn't them who failed it )

Sure, it's no excuse for my laziness, I just honestly can't be arsed cleaning the bloody thing :D

[FJRider]

And while it is possible to source that information before starting the inspection process, I doubt that many inspectors would bother to carry out the process in that order.

I have been on the receiving end of such a process ... and the failed issue was ADDED to the .. "list" ... :crazy:

They didn't actually pick up the "issue" ... but failed it on that "issue" ... :angry2:

[pritch]

I doubt it will take them an hour to clean.
Last time I went they cleaned it for free! Good guys at Wellington Motorcycles ( BTW it wasn't them who failed it )


It probably won't take them an hour to clean, but they charge by the hour and time is money, so...

Having said that, on my one and only visit to Wellington Motorcycles, having struck a problem on my way home from the South Island, they fixed me up and sent me on my way free of charge. So I agree they are certainly good guys.

[amboman]

Few years ago I attended a mountain biker who fell off over the handle bars and was stabbed through the cheek by the left hand brake lever. Pretty one off but you never know what could happen.

[unstuck]

Few years ago I attended a mountain biker who fell off over the handle bars and was stabbed through the cheek by the left hand brake lever. Pretty one off but you never know what could happen.

And what, may I ask, has that got to do with being a lazy bugger? :wait:

At least the dude is being honest about being a lazy fucker, that should count for something.:devil2:

[nzspokes]

And what, may I ask, has that got to do with being a lazy bugger? :wait:

At least the dude is being honest about being a lazy fucker, that should count for something.:devil2:

Well lazy is a good call. My bike is always cleaned at least once a week.

But speaking of lazy, the bikes an 07 and its only got 24ks on it. I do more than that in a year.

[BuzzardNZ]

But speaking of lazy, the bikes an 07 and its only got 24ks on it. I do more than that in a year.

:tugger:

It's true, it has very low ks on it for its age ( actually only got 21 or 22ks ). Only ride it during the weekends and less in the winter ( does this also make me lazy? )

Sometimes I'd just rather go to the pub than go for a ride. If you could legally mix the two without consequence I think I'd rack up more mileage :drinknsin :scooter: