WOF. Interesting...

[Trudes]

My bike is due for it's WOF so I rang up Motomart to see if I could book it in for Saturday and maybe take something I have my eye on for a test ride at the same time. Anyway they told me that they could but would have to take it to VTNZ for the WOF instead of AA where they normally take the bikes as AA is closed on Saturday, would that be ok? ????
me: do you not do WOF yourselves?
Motomart: no, we like to get a neutral outside agent to do WOFs
me: oh... interesting.

So anyway I was confused as I'd heard from several people not to take my bike to AA or VTNZ for WOF as they don't seem to know much about bikes. Having never dealt with either personally I don't have an opinion so then wondered how many other bike shops do the same. Rang another Wellington bike shop who I often deal with and they told me they do WOF on site.
Anyone else find this interesting? I'm not poking shit at anyone about this, so don't jump down my throat, I just found it interesting as it's not something I'd thought of before. I actually think it's a good idea, and is the same as taking any other vehicle to AA or VTNZ for WOF checks and then taking it somewhere else for the required repairs as you know you won't be told a whole lot of other unnecessary repairs need doing for your WOF. (Except Autostop in Johnsonville who will still try and add on some extra repairs... ok, that may be speculation, however they have done that to me several times)

[pete376403]

Sounds familiar - took my bike to macs yamaha in Upper Hutt but the warrant was actually issued by cannon point motors (who are primarily a car workshop)

[AllanB]

I know of a shop in CHCH that has a VINZ down the road - they ride bikes down there instead of shelling out for the set-up and yearly cost now required for doing WOFs.

The 'neutral' comment is weird - does this imply if they did it in-house they would not be? Probably not more likely the below scenario.

One thing it does remove for them is the hassle of telling a client that the muffler they sold them 2 years ago is no longer considered legal, or having a argument about a tyre they deem under WOF standards when the owner thinks it has another thousand kms in it. It avoids the whole 'bastards, failed my XXX just to get a extra sale' posts on KB!

[riffer]

Sounds familiar - took my bike to macs yamaha in Upper Hutt but the warrant was actually issued by cannon point motors (who are primarily a car workshop)


Cannon Point Motors are a thoroughly excellent bunch of guys who dropped everything at 11.45 am on a Saturday to give me a warrant on my RF.

Give them your business.

[McJim]

I never knew bike shops could do WOFs :gob: I've always taken my bike to VTNZ and never had a problem - usually $32 and they put me at the front of the queue since it takes about 4 minutes to perform.

Never failed either.

[fLaThEaD FreD]

Even though they are a cage workshop the owner is a keen rider of some years and another of the guys is a V8 triker.
By prior arrangement they do warrents on bikes and your'll get a fair and honest test as they not lookin to do bike repairs.

[Katman]

My shop in Taupo is the only bike shop here that can do their own WOFs.

[DingoZ]

VTNZ seaview, the best place to take a bike for WOF. 10 minutes, they give the bike a once over, park in between the car bays, and they usually get you to go ahead of the cars.. Guys are bike keen. :)

[rainman]

I always go to VTNZ, $32 and they're pretty quick and pleasant. This last time I arrived quite early and they had to see if their motorbike inspector was available so I guess there's real training and all.

He was a bit thrown by the lack of a centre stand for my bike but no trouble got the jack and lifted all 220kg to check if the wheels turned. I kept a steadying hand on at all times, suspect the small print about due care and diligence excludes dropping bikes off of car jacks. :) He very pleasantly suggested I was unlikely to get a full 6 months out of my back tyre, and maybe I should think of a replacement. In the interests of my personal safety and all, of course. Passed it, though. (And I will get a new tyre).

By comparison, last time I took my bike to a bike shop for a service and a WOF they forgot the WOF. :argh:

[SARGE]

My bike is due for it's WOF so I rang up Motomart to see if I could book it in for Saturday and maybe take something I have my eye on for a test ride at the same time. Anyway they told me that they could but would have to take it to VTNZ for the WOF instead of AA where they normally take the bikes as AA is closed on Saturday, would that be ok? ????
me: do you not do WOF yourselves?
Motomart: no, we like to get a neutral outside agent to do WOFs
me: oh... interesting.[/SIZE]

quite a few who import bikes do this.. nuetral 3rd party and all..

if you are in the Auckland Area.. Quay St autos does them really well.. Peter Broad is a biker and has his bike WOF ticket (by the Maccas on Quay st ..behind the car wash)

+1 on Cameron Automotive in West Auckland.. good buncha guys.. tell them i said hi

[quickbuck]

He very pleasantly suggested I was unlikely to get a full 6 months out of my back tyre, and maybe I should think of a replacement. In the interests of my personal safety and all, of course. Passed it, though. (And I will get a new tyre).



