VTNZ *tut* *tut* *tut*

**Bulldog** · 3rd February 2010, 09:04

Went to VTNZ Westgate yesterday with my year old Husqvarna 610 SM passed all tests with flying colours only to be told the headlight pointed too far to the right and that it "must be an american headlight". To which I replied, that's strange, how did it pass the first road compliance test? Then asked what he suggests I do from here, which resulted in a stunned mullet look.

And my reply letter to VTNZ today

"I have a query / complaint. I took my 1 year old motorbike into the westgate testing station yesterday only to be failed because the light apparently pointed too far right. Now this is a motorcross type bike that sits very high so i would expect the light to be shining near people anyway and furthermore when you turn or lean a motorbike the light moves in all directions anyway! I asked the inspection officer how this could not be passable when it came from the manufacturer like that and I already had a warrant?!

What are my options now? Throw the bike away because it was manufactured wrong? Try and import a different light lense from overseas even though the bike was already deemed fit for NZ import and registration previously?

Not happy VTNZ people.

Regards xxxx'"

**Reckless** · 3rd February 2010, 09:27

Had this same scenario with my VTR100 after god knows how many warrants it had over its life??
It was an import with a yank lens. Your husky might be originally made for riding on the other side?

I just cut the lugs off the bulb and turned it in its housing till the L shaped pattern they put out was correct for LTNZ.

**MSTRS:Me** · 3rd February 2010, 09:30

Flick the light from low beam to high...does the centre of the cast light move left or right? If left, then VTNZ is correct (but how did it get first compliance?). If it moves to the right, then your light simply needs adjusting.

**Mom** · 3rd February 2010, 09:33

It could be something as simple as the lens installed upside down or it has turned itself out of alignment. I had a bike that the headlight lens used to revolve in for some weird reason. No matter how many times I would set it right and put the clips back in the poxy thing would move. Chewing gum

**ukusa** · 3rd February 2010, 10:50

the lesson to learn from this is DON'T USE VTNZ! I have heard so many horror stories about these clowns, too many to ignore.
A few years ago our car was failed by them because of an apparent oil leak around the power steering unit. A mechanic mate told me there was nothing wrong with it & suggested cleaning it & taking it back. So I sprayed on degreaser, hosed it off, took it back & it got the big tick of approval. It passed for the next 6 or 7 years as well.

Obviously not everyone that works there is a ferkin idiot (there are lots of branches), but it seems to be some sort of thing you need in your CV before they employ you.
I take my bike to where my local bike shop goes (as they don't issue wofs). The guy is a biker & knows his stuff.

BTW Bulldog, you were very restrained in your letter, don't know if I could be.

**Scuba_Steve** · 3rd February 2010, 11:14

All WOF places are inconsistent& really only in it for the money, very little is to do with safety (but thats another issue) anyways Ive had these sort of run ins before too I had a van that passed their 130$ half day re-registration inspection but 6mths later failed a WOF for a few reasons all present at the half day WOF

as for my bike's last WOF I took it in partly to see what needed fixing (the horn for 1 needed fixing & the tyre was getting low) but it passed through no worries no mention of tyre or horn making me think these guys have no idea about bikes at all, I mean this guy even had trouble starting the thing (seems he wasn't used to kill switches)

-- the horn is fixed & tyre has been replaced of course, (I fix for safety not WOF's)

**rebel** · 3rd February 2010, 11:16

You never mentioned that you have tried to adjust it so maybe give that a go? (unless it's blatantly obvious it's for lhd markets, in which case they probably did the she'll be right during compliance)

Otherwise do as someone else said, cut off the bulb lugs and hori something up.

Been a truck mechanic we see their inconsistencies every day, however they are harder on commercial vehicles. I would still prefer someone with fuck all mechanical know how to take their veicles there, instead of some rip off garage, unless their relationship with garage is good.

**Str8 Jacket** · 3rd February 2010, 11:19

A bit off topic but I have just had a realy good experience with VTNZ! I bought a bike from the Wairarapa that had failed its warrant and I bought it the next week. I remedied the issues and could take the bike to ANY VTNZ in NZ and get a re-check even though the vehicle had changed ownership. I took it to the one in Upper Hutt and Viola, I got a warrant at no extra cost. Was very pleased!

**pritch** · 3rd February 2010, 12:03

Originally Posted by ukusa

Obviously not everyone that works there is a ferkin idiot (there are lots of branches), but it seems to be some sort of thing you need in your CV before they employ you.
.

I think prospective employees have to sit an intelligence test. If you fail the test you get the job.

Just joking. There are some extremely capable and experienced people working there. And all too many of the others?

**Mully** · 3rd February 2010, 12:38

I honestly don't understand how this is VTNZs fault - it's the fault of the people that complied it and gave it it's initial WOF.

It's not uncommon - I had a company car that failed it's WOF for the headlights being out of whack - the dealer had just rubber-stamped the first WOF cos it was brand new.

I'd be heading back to the dealer asking for a "Please explain"

**vifferman** · 3rd February 2010, 12:46

I had fun with successive 6-monthly visits to VINZ for the Mitsubishi Wankermobile we had at the time.
1. Fail - driving lights are not allowed to be on at the same time as headlights (WTF?!?! It's been like that since new, and it's 9 years old!) Worn seat belt (frayed bits trimmed off with nail scissors) passed. Told to remove the driving light fuse, and all will be well. WOF issued.
2. Fail - "Your driving lights aren't working!". WTF?!?! Frayed seatbelt passes, fuse replaced, and lights pass. WOF issued.
3. Decide the frayed seatbelt is an issue, so replace it with brand new one. Fails because one of the rear seatbelts (one of four identical and obviously factory-fitted items), doesn't have the little tag on it with serial number etc. Steering (too much slop) passes.
4. Give up with testing stations and stick to garages.

**bogan** · 3rd February 2010, 12:54

yeh, testing stations aren't ideal for good testing, but the employees may not be the sharpest tacks in the shed, if they were wouldn't they be mechanics? bet it pays more! They pulled me up on a broken wing mirror that had been broken the last 2 time i went in anyway, seem to need new wiper blades ever second time i go in there, and I dont think they noticed the engine had been swapped, which to me sounds a lot more dangerous (if done improperly) than a cracked wing mirror. But they are quick, and I'm fairly sure I'm up to spotting and road unworthy items they miss!

**peasea** · 3rd February 2010, 13:48

Originally Posted by Reckless

Had this same scenario with my VTR100 after god knows how many warrants it had over its life??
It was an import with a yank lens. Your husky might be originally made for riding on the other side?

I just cut the lugs off the bulb and turned it in its housing till the L shaped pattern they put out was correct for LTNZ.

Ya shoulda cut the lugs off the inspector too.

**Reckless** · 3rd February 2010, 14:21

Originally Posted by peasea

Ya shoulda cut the lugs off the inspector too.

HaHa I felt like it but He was quite reasonable didn't tell me how to fix it (I thought was in for a new NZ light from the Honda shop). But he did explain/show me the pattern and the problem. I thought i was in for new parts till Google sorted me out! Never had a problem with the bulb moving after the lugs where gone either even on a big vibrating V twin.

I can draw a quick sketch of why and how if anyone is interested in the fix!