WOF for new motorcycles

[R650R]

Then (the final step) you just surrender the old plate at your leisure, or flog it off for a box of piss (including whatever remains of the wof period) and hey presto you just saved a mate prison time with his stolen trailer and scored yourself an accessory to fraud charge...

Fixed that for you

[R650R]

Because ... If your tyres are below the legally required minimum tread depth ... YOU may be held responsible ...


Remember the bit about being able to stop in half the distance of clear road ahead ... ???




But when the dust settles after the prang ... you BOTH may get a ticket.

If sarcasm is present in a reply YOU may be mislead... I love the hardon you have for stating the obvious, well obvious if I hadn't been taking the piss to start with...

[Gadget1]

Of course they do and so do insurance companies, I'm just highlighting the likely hypocracy that would arise in such circumstances.

But don't you think for the hypocrisy to be real, we would have to not believe in Wofs but the Wof currency would have to be an issue?

[R650R]

WOF expiry dates.... I'm usually well sorted in this dept but waiting for parts for wagon.

So the Expiry date on WOF, when does your right to operate that vehicle end? Is it at the start of that day on expiry date or midnight at end of that day???

[jonnyk5614]

Never seen the point of NZ WOFs.... All the cars in our household go to the local $25 chap. And they all come back with equal tyre depth on each corners and equal brake efficiency after 10mins. What are the chances? My guy doesn't even have any brake rollers but could somehow give a side/side handbrake efficiency %!

The problem is the WOFs are a joke....


The annual British MOT is generally $90, or $50 if you can get a deal of some sorts.

Your car MUST (and does) go on brake rollers. Only 4WD and cars that are too low are exempt and they get an accelerometer check. I know, my Spitfire was too low (put it on the rollers and the nose sat on the floor). I always saw the guy do the check with the accelerometer.

You also get an emissions check and they'll quibble with any oil leaks (I've found NZ roads to end up far greasier than UK ones - not sure why).
They don't get all cranky about rust like we do. If it is bad enough, it will fail but not as pathetic as we are here.
The checks are thorough and take about 45mins.

I used to like having an MOT. I wouldn't notice brake efficiency going downhill over time, or my steering play increase (something I failed for and was amazed at the results when I fixed it!). I'm perfectly mechanically able but when something happens very gradually over time to your daily driver, you just don't notice it. You are used to how your car feels and simply don't realise until someone who doesn't know your car goes "well that is shit mate!".
I failed a couple of times for sure.
- The steering UJ got too worn.
- Loose wheel bearing

And the advice was good - "mate - bleed your brakes".



Lastly, all you have to do after significant mods in the UK is an MOT. Much nicer that the LVV system.


Many of us are conscientious - we are bikers and "should" be aware of the risks after-all. But after seeing countless people driving tyres on canvas getting pulled up by cops going "nah mate - you are just out to make money" as they get given compliance rather than a fine you do have to ask what planet many car drivers are on.

[baffa]

"My tyres are down to 0.5mm but don't worry, the WOF isn't due for another 2.5 years so they'll keep until then"

I was out for an evening ride a few years ago and came across a young guy tinkering on his bike on the forecourt of a closed service station. He had a one year old ninja 250.
Pulled in to see if he needed a hand, and found he had overtightened his chain, and was trying to adjust it on the spot. Was trying to give him a hand, and having a nosey at his bike at the same time. Notice the rear tyre has a good 4mm of tread on the edges, and was so worn in the middle it was to the point you could see the pattern of the belt.

I made some comment to the effect of "what the fuck", and he leaned over, looked at the tire, and looked at me and asked "is that bad?"
3 year wofs are a ridiculously stupid idea.

[Tazz]

I agree with the above. I knew fuck all about cars (still do) for at least the first 2 years of ownership and relied on a WOF's and the local mechanic to keep the car up to scratch. There are inconsistencies and I've had my fair amount of run ins with clueless inspectors ("You should really have a spare tyre mate. I can sort you out with one" "I have one bolted off the back door you opened just before mate..." but all in all it is a good system.

Teaching people what to look for in checking brake pad wear, tyre wear and dangerous (or any!) fluid leaks is something I think should be part of your license tests. Not necessarily as something that is marked, but something that is shown.
Until my mechanic called my pimpled face over to show me worn pads on one side and new on the other I had no idea what I was looking for when checking them. And then again when I got into 4x4ing I was lucky enough there was a local guy who would let you work in his workshop and give you pointers/help along the way.

I rely less on WOF's now to tell me what needs doing, and I still get fucked off with a lot of stupid shit being 'interpretative', but I see their point.

Plus if they get rid of them then the fuzz will be on your vehicle like even more of a rash, and you can bet they will be even more inconsistent and uninformed than those that slip through the cracks of the current system.
I caught a quick clip of some cop show the other night where the cop was said some young gun had been doing burnouts for sure because the oil on the side of his engine was a sure sign of them

[jonnyk5614]

I caught a quick clip of some cop show the other night where the cop was said some young gun had been doing burnouts for sure because the oil on the side of his engine was a sure sign of them

Yeah saw that and went "doh - you serious?". By that rationale, my Mum does burnouts in her Nissan Sentra every Friday!

[jonnyk5614]

Teaching people what to look for in checking brake pad wear, tyre wear and dangerous (or any!) fluid leaks is something I think should be part of your license tests. Not necessarily as something that is marked, but something that is shown.

Just put my sister through her car restricted and was surprised that she didn't have to show how to do anything mechanical on the car. I've never done the Kiwi test - just swapped my license.

Back in the UK, you've got to show your oil level, washer-jet top-up, brake fluid level, tyre tread depth (the rim on a 20pence piece is 3mm) as I recall. Sure, we aren't making them learn how to strip their brake callipers but it is a start right?

My theory test had a question on brake wear indicators (or rather the noise they make) as well, as I recall...

[Maha]

Just put my sister through her car restricted and was surprised that she didn't have to show how to do anything mechanical on the car. I've never done the Kiwi test - just swapped my license.

Back in the UK, you've got to show your oil level, washer-jet top-up, brake fluid level, tyre tread depth (the rim on a 20pence piece is 3mm) as I recall. Sure, we aren't making them learn how to strip their brake callipers but it is a start right?

My theory test had a question on brake wear indicators (or rather the noise they make) as well, as I recall...

That's what boyfriends/Husbands are for....oh and backing the trailer.

[Tazz]

Yeah saw that and went "doh - you serious?". By that rationale, my Mum does burnouts in her Nissan Sentra every Friday!

Don't lie, it's everyday

But yeah they're pretty slack with general car safety checks. They had that twirl campaign last year which is something, but it's starting from the wrong side with enforcement BEFORE education When will they learn...

Even the driving to the conditions thing could do with a bit more of a push, but at least it is mentioned in the tests now (I think in relation to following distances?)

That's what boyfriends/Husbands are for....oh and backing the trailer.

Nawww, it's nice that he looks after you like that mate

[Maha]

Nawww, it's nice that he looks after you like that mate

Works good in the kitchen as well.