What a bazzar comment! If I'm using my bike as it should be, then there is no way I'll get 6 months out of a back tyre..... If it was a 1000 it can be gone in a decent trip!

I got told that my front pads were getting down once... I laughed, as I went through a set before lunch on a training day at Manfeild once..... Yes, they were a bit soft!
Slighty went through a set on the Repsol Blade on the same day... he did about 3 times the laps I did though....

I always take my bike to hte bike shop for WOF's..... It interesting Motomart don't do them.
Could be the extra hassle involved though.

[pritch]

He was a bit thrown by the lack of a centre stand for my bike but no trouble got the jack and lifted all 220kg to check if the wheels turned.

WTF? I've never seen anything like that. How would he do a Hornet 900 or a fully faired bike?

Did he think you might have got the bike to the testing station with a transporter beam?

Very strange.:whistle:

[rainman]

What a bazzar comment! If I'm using my bike as it should be, then there is no way I'll get 6 months out of a back tyre..... If it was a 1000 it can be gone in a decent trip!

Ah, this is one of the many wonders of a cruiser. I commute almost every day and have had the same back tyre since 2006. And the bloke I bought the bike from had it for a while before that too. But it is getting a bit tatty. And tread is a good thing, for stopping, and not slipping out in the corners, and all.


WTF? I've never seen anything like that. How would he do a Hornet 900 or a fully faired bike?

Yeah it was a first for me too. I was concerned he was going to crunch the pipes, but he was careful.

I've been there before a few times and they didn't jack up the bike then, might be a new thing. I expect if the fully faired bike didn't have a centre stand they would just skip that bit.

[jrandom]

I commute almost every day and have had the same back tyre since 2006. And the bloke I bought the bike from had it for a while before that too.

Jesus H. Christ.

What make and model of tyre is it?

[McJim]

WTF? I've never seen anything like that. How would he do a Hornet 900 or a fully faired bike? Very strange.:whistle:



I've been there before a few times and they didn't jack up the bike then, might be a new thing. I expect if the fully faired bike didn't have a centre stand they would just skip that bit.

You fellas are kidding right? with the side stand down you pull diagonally across the bike and lift the front wheel so the weight is distributed on the side stand and the back wheel. Dude can then check front wheen is secure etc. you then repeat but this time lifting the back wheel - dude can do his thang.

Centrestands are a waste of weight - if I owned a bike with one I would imediately unbolt it and leave it in the garage.

[sinfull]

Sidestands are a waste of weight - if I owned a bike with one I would imediately unbolt it and leave it in the garage. Sidestands do come in handy now and then Jim ! Had to mate lol typos are there to be quoted !!
Seen someone use his duke sidestand to spin the bike 180 degrees the other day ! Was impressed lol

[MaxB]

I use VTNZ 'cos there are not that many bike shops round here. Never had a problem.

Sometimes you see a dealer putting 5 or 6 cars through at a time. I guess WOF outsourcing is very common.

[McJim]

Sidestands do come in handy now and then Jim ! Had to mate lol typos are there to be quoted !!
Seen someone use his duke sidestand to spin the bike 180 degrees the other day ! Was impressed lol

Yeah - I meant centre stands - I'm too sleepy - Im off to bed.

[rainman]

Jesus H. Christ.

What make and model of tyre is it?

A Metzeler Marathon. Still has a fair bit of tread and the cracks aren't too bad... :)

But I know I need a new 'un. Just waiting until after I pay insurance and a few other things...


You fellas are kidding right? with the side stand down you pull diagonally across the bike...

Yeah, I've done that before, can't remember why - didn't think of it at WOF time because I was too surprised he even wanted to check the wheels...

