Continuing - So what did you do to your bike today...?

[Andre]

I think I shall, and see how it goes when I need a new WOF...I may be wrong, but I wonder if a bike friendly place (e.g. a bike dealership) may view them differently to somewhere like VTNZ or the AA.

If it doesn't go well, then take them off before the WOF, back on after. Problem solved. People do this here with their vehicles all the time. Some rules and regulations are for the trash can. Hardly anyone here gives a shit of the short list of things that can be stored in their garages. Haven't heard of anyone receiving a complaint or a fine.

[Hooli]

I'm guessing that over there is rather like here for regulations on what's legal on the road.

There's loads of stuff here that's illegal under Construction & Use regs, so they'd never pass type approval to be sold new if they didn't meet these. But these are never tested on an annual MOT (roadworthyness test). They're still illegal but you'd need a bored traffic cop to see them for anything to happen.

Kit cars, full custom built bikes & the like need a STVA (Single Vehicle Type Approval) before being road registered, this is a simplified version of the full Type Approval & still takes at least half a day, not half an hour.

I know we can get the MOT regs online here, can you do that with your WOT? if so I think you'd find those DRLs aren't mentioned as a testable item if loads of others are riding around with them fitted.

[Kiwifruit]

I'd never take anything to VTNZ for a WOF. Things I've seen failed annoy me. For example, surface rust on a 6mm thick chassis rail of a light truck. If you sprayed WD40 on it you'd not see it, so not even pitted. A wind screen moulding that the tester said was a structural panel, needed welding and a repair cert. I unclipped the moulding, threw it away sent the vehicle back to get it rechecked and of course it passed.
The testers there are often retired mechanics who no longer want to be anywhere near a vehicle and certainly not work on them.

[KiwiCol]

I have very similar horror stories Col from The AA Testing station in Hornby (will never go there again) as well as other private WOF places.  I have found, over the course of years I've been putting vehicles through COF & WOF, 80% of the testers are just Jobsworths! Nit picking looking for a 'fault' mongrels.
I recall a time I took my garden trailer through for a WOF, I'd put new wheel bearings in all round.  It's an old trailer but still serviceable & try as he might, he couldn't find anything wrong to fail it on, so he tells me & makes a note, the wheel bearings on the right are just about shot & will need replacing before the next WOF. So I tell him they're brand new bearings, done 3 miles max. What he failed to recognise was they were A40 hubs (I think) and as such they had ball bearing races not tapered roller bearings.  Can't tighten ball bearings but you can load up roller bearings. & this twat say saying that brand new ball bearing races were almost out of spec!!  That was 10+ years ago & my trailer wheels are still rolling happily on those same bearings, I just don't bother taking it for a WOF any more, register it & use it, no more shite like that.

Another anecdote of a fecken mad jobsworth -   took my NC Fairlane (5L) for a WOF, jobsworth said it failed on the numberplate light, I said well it's going & I can see it from here, he said he couldn't see it and if I wanted to take it further I'd have to apply to LTSA and get an exemption for ?? or move the numberplate light to a better position!!   I 'calmly' told this imbecile that this car had had it's numberplate light where it is since it was built! but no, this frogwit tosspot wasn't having it, had to be much brighter or moved or an exemption.  That was the first time he mentioned brighter, so I go stuff a fecken bright bulb in it & jobsworth capitulates & provides the WOF.   
I mean fairs fair, if something is a safety hazard fair enough, but the way 80% of these testers in NZ go about their day is just bloody wrong, IMO.

I dunno which I dread more, going for a WOF or to the dentist! Both a...holes & gonna rip ya every chance they get.

[Pommeroy]

As they say, there's more than one way to skin a cat...so here goes (and apologies for non-kiwis, as this may be of less relevance/interest to you).

Firstly, to answer Hooli - yes, we can access the equivalent of the MOT regs here. They are the WoF check sheet specifications and I've just read them. A bike needs to meet multiple standards, including those relating to daytime running lights (and "position lamps", discussed below).

Secondly, I think there's a way round not being allowed to have a DRL and headlight on at same time. It's by describing (to police or the WoF inspector, if required) the retrofitted lights as "forward-facing position lamps" (FFPLs), rather than 'DRLs'. FFPLs are also covered by the WoF specs, but there is no specific prohibition on them operating while the headlight is on.

If anyone wants further detail regarding the sources of the following, PM me. In summary, and focussing on FFPLs rather than "rear position lamps":

1. A FFPL is a "low intensity lamp that is designed to indicate to road users the presence and dimensions of a vehicle".
2. A motorbike may have up to two pairs of FFPLs, which must be white or amber in colour.
3. A FFPL must be fitted no more than 1.5 m above the ground (subject to limited exceptions, which would rarely apply).
4. When purchasing FFPLs, you must ensure they meet approved standards and "are designed for that specific purpose."
5. A pair of retrofitted FFPLs must be symmetrically mounted, and be mounted as far towards each side of the motorbike as is practicable.
6. If they are fitted, they must work. They have to be fitted securely, and not be damaged such that water or dirt can enter them.
7. Their light must be diffuse - this word is not defined in the relevant legislation, so will be attributed its everyday meaning.
8. The light must be visible from a distance of 200m in normal darkness, and two lamps must be approximately equal in colour and intensity.
9. Where FFPLs are LEDS, no fewer than 75% of them must operate.

I have ordered some lamps, which I'll report back on when I've fitted them. My bike needs a WoF next month, so I'll see how it goes.

[KiwiCol]

Thanks Pommeroy, I have apparently fitted FFPL's to me scooter rather than DRL's.   well done son!!   

[Pommeroy]

Very easy to confuse the two Col, as they look remarkably similar 

[Pommeroy]

Correction to my post re FFPLs...we can fit a max of two lamps, not two pairs.

[KiwiCol]

Correction to my post re FFPLs...we can fit a max of two lamps, not two pairs.

Yep, as in my pic I have 2 lamps, marking my position as I ride . . .  (or have parked in the shed)

[Pommeroy]

Oh for sure, the presence and dimensions of your bike will be crystal clear at all times

[Pommeroy]

We can fit a pair of rear facing position lamps, if we want (hence the two pairs)...that's another story.

[Kiwifruit]

So matey that's got 30 FFPL's of varying colours on the front of his Kenworth is good as gold.....it would seem.
Some of the brightest lights I've come across can be those of the planet saving cyclists.
I'm not too worried either way so long as I'm seen.

[Notty]

Took these crap 6 pots off

[Hooli]

Cleaner than mine!

[Tally]

And mine