If you ride a motorcycle in Auckland, keeping your motorbike WOF current is a legal requirement and a key part of staying safe on the road. Without a valid warrant of fitness, your bike cannot legally be used on public roads.
Whether your WOF is about to expire, you’ve recently bought a motorcycle, or you’ve failed an inspection and want to understand why, this guide explains what’s checked, common reasons bikes fail, typical costs, and how to prepare properly.
Fasttrack Automotive Compliance provides professional motorbike WOF inspections in Auckland, with clear advice and straightforward re-checks if repairs are required.
A motorbike WOF is a safety inspection required under New Zealand law. It confirms that your motorcycle meets minimum road safety standards at the time of inspection.
It is important to understand that a WOF is not a mechanical service. It does not include oil changes, tuning, or performance checks. The inspection focuses on safety-critical components such as:
If your motorcycle does not meet these standards, a WOF cannot be issued until the issues are corrected.
WOF frequency depends on the age of your motorcycle.
If you’re unsure when your current WOF expires, check:
Booking your inspection before expiry gives you time to fix any issues without unnecessary pressure.
Understanding what’s inspected makes it much easier to prepare.
Tyres are one of the most common reasons motorcycles fail a WOF.
Inspectors check:
Even tyres with legal tread can fail if they show signs of age-related cracking. Exposure to weather and long periods of storage can cause rubber to deteriorate.
Your braking system must operate safely and effectively.
Inspection includes:
Soft brake feel, grinding noises, or visible leaks can result in failure.
All required lights must function correctly, including:
Lighting faults are often simple fixes but are commonly overlooked before inspection.
The motorcycle must handle safely and predictably.
Inspectors assess:
Leaking fork seals and loose steering components are common fail points.
The motorcycle frame must be:
Any structural damage can prevent a WOF being issued.
Basic safety equipment must work correctly:
Some of the most frequent issues include:
Most of these issues can be identified with a quick check before booking your inspection.
Before booking your motorbike WOF in Auckland, take a few minutes to check:
A simple pre-check can reduce the risk of needing a re-check.
The cost of a motorbike WOF in Auckland depends on the inspection provider. If your bike passes on the first inspection, you simply pay the standard WOF fee.
Additional costs may apply if:
Preparing your motorcycle properly before inspection is the most cost-effective approach.
If your motorcycle fails its WOF:
Re-checks focus on the failed items rather than repeating the entire inspection.
A WOF checks current roadworthiness.
You may need motorcycle compliance, also known as entry certification, instead of a WOF if your bike is:
Compliance inspections are more detailed and include identity and structural checks beyond a standard WOF.
If you are unsure which inspection applies, confirm before booking.
To reduce the likelihood of failure:
Routine maintenance makes passing a WOF much smoother.
How long does a motorbike WOF take?
Most inspections are completed within a short appointment, depending on the condition of the bike.
Can tyres fail due to age even if tread is legal?
Yes. Cracked or hardened tyres can fail inspection even if tread depth is sufficient.
Do indicators have to work?
If indicators are fitted, they must operate correctly.
Can I ride my bike if the WOF has expired?
No. Riding without a valid WOF can result in fines and enforcement action.
If you need a motorbike WOF in Auckland, Fasttrack Automotive Compliance provides clear inspections, practical advice, and efficient re-checks where required.
Book your inspection to keep your motorcycle safe, compliant, and road legal.