[NighthawkNZ]

Honda Otago does WOFs...

[classic zed]

We do bike Wof's in Whangaparaoa, me and my Wof man are licensed to do them.

Car $35.00
Bike $25.00
Trailer $20.00

while you wait no appointment needed:scooter:

[Gremlin]

I used to have them done by bike shops, as I figured they would actually know what they were doing, and I wasn't hiding anything either.

Now both shops I frequent don't do their own WOF's, so I have used the VTNZ in The Hub, Botany Downs, and the guy there rides a Triumph (I keep telling him he should upgrade... he laughs a lot).

There is also a VTNZ in Cryers Road, East Tamaki that has a motorbike person, but he was away on a training course.

Can't say I have any reason not to be happy with the job they do...

[Nasty]

I have used VTNZ in Newtown and Porirua ... you have to check when their motorcycle person is there not all of them have someone for bikes 100% of the time. Never has any problems with the,.

[Dooly]

My garage is primarily a car garage. We issue normal WOFs, plus I also I have an authority to do bike WOFs.
You just have to take a bike related practical/theory test, plus prove that you have worked, or do work on motorcycles.
Thats providing you already are an AVI, authorised vehicle inspector.
Mind you it was a 3 month bureaucratic process to get the bike authority due to me not being a primary motorcycle garage.

The Yamaha/Kawy dealer down the road dont issue bike WOFs.

I find its great and even tho dont do piles of bike WOFs, its good for myself with 3 road bikes and mates.
I charge 20 bucks, think thats cheap, but dont really care.

And I dont have a prob getting WOFs for the 'noise issues'.:laugh:

[Fatjim]

Don;t worry, the VTNZ in Lower Hutt (down from where Motomart used to be) has 2 or three testers that ride. They're pretty good blokes.

[pritch]

Yeah - I meant centre stands - I'm too sleepy - Im off to bed.

Hope you had a good nights sleep :yawn:

I have a centre stand on the current bike, it comes in real handy at chain lube time. As for the unwanted weight, it'd probably be better if I lost a couple of stone rather than worry about the weight of a stand.

[Reido]

We do bike Wof's in Whangaparaoa, me and my Wof man are licensed to do them.

Car $35.00
Bike $25.00
Trailer $20.00

while you wait no appointment needed:scooter:

are you the one with the GN out side with "bike wof" sign on it ??

[vifferman]

I never knew bike shops could do WOFs.Depends on the shop.
Most don't want to do them, as it takes away the mechanics from more lucrative work. Doing WOFs is usually more of a service than a money-spinner.

[portokiwi]

I go to the VTNZ next to pac & save in Glen Innes. Where the new petrol pumps are you turn left and its on the courner. The guys rides a notorcycle they are great even have motorcycle mags to read while you wait.
:2thumbsup

[sunhuntin]

ive always gone to the aa testing center for mine. not once have any of the bikes been jacked or tipped on the stand to check tyre rotation, but the front gets put on the "spinny" thing.

my back tyre lasted ages as well. had the bike 2 years, and only recently replaced the back [before last warrent, which was november i think?] those 2 years included daily commuting, many trips out of town, and two trips down south, plus the back was on there when i bought it. dunno how long it had been on there though.

[Gremlin]

my back tyre lasted ages as well. had the bike 2 years, and only recently replaced the back [before last warrent, which was november i think?] those 2 years included daily commuting, many trips out of town, and two trips down south, plus the back was on there when i bought it. dunno how long it had been on there though.
In contrast, my back tyre was pretty knackered after 2 weeks. It will be replaced after 3-4, but simply because I'm barely riding it in the following 2 weeks...

[vonstringer]

I got a WOF for my bike today at the Nelson VTNZ and had no problems. The guy who tested the bike was pleasant and seemed quite capable. It cost $32 and was over in 5 minutes.

[McJim]

In contrast, my back tyre was pretty knackered after 2 weeks. It will be replaced after 3-4, but simply because I'm barely riding it in the following 2 weeks...

Well you will tour the entire coutry won't you? Expensive on tyres - just thank yer luck ones you didn't have to pay Invergiggle prices for a tyre :rofl:

Tell the WoF fella at Botany that the Scottish git with the Ducati says hi.

