WOF at VTNZ, FFS...

[Virago]

As with anything else, you're dealing with human beings with all their foibles, faults, and failings.

My brother's car failed a VTNZ WOF, detailing steering tie-rod, suspension bush, and brake faults. After puzzling over (and under) it for a while, we took it to the brand dealership who confirmed that it was fine, and issued a WOF. Six months later, the car was taken back to VTNZ, who passed it without fault.

I've had similarly bizarre VTNZ WOF failures on my trailer. I will no longer use VTNZ - car and trailer WOFs are done by car dealerships, and bike WOFs by bike shops. Perhaps because I've developed good relationships with those agencies, I've not had any cases of bogus WOF failures to generate repair work, which is often the reason given for using VTNZ - the "independent non-repair" WOF experts. In my experience their independent status seems to induce some bizarre non-accountability, and actions based on personal dislikes.

[Fatt Max]

its coz your a cunt

I was wondering when my missus was going to respond....

[Gremlin]

Which VTNZ? There's The Hub, one behind Stationery Warehouse, and another in Cryers Rd.

I've been to the Hub heaps, 2-4 bikes a year, pretty much no problem. Cryers Rd, the guy even knew what I was up to with one... *ahem* grey mod, but he said, look, it's a point in time, it complys right now, and if you change it after, not my problem.

I think a couple of English blokes run those 3? Musta seen you coming from a mile away...

[Spearfish]

Fatt Max if that's how you post when slightly pissed off I cant wait for a real rant, farken funny!


Not that I don't empathise with you on that one.

[Maha]

Correct. Our warrant guy is a fellow biker (ZX10 too...he's got taste!) and has been for very many years. Also a Qualified mechanic.

Our bike warrant guy no longer works as a mechanic, I now take it to the local wreckers (on the same bit of land as the VTNZ) to get a warrant, they are certified bike warrant givers.

[Taz]

Now your wofs going to expire 2 days before christmas..... Get in early for the xmas break.

[oneofsix]

Now your wofs going to expire 2 days before christmas..... Get in early for the xmas break.

wtf? thought you only had to WOF bikes once a year or did you only get 6 months rego?

[Swoop]

He wanted to fail it because of the pie crumbs and flakey pastry around the seat.

Next time just distract him by putting a potato-top pie next to the headers. The yummy smell will divert his attention!

[boman]

I have never gone to VTNZ for a WOF. And whilst I have a choice. I never will. Bunch of prats work there.

[Katman]

wtf? thought you only had to WOF bikes once a year or did you only get 6 months rego?

The first six years are yearly WOFs - six monthly after that.

[SILVER SUZI]

I had a VTNZ guy want to fail my old Suzuki once....................... until I explaind the theory behind "FLOATING DISCS"!
I prefer to stick to using bike shops now too. I want to know if my bike is going to kill me, not if my headlight is dirty.

[cheshirecat]

Some years ago, well too many, I was parked (conspicuously illegally as ever) in Trafalger Square delivering to the South African Emabassy. As I come out one of the cops wandered over and noticed my MOT (UK WOF) was out of date. He said if it were only a week or so thats was fine but a year was taking the piss and gave me a ticket. London cops were very tolerant of DR riders. Down at the bike shop they failed it because of the rear shock, saying it was really dangerous. This threw me since I reckoned it was the best handling bike I'd ever owned and the week before clocked up 130mph (fiction of course) down the M4, no weaves or anything. It was a Honda VF500 and tracked brilliantly in all road conditons. Certainly safer and better at speed than the CBX1000 I'd previously owned - almost as fast as well. Rear air mono shocks were completely new to me and so was the little air nipple eventually discovered hiding behind a side panel. I put in some 30psi, well well over the max I discovered afterwards, but it passed in a different garage.

[Scuba_Steve]

The first six years are yearly WOFs - six monthly after that.

why? you only need one for a rego license & thats once a year like oneofsix said

[willytheekid]

Good thread fatmax

My "PhatGirl" went through VTNZ when i first bought her (the bike shop put her through...NOT my choice).
They had gaven her a WOF, I bought the bike and off I tootled (from Dunners to ChCh).....now THIS is the standards of VTNZ.
On the ride home alone I noticed the clutch was naffed, the front shocks where DANGEROUSLY adjusted and the electrics where failing (dash flicking on & off) and the brake light was either turning off or jamming on, and the front end was "buzzing"?
Got her home and done a serious check myself.....front wheel bearings where collapsed! the brake shoes in the rear where Farked, all the earths on the wiring loom were attached to painted parts so weren't actually earthing and, most dangerous of all, the drive shaft had been assembled incorrectly and was not aligned!...meaning it could have sheared the splines or worse, vibrated the bearings to pieces and locked the arse end up! (Guzzi owners worst nightmare!)
Personally, I have NEVER trusted or used VTNZ for WOF's, I always find a reputable motorcycle mechanic to do so, and even then, get them to give the bike a GOOD look over.(In the off chance I have missed something)
Screw VTNZ!, they are in it for the money, not for the safety!

[scumdog]

Good thread fatmax

My "PhatGirl" went through VTNZ when i first bought her (the bike shop put her through...NOT my choice).
They had gaven her a WOF, I bought the bike and off I tootled (from Dunners to ChCh).....now THIS is the standards of VTNZ.
On the ride home alone I noticed the clutch was naffed, the front shocks where DANGEROUSLY adjusted and the electrics where failing (dash flicking on & off) and the brake light was either turning off or jamming on, and the front end was "buzzing"?
Got her home and done a serious check myself.....front wheel bearings where collapsed! the brake shoes in the rear where Farked, all the earths on the wiring loom were attached to painted parts so weren't actually earthing and, most dangerous of all, the drive shaft had been assembled incorrectly and was not aligned!...meaning it could have sheared the splines or worse, vibrated the bearings to pieces and locked the arse end up! (Guzzi owners worst nightmare!)
Personally, I have NEVER trusted or used VTNZ for WOF's, I always find a reputable motorcycle mechanic to do so, and even then, get them to give the bike a GOOD look over.(In the off chance I have missed something)
Screw VTNZ!, they are in it for the money, not for the safety!

I doubt a WOF check would have picked up many of these faults, even the front wheel bearing could have been on its last legs but passed.

ANd to be the devils advocate: The rear shoes mya have been 'farked' but worked - and WOF places don't pull brakes apart to check how worn they are.

And there's the possibility the WOF guy might not take the bike for a test ride (There's plenty of prissy owners on KB who say "Nobody but ME rides MY bike")

It seems some people expect too much from a WOF check - while others moan because the guy was 'picky' for being thorough....