Cafe Racer legality

[Steven T]

Hi to all, first post on this glorious website.

Anyway I've toyed around with the idea of getting a bike for quite a while, and now I seem set on the idea. I would love to build a nice little cafe racer style bike. I enjoy projects just as much as using them, and I feel this would be a cool way to get into the two wheeled side of motoring. I'm quite unsure of the legal side i.e. WOF ect. Does anyone have any advice for building a cafe racer? I'm just thinking of new seat, new fuel tank, rear set and so forth but the NZTA guidelines make me think nothing can really be changed? I've read a few threads about people building cafes on here, so I assume it must be legal but I'm not sure?

Thanks, Steve

[DrunkenMistake]

Hi to all, first post on this glorious website.

Anyway I've toyed around with the idea of getting a bike for quite a while, and now I seem set on the idea. I would love to build a nice little cafe racer style bike. I enjoy projects just as much as using them, and I feel this would be a cool way to get into the two wheeled side of motoring. I'm quite unsure of the legal side i.e. WOF ect. Does anyone have any advice for building a cafe racer? I'm just thinking of new seat, new fuel tank, rear set and so forth but the NZTA guidelines make me think nothing can really be changed? I've read a few threads about people building cafes on here, so I assume it must be legal but I'm not sure?

Thanks, Steve

If you do it out of an already rego'ed bike I.E its on hold,
then FIRE AWAY so long as you fit within the guidelines, mainly the lighting ones,
otherwise youll be fine

[bogan]

Legal wise, go here to look into the thresholds. There isn't a lot you can't do, but there is a lot you are supposed to get certed.

[imdying]

As with everything highly modified, get a certifier on board with your project before going too far. Certification in NZ is neither onerous or expensive, so it's well worth your time to get it nailed first time out.

[jonbuoy]

I had no issues and mine looked completely different to a standard Honda 750, but as been said use a bike with a live registration. I made some additions to the frame rails but no cuts to the frame itself. Probably most important thing is that it looks like its been done well, if you take it along with a wobbly seat, obvious clearance issues or bodged on clip ons the WOF inspector may raise his eyebrows.

[Steven T]

If you do it out of an already rego'ed bike I.E its on hold,
then FIRE AWAY so long as you fit within the guidelines, mainly the lighting ones,
otherwise youll be fine

Cool thanks. I was thinking of getting something already with a wof/rego so I know there's nothing else to worry about.

[DrunkenMistake]

Cool thanks. I was thinking of getting something already with a wof/rego so I know there's nothing else to worry about.

I think if it needs revinned then you get into hot water