[Gremlin]

just thank yer luck ones you didn't have to pay Invergiggle prices for a tyre :rofl:

Tell the WoF fella at Botany that the Scottish git with the Ducati says hi.
Since the tyres were brand new before the trip, ie, they had 30km on them, I would be bawling my eyes out if I needed another tyre by 3000 odd km.

Will do, when I next see him, probably october this year...

[skidMark]

I find its great and even tho dont do piles of bike WOFs, its good for myself with 3 road bikes and mates.
I charge 20 bucks, think thats cheap, but dont really care.

And I dont have a prob getting WOFs for the 'noise issues'.:laugh:

Hang on...

You are issuing yourself bike warrents?

That is a breach of being a WOF tester.

They can take your WOF testing license for doing so, and you put it in print on the internet. :rolleyes:

[turtleman]

I used to have them done by bike shops, as I figured they would actually know what they were doing, and I wasn't hiding anything either.

Now both shops I frequent don't do their own WOF's, so I have used the VTNZ in The Hub, Botany Downs, and the guy there rides a Triumph (I keep telling him he should upgrade... he laughs a lot).



+1 on VTNZ in The Hub at Botany. A nice guy who is a motorcyclist himself. Not much of a wait, either, when I took my bike in for WoF

[turtleman]

Ah, this is one of the many wonders of a cruiser. I commute almost every day and have had the same back tyre since 2006. And the bloke I bought the bike from had it for a while before that too. But it is getting a bit tatty. And tread is a good thing, for stopping, and not slipping out in the corners, and all.
.

Yup - can expect 16,000km or more from a tyre on most cruisers. Got 18,000 from my front, and 20 thou out of my last rear tyre...

[KiwiRat]

Henderson Motorcycles in View Rd give good service.

[jrandom]

Seen someone use his duke sidestand to spin the bike 180 degrees the other day !

Yes, doing that trick on sprotbikes is all well and good, right up until the stand snaps.

:pinch:

[Dooly]

Hang on...

You are issuing yourself bike warrents?

That is a breach of being a WOF tester.

They can take your WOF testing license for doing so, and you put it in print on the internet. :rolleyes:

Who gives a fuck.
Let them come.
Can't be too much of a prob when the guy who takes you for the AVI tests and is the regional LTSA auditor, know you issue for your own bikes, cars, whatever, just like everyone else who is a AVI does.
Especially when I told him one of the reason for me getting the bike side is to save me the hassle of going elsewhere when I'm quite capable of doing it myself.
And in all the years doing WOFs that has never been mentioned or talked about.

But as usual, you know everything huh.
Years of experience for ya eh.:bash:

[SARGE]

I go to the VTNZ next to pac & save in Glen Innes. Where the new petrol pumps are you turn left and its on the courner. The guys rides a notorcycle they are great even have motorcycle mags to read while you wait.
:2thumbsup

Thats Steve.. used to run the VINZ across from Red Baron.. good guy

[pritch]

Yes, doing that trick on sprotbikes is all well and good, right up until the stand snaps.

True, but potentially funny. I've seen in Bike mags (and on KB) that some makes/models have a reputation for fragile stands.

I also seem to recall reading written instructions that involved sitting on the bike with the sidestand down and that one make was specifically excluded as the sidestands were weak...

Perhaps it was something to do with the "passion", although I've also seen reference hereabout to it being part of a cunning plan to stimulate parts sales.

[MacD]

I never knew bike shops could do WOFs :gob: I've always taken my bike to VTNZ and never had a problem - usually $32 and they put me at the front of the queue since it takes about 4 minutes to perform.

Never failed either.

VTNZ in Kingsland Auckland will also bring you forward in the queue as they have a separate bike testing space. The last two testers I've had there have been thorough, but not too officious about the test. However, last time I was there the woman who had been in the car in front of me kept on bitching about me "queue jumping" in front of her. She completely missed the point that her car was still being tested at the same time as my bike!

Thanks Sarge for the heads up about the bike WOF place on Quay St, I might try them next time.

[rachprice]

My shop in Taupo is the only bike shop here that can do their own WOFs.

Just curiously, since I haven't seen it anywhere else, what shop in Taupo is that you own?

