Front brake system changes (legality/WOFability?)

**GSF** · 3rd October 2015, 12:56

Had a poke around in the search function but couldn't find much on the topic.
The low-vol cert and NZTA guides were a little vague on the topic too, so thought I'd see if anyone had any trouble with this in the past.

I'm looking at swapping the front M/C out on my SR500. Very common mod overseas, the original master is the same as the XS650 running dual discs and so is not ideal on the single disc SR. Going down to an 11 or 12mm M/C gives a much nicer feeling action (current ratio leaves the front brake pretty wooden and uninspiring), plus with a braided line and good pads can make the Yammie stop very well.

Will using an alternative Nissin master in conjunction with my OEM caliper leave me open to potentially failing a WOF or requiring cert? Most masters I've looked at will not look out of place at all and probably go unnoticed, unless I go whacking a urine-pot radial off a late model sports bike onto a 34 year old thumper. Plus a nice angled one looks much better on clip-ons

Any help appreciated!

**FJRider** · 3rd October 2015, 13:11

First requirement for WOF ... brakes must work to the satisfaction of the tester ....

**onearmedbandit** · 3rd October 2015, 13:42

Ive changed the calipers, rotors, lever and reservoir on one of my bikes and never had an issue with a WoF. Not many testers would know anyway and as long as it satisfies them that it works they probably won't care. But that's not exactly how the law sees it at the end of the day.

**nodrog:Me** · 3rd October 2015, 14:07

Originally Posted by onearmedbandit

Ive changed the calipers, rotors, lever and reservoir on one of my bikes and never had an issue with a WoF. Not many testers would know anyway and as long as it satisfies them that it works they probably won't care. But that's not exactly how the law sees it at the end of the day.

yeah, and its not like they are going to pick on a cunt with one arm.

**onearmedbandit** · 3rd October 2015, 14:22

Originally Posted by nodrog

yeah, and its not like they are going to pick on a cunt with one arm.

Ha true I forget about that aspect.

**FJRider** · 3rd October 2015, 14:40

Originally Posted by onearmedbandit

But that's not exactly how the law sees it at the end of the day.

Even testers have to comply with Ledglislation as it is written.

BRAKES MUST WORK TO THE TESTERS SATISFACTION.

Only when a Re-Vin is required ... any changes may need to be .... umm .. changed to original specs.

**WNJ** · 3rd October 2015, 14:52

Originally Posted by FJRider

Even testers have to comply with Ledglislation as it is written.

BRAKES MUST WORK TO THE TESTERS SATISFACTION.

how often does the "supposed tester " actually test the brakes though ?? I usually test my own brakes when goin for a wof at the testing station , usually by doing a brake test in front of the "supposed tester", The" supposed tester" never does it himself that i have seen,

**FJRider** · 3rd October 2015, 15:01

Originally Posted by WNJ

how often does the "supposed tester " actually test the brakes though ?? I usually test my own brakes when goin for a wof at the testing station , usually by doing a brake test in front of the "supposed tester", The" supposed tester" never does it himself that i have seen,

As I understand it ... a ride to see is the speedo works .... and brakes.

The speedo must work. Speedo being accurate is NOT required.

Brakes must work.

**WNJ** · 3rd October 2015, 15:05

Originally Posted by FJRider

As I understand it ... a ride to see is the speedo works .... and brakes.

The speedo must work. Speedo being accurate is NOT required.

Brakes must work.

yes but i am testing the brakes in front of tester and if i know one is a bit dodgy,all i need to do is use other brake to compensate, the official station tester never hops on the bike

**FJRider** · 3rd October 2015, 15:21

Your bike ... your life on the line.

If your brakes are dodgy ... sort it quickly.

If you don't ... and bin it ... do NOT say it was NOT YOUR FAULT.

**pete376403** · 3rd October 2015, 19:33

Night become a problem is the bike was involved in a crash and the investigators found it had a modified brake system. Even if the bike had been crashed into while parked they would use the "illegal modification" to prove that the rider was at fault.

**FJRider** · 3rd October 2015, 19:49

Originally Posted by pete376403

Night become a problem is the bike was involved in a crash and the investigators found it had a modified brake system. Even if the bike had been crashed into while parked they would use the "illegal modification" to prove that the rider was at fault.

And then the last person to issue a WOF would be spoken to ...