Hypothetical WOF question.

**FROSTY:Me** · 21st October 2009, 07:26

I'd just like to get the opinions of you lot. This really genuinely is a hypothetical situation.
A bike headlight is required to have its headlight set to pass the light spread/height test. The test clearly says with its to be tested with A rider on it.
BUT should the test be done with the testing officer sitting on the bike or the rider of the bike siting on the bike?
Say for example the testing officer weighs in at 120kg and the owner is a 60kg woman.
Lets also assume that the rider sitting on the bike DOES affect the headlight beam

**vifferman** · 21st October 2009, 07:30

Shirley if the bike's suspension is set up correctly, it will sag evenly at both ends, and the beamsetter machine will be happy whoever's sitting on it?

**breakaway** · 21st October 2009, 07:46

Originally Posted by vifferman

Shirley if the bike's suspension is set up correctly, it will sag evenly at both ends, and the beamsetter machine will be happy whoever's sitting on it?

It will sag significantly more if a 120KG dude is sitting on a bike set up for a 60KG person!

**vifferman** · 21st October 2009, 07:51

Originally Posted by breakaway

It will sag significantly more if a 120KG dude is sitting on a bike set up for a 60KG person!

My understanding is that a proper beam setting/testing machine takes no account of that - it just measures the light pattern, amount and angle of dip, etc. However, if a more primitive method is used - such as a wall or board with markers - then if the bike's suspension is set up properly, it will sag the same amount at both ends, so the light will pass (or not), regardless of whether the 37kg midget girl we have at work is sitting on it, or our 165kg IT guy. (Yes, we're an equal opportunity employer - we employee all kinds of freaks. Anyne can work here as long as they're a weirdo).

**sunhuntin** · 21st October 2009, 08:02

i think mine has always been checked without anyone sitting on the bike! LOL. at least, the change from full to dip is done with no one sitting on it. im guessing they check the other light things at the same time?

**FROSTY:Me** · 21st October 2009, 10:52

Originally Posted by vifferman

My understanding is that a proper beam setting/testing machine takes no account of that - it just measures the light pattern, amount and angle of dip, etc. However, if a more primitive method is used - such as a wall or board with markers - then if the bike's suspension is set up properly, it will sag the same amount at both ends, so the light will pass (or not), regardless of whether the 37kg midget girl we have at work is sitting on it, or our 165kg IT guy. (Yes, we're an equal opportunity employer - we employee all kinds of freaks. Anyne can work here as long as they're a weirdo).

so lets --just for kicks say that the midget girl owns the bike and the rear suspension is set for her weight and mr 165kg s the testing officer

**Ixion** · 21st October 2009, 11:28

Originally Posted by vifferman

Shirley if the bike's suspension is set up correctly, it will sag evenly at both ends, and the beamsetter machine will be happy whoever's sitting on it?

That's really only valid for a sprots bike. If a tourer was set up like that it would be horribly worngA once laden with luggage , pillion etc

I've always been asked to sit on the bike myself.

**FROSTY:Me** · 21st October 2009, 18:26

Any other opinions?

**quickbuck** · 21st October 2009, 19:25

Originally Posted by FROSTY

Any other opinions?

To be honest there Frosty, I have never once sat on my bike at WOF time.
It usually goes like this...
Every 6 months: Replace rear, or both tyres. Do WOF.

I leave my bike at the shop for a day or so, and come back, and she's all done.

Now, this is where I differ from most I think....
If my headlight is a little low, or high when i'm riding at night, I stop and adjust it to suit. Simple really.

Could be I have a Pax, could be I'm carrying panniers, could be I have a load of stuff in my Tank Bag... Could be all factors at the same time.

Yes, preload adjustment might take out most of it... but then may be not.
It could be that I have dropped the tripple clamps 5mm down the forks.....

That's another thing when it comes to the WOF inspection.
What stops the rider taking the bike out after the WOF and having a play with the ride height??

You have a point though.
If a 50kg rider brings in her GSX250, and Mr 125kg WOF man sits on it.... Well, there are stuff all things you can adjust in the suspension, and he could "Fail" the light I guess....
Should really check with the rider before failing it though.

**MikeL** · 21st October 2009, 19:30

I usually take my bikes to a testing station, and not once over the years has the headlight test been done with anyone but me on it. In fact there has only been one occasion when a testing station person rode one of my bikes - and then he dropped it!

**Owl** · 21st October 2009, 19:30

Originally Posted by FROSTY

Any other opinions?

Yes, realistically (non-hypothetically) take the bike to a place that won't check the headlight beam, only that they glow!

**huff3r** · 21st October 2009, 20:01

Originally Posted by Owl

Yes, realistically (non-hypothetically) take the bike to a place that won't check the headlight beam, only that they glow!

Yep, i find this method very effective, ive used it a few times

**scumdog** · 21st October 2009, 20:04

Originally Posted by FROSTY

I'd just like to get the opinions of you lot. This really genuinely is a hypothetical situation.
A bike headlight is required to have its headlight set to pass the light spread/height test. The test clearly says with its to be tested with A rider on it.
BUT should the test be done with the testing officer sitting on the bike or the rider of the bike siting on the bike?
Say for example the testing officer weighs in at 120kg and the owner is a 60kg woman.
Lets also assume that the rider sitting on the bike DOES affect the headlight beam

They have a TEST for the beam of your bikes headlight where you come from??

**ManDownUnder** · 21st October 2009, 20:07

Surely the testing requirement is to verify that oncoming drivers won't be blinded etc while the motorcycle is in operation. Therefore the requirement should be the light pattern is correct... as tested... while the rider is in the saddle.

Suspension should be assumed to be ok as it is subject to it's own inspection and pass fail.

Of course I've been wrong before... God forbid common sense comes into this stuff...