[KelvinAng]

My bike is due for it's WOF so I rang up Motomart to see if I could book it in for Saturday and maybe take something I have my eye on for a test ride at the same time. Anyway they told me that they could but would have to take it to VTNZ for the WOF instead of AA where they normally take the bikes as AA is closed on Saturday, would that be ok? ????
me: do you not do WOF yourselves?
Motomart: no, we like to get a neutral outside agent to do WOFs
me: oh... interesting.

So anyway I was confused as I'd heard from several people not to take my bike to AA or VTNZ for WOF as they don't seem to know much about bikes. Having never dealt with either personally I don't have an opinion so then wondered how many other bike shops do the same. Rang another Wellington bike shop who I often deal with and they told me they do WOF on site.
Anyone else find this interesting? I'm not poking shit at anyone about this, so don't jump down my throat, I just found it interesting as it's not something I'd thought of before. I actually think it's a good idea, and is the same as taking any other vehicle to AA or VTNZ for WOF checks and then taking it somewhere else for the required repairs as you know you won't be told a whole lot of other unnecessary repairs need doing for your WOF. (Except Pitstop in Johnsonville who will still try and add on some extra repairs... ok, that may be speculation, however they have done that to me several times)

My favourite mechanic at my favourite bike shop recommends the VTNZ at Lichfield St, ChCh centre. He says "they know about bikes". So I went there to get mine done.

I never knew the side stand of my bike is that strong. They checked the wheels by "lifting" the front (or rear) with the side stand down as support. The two guys checking it seem to know what they're doing. I'm just staring at them through the glass windows with my mouth wide-opened, thinking the side stand will snap any moment. When the torture tests are over one of them came in and said "she's fine" and handed me the stickers.

My favourite mechanic at my favourite bike shop didn't mention a word about other VTNZs in ChCh, so I'll probably avoid them.

[gav]

Depends on the shop.
Most don't want to do them, as it takes away the mechanics from more lucrative work. Doing WOFs is usually more of a service than a money-spinner.
Huh? $32 for a ten minute check and the possibility of building a rapport with a potential new customer and maybe sourcing some more work.
Yeah, I can see why it must be a drag for some shops ...... :brick:
Is it more the fact they don't have any one qualified to issue a WOF?
If they are not qualified to do that, then how safe are they to service your bike?
Do they merely do exactly as instructed, oil and filter change, replace tyre etc?

Or are most people more comfortable going somewhere "neutral" for a WOF? Then getting there local shop to do any repairs that are required?
Are the bike shops finding they no longer get the demand for a WOF so have dropped that option? Maybe they get tyres fitted as outwork too?

[Motu]

Just a question of money....the answer to everything.It costs the shop to become an AVIC,then they have to pay the mechanics for the AVI course.Some mechanics can't be bothered with all the drama of being an AVI,tests,revues,responsibility etc....and it gives them no more money in the pay packet for all that.They will add up the floor traffic requesting a WoF,balance that against the costs...and possibly decide it's not worth it.

I do about 12 WoF's a day,and a handful of bikes a year....just enough to keep the motorcycle part active.

[Eddieb]

I don't see the point of paying an overhead for someone else to do something basic I can do myself, and the risk the bike being damaged.

I've had an experience with a local 'Premium brand' dealer where I rang to see if they did warrants and was told they did so I booked it in. When I collected my Premium brand bike afterwards I discovered:
a) the warrant was issued by another company and the dealer didn't in fact do the warrants themselves
b) The tank had 2 new 6cm scratches side by side down the side of the tank

When I showed the dealer the new scratches the response was 'We shouldn't be responsible for every bike left in our care that could have been scratched by someone else' and didn't really want to know about it.

WTF kind of attitude is that? I left the bike in their care because they are the official dealer for the brand & I obviously wrongly believed there would be a reasonable level of care while THEY issued a Wof.

[Bonez]

Hope you had a good nights sleep :yawn:

I have a centre stand on the current bike, it comes in real handy at chain lube time. As for the unwanted weight, it'd probably be better if I lost a couple of stone rather than worry about the weight of a stand.Don't know why folk moan about centre stand weight. It's low son fuck all to worry about really. Hell Dougs Duc only has a centre stand as stock standard.

