Mobile Motorcycle Roadworthy in Brisbane - I Come to You
I inspected this Husqvarna in Annerley today. The owner had just bought it and needed a roadworthy to register it. Unfortunately it failed – for leaking fork seals. Again.
If I had a dollar for every motorcycle that failed for fork seals, I could retire.
Fork seals - still the number one motorcycle fail
I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it because riders keep getting caught by it. Leaking fork seals are the most common reason motorcycles fail roadworthy inspections. I see it on Husqvarnas, Hondas, Yamahas, Kawasakis, BMWs, KTMs, Harleys – every brand, every style.
This Husqvarna had oil weeping from both fork seals. The oil had run down and contaminated the front brake disc. That’s two fail points from one issue – leaking suspension and a compromised brake.
The owner had just bought the bike and didn’t check the fork seals before purchasing. A quick look at the fork tubes before handing over the money would have revealed the problem. He could have negotiated the price down or walked away entirely. Instead he’s now paying for the bike, the roadworthy, new fork seals, and possibly new brake pads.
Why mobile makes sense for motorcycles
Motorcycles are harder to get to a workshop than cars. If the bike is unregistered – like this Husqvarna – you can’t legally ride it on the road. Your options are loading it onto a trailer, into a ute, or paying for a tow. That’s hassle and expense before you’ve even had the inspection.
With a mobile inspection, the bike stays wherever it is. Your garage, your driveway, your shed, your carport. I come to you with everything I need, inspect the bike on the spot, and if it passes, the certificate goes to your email while I’m still standing there.
This Husqvarna was parked in a narrow residential driveway in Annerley. No room for a trailer, no easy way to move it. A mobile inspection was the only practical option.
What I check on every motorcycle
Every motorcycle roadworthy covers the same items regardless of brand or style:
Tyres – minimum 1.5mm tread, no cracks or damage.
Brakes – front and rear must work properly. Both must activate the brake light independently.
Chain, sprockets and tension – correct tension, no excessive wear or corrosion.
Fork seals – no oil on the fork tubes or running down to the brakes.
Lights – headlight, tail light, brake light, indicators, number plate light. All must work.
Mirrors – two mirrors with clear rear vision.
Horn – must work.
Steering and suspension – no excessive play, no worn bearings.
Speedometer – must be working.
Warning lights – any safety-related warning light that stays on is a fail.
Test ride – mandatory, with a recorded brake test uploaded to the government system.
Check the fork seals before you buy
If you’re buying a used motorcycle, run your finger along each fork tube before you hand over the money. If your finger comes back oily, the seals are leaking. Factor that into your decision – either negotiate the price down to cover the repair, or walk away and find a bike without the issue.
A pre-purchase inspection for $200 catches this and everything else before you commit. It’s cheaper than finding out after you’ve paid.
All bikes, all sizes
Local Roadworthys inspects every type of motorcycle – scooters, LAMS bikes, sport bikes, cruisers, adventure bikes, dual sports, and everything in between. LAMS and non-LAMS. If it’s a registered or registerable motorcycle, I can inspect it.
