Can bent levers fail WOF?

[Tigadee]

It's failed a WOF inspection due to bent levers. Does that not automatically answer the question posed in the title of this thread?

Allow me to rephrase then: How can slightly bent levers be failed for WOF? And again, how can you fail a lever for being straight?!

[steve_t]

Chuck up some photos of your levers. I can only assume the WOF tester deems them to be unsafe, which to me sounds like they think they' are at risk of breaking (another pun?! )

[tigertim20]

Had Haldanes have a look at my Zeal and they said my levers [clutch, gear, front & rear brakes] were bent - slightly to me - and would fail WOF.

That seems ridiculous to me as I can obviously use them. The front brake lever is bent only in such a way that it looks straight instead of curved.

The gear shift and rear brake levers are bent inwards from drops, but work fine.

The clutch lever has the tip broken and I have a new one to replace that, so not an issue.

based on my understanding, yes.
The front brake and clutch levers can be failed if the ball piece on the end is missing - as it could cause your fingers to slip off the lever. (not my opinion - but the reasoning that will be given)
Depending on how much and in what way the lever is bent, it can be failed if the tester thinks the damage could affect the movement of operational ability of the lever - e.g. if its bent backwards a bit, the lever might touch the bar before it can be fully squeezed. they can also fail it if they think it is bent in a manner that would prevent you from getting your whole hand on it.
Nit sure how they decide shorties are okay based on that though - but I can get all four fingers on my shorties anyway.

The rear brake can fail if its bent inwards because the lever should be in a position where your foot will touch it properly from a natural seated position - if its bent inwards, the argument is that you would have to turn your foot inwards to operate it without risk of your foot slipping off - especially in a hurried-stop situation.
You might think its fine, because you have learned to adjust your riding habits to account for these things, so it has become normal to you - but levers are inexpensive to replace so just do it and be done with it.

[Tigadee]

The front brake and clutch levers can be failed if the ball piece on the end is missing - as it could cause your fingers to slip off the lever. (not my opinion - but the reasoning that will be given)

That I do not have a problem with, which is why I got the new clutch lever.

Depending on how much and in what way the lever is bent, it can be failed if the tester thinks the damage could affect the movement of operational ability of the lever - e.g. if its bent backwards a bit, the lever might touch the bar before it can be fully squeezed.

Ah yes, that makes sense...

You might think its fine, because you have learned to adjust your riding habits to account for these things, so it has become normal to you - but levers are inexpensive to replace so just do it and be done with it.

Hmmmmm, I hope so. Zeals aren't exactly common...

[FJRider]

Hmmmmm, I hope so. Zeals aren't exactly common...

Good thing levers are ...

[quickbuck]

That I do not have a problem with, which is why I got the new clutch lever.



Ah yes, that makes sense...



Hmmmmm, I hope so. Zeals aren't exactly common...

They made thousands of the things....
Just because there aren't many in the country, doesn't mean you can't get the arts for them....

And, yes, levers tend to be a multiple bike fit item. I'd say yours are the same as an FZR's levers, among others...

[tigertim20]

That I do not have a problem with, which is why I got the new clutch lever.



Ah yes, that makes sense...



Hmmmmm, I hope so. Zeals aren't exactly common...

Meh, not common here, but plenty around, jump on ebay if you have any issues. Ive only started using ebay in the last 3 months after a bin and needed stuff I couldnt really find here, and I am a big fan of it! - youll find what you need there. oh - your rear brake lever - if its bent, put a bit of pipe around it, and bend it outwards a bit till its back to where it was originally. will save you some coinage.

[AllanB]

if the ball piece on the end is missing - as it could cause your fingers to slip off .

Pretty sure there is a joke in there somewhere!

[Tigadee]

Thanks for the advice re: lever replacements, chaps. Very helpful!

Pretty sure there is a joke in there somewhere!

Only 'cos you're a Honda rider!

[sleemanj]

Other than the place it was first tested ... in my understanding. I have been known to be wrong.

You're wrong in this case.

You can take a vehicle to any other WOF place for another -complete- WOF check even after a failure, of course, you'll have to pay for the check.

However, fails are logged on the system used by all WOF places, so it will be flagged for the inspector and in theory they would then pay particular care in checking that whatever it was that had failed has been fixed accordingly.

A failure gives you 28 days of free rechecks at the place that failed you, there is no limit to the number of rechecks as far as I know, and I believe the NZTA sets that rule so it doesn't vary from place to place.

You are potentially getting mixed up with a vehicle that has been ordered off the road (stickered by the popo), VTNZ (and VINZ I guess) are the only places that can remove the popo's sticker legally as I understand it.

[_Shrek_]

I have no issue with replacing the levers if they appear obviously bent. The clutch lever will be replaced because the round bit at the end broke off, so represents a puncture danger, so I concede that. The rest I just smell bovine excrement...

But the front brake lever is just straight instead of curved. The gear shift and rear brake levers are bent inwards a bit but they can be operated without trouble.

I just fitted bark busters to mrs Shrek's bike, but I had to shorten the clutch lever as it was to long so I got the polly grips & broke it off & then got Need-It (metal based) & made a new nobb, strightened out the gear & foot brake both bent in took it in for wof stright through

[Tigadee]

oh - your rear brake lever - if its bent, put a bit of pipe around it, and bend it outwards a bit till its back to where it was originally. will save you some coinage.

That is a most excellent idea, thanks!

[actungbaby]

Had Haldanes have a look at my Zeal and they said my levers [clutch, gear, front & rear brakes] were bent - slightly to me - and would fail WOF.

That seems ridiculous to me as I can obviously use them. The front brake lever is bent only in such a way that it looks straight instead of curved.

The gear shift and rear brake levers are bent inwards from drops, but work fine.

The clutch lever has the tip broken and I have a new one to replace that, so not an issue.

As long you dont try fix it then you crack it should be fine as long you can safely use it

End the day its in your best intrests not to be distracted from what your doing so someting you think

about when riding get it replaced asap

[actungbaby]

Allow me to rephrase then: How can slightly bent levers be failed for WOF? And again, how can you fail a lever for being straight?!

My vfr 750 rear brake lever is bent i got pinch bar it so clears between bike and the lever , thats what your got look for

And adjust your stop light switch also should have like 20 mm before comes on

trouble with mine is its at the rubber part at the tip so take like press to fix it vert sharp angled bend probley snap

of tryed to fix it

[Crasherfromwayback]

Best way to straighten/shape an alloy lever to how you want it is with a soft hammer, cold, on a large block of wood. I've never broken one yet doing it this way.
And yes, I've been stabbed through the foot with a clutch lever that was missing the ball.

Spend the money and keep them levers ship shape!