[Trudes]

So I took my Hornet down to VTNZ yesterday.
Rolled in, no cars there, place was deserted. Went inside, 5 guys standing about with nothing to do, so the bike gets attended to immediately. Warned them to be careful putting the bike's entire weight on the side stand as it's been chopped and welded back on twice so may be a little weak. No worries they say (although they did look a little nervous), one guy picks it up on the stand while another fiddles with the back wheel, then goes to do the front, guy holding the bike just about drops it, I cover my face waiting to hear 'crunch', but the guys decide they've seen enough and let my bike alone.
They all had to come and have a look at the bike, ask some questions "how much? How many cylinders? 900 CC, that's a lot of bike for a little lady to handle.....:confused::laugh: blah blah blah. Guy got me to sit on so he could check the lights etc then got me to ride up a little and get the back wheel to skid to check rear brake works (I told him I never use the back brake, sure you need it tested? have a look at the brake pads! :laugh: ) Anyway, they were all very nice, failed my warrant, need to do some welding.... broken exhaust braket... how'd I do that? Then it's all sweet.
So yeah, I'd go back.... although I'd be tempted to get someone to come down in the car and bring some stands so they can put the bike up to test the wheels that way!!!:niceone:

[Pixie]

I always go to VTNZ, $32 and they're pretty quick and pleasant. This last time I arrived quite early and they had to see if their motorbike inspector was available so I guess there's real training and all.

He was a bit thrown by the lack of a centre stand for my bike but no trouble got the jack and lifted all 220kg to check if the wheels turned. I kept a steadying hand on at all times, suspect the small print about due care and diligence excludes dropping bikes off of car jacks. :) He very pleasantly suggested I was unlikely to get a full 6 months out of my back tyre, and maybe I should think of a replacement. In the interests of my personal safety and all, of course. Passed it, though. (And I will get a new tyre).

By comparison, last time I took my bike to a bike shop for a service and a WOF they forgot the WOF. :argh:
I'd be lucky to get 6 months out of a brand new tyre.
And if someone tried to put my bike on a car jack or lift it on it's side stand I'd tell him where to go.

I bet he didn't take the bike for the test ride that is required by the NZTA procedures.

[rainman]

I'd be lucky to get 6 months out of a brand new tyre.
And if someone tried to put my bike on a car jack or lift it on it's side stand I'd tell him where to go.

I bet he didn't take the bike for the test ride that is required by the NZTA procedures.

Yeah, I'm not hard on tyres though.

I would not let them take the bike for a test ride, not that they asked. I did have to do the ride up and down and prove you can stop thing, of course.

[Mystic13]

Someone posted $32 for a bike warrant Haldanes are $40.

VTNZ at Kingsland are tossers. I stop in with my bike to be told they do motorcycle warrants but their motorcycle guy is away for the afternoon. Come back Thursday.

So I do.

"Oh.... motorcycle guy is away again you'll have to come back... "

"#%%$^$ this is the second time... surely someone can do it."

"Well yes we have ....... but he can only do up to 250cc"

"Okay lets talk to him and see if he'll do it then."

I explains myself and the nice guy agrees to do it.

(FYI the two overweight ladies in this place are officious bitches)

The guy then calls me over and asks does the rear wheel not turn when the bike is stopped. (I always stop in gear) I said no it's in gear. He'd been pulling the clutch lever in and out for a while and no luck. So he continues this routine in front of me and i mention when he pulls the clutch he also needs to move the gear lever. So he asks me to put it in neutral.

He points out the rear pad is low. Which it is but it'll easily make the next service so I thank him and assure him it will be fixed. He hops on and then can't start the bike.

So I show him how to start it. It didn't occur to me he was going to ride around the forecourt. He rides off shakily and I think "Stop him! Stop him! My bike is a gonna!"

He manages to ride around the forecourt and gently stop. WTF?

Nice enough guy and I appreciated him doing my bike but he was not confident on a bike and chose not to wear a lid.

I got my warrant and left.

Never ever ever again will I grace VTNZ Kingsland. The two cows in there are just too rude and difficult to deal with.

_______________

My local bike shop dropped doing warrants because it was too costly to have the right to do them for the few warrants they did. They take them to another bike shop down the road. Actually when you ring them they suggest you take them else where.