MOTORCYCLE WHEEL ALIGNMENT: SIGNS, CAUSES AND HOW TO FIX IT

MOTORCYCLE MASTERS · PERTH WA

WOVR Inspection Perth WA: Complete Guide for Motorcycle Owners

Everything motorcycle owners need to know about repairable write-offs, WOVR inspections and getting a motorcycle back on the road in WA.

THE WOVR GUIDE

If your motorcycle has been recorded as a repairable write-off, getting it back on the road involves more than simply repairing the damage.

In Western Australia, repairable written-off vehicles must go through specific inspection and licensing requirements before they can be relicensed. For motorcycle owners, understanding the WOVR process early can save time, avoid unnecessary repairs and help make sure you have the right documentation ready.

Whether you've bought a repairable write-off, are rebuilding a damaged motorcycle or are preparing a bike for inspection, here's what you need to know about WOVR inspections in Perth and WA.

AT A GLANCE

The WOVR Process

01 Repair
02 WOVR Inspection
03 Finish Repairs
04 AIS Inspection
05 Licensing
01
START HERE

What Does WOVR Mean?

WOVR stands for the Written-Off Vehicle Register.

The register records vehicles that have been classified as written off, including motorcycles. The system helps prevent written-off vehicles from being illegally re-identified and returned to the road without going through the required processes.

CAN POTENTIALLY RETURN TO THE ROAD

Repairable Write-Off

A repairable write-off has been assessed as a total loss, but the damage does not meet the criteria for a statutory write-off.

These motorcycles may be repaired and potentially relicensed, provided they meet the required inspection, safety and licensing requirements.

CANNOT BE RELICENSED

Statutory Write-Off

A statutory write-off has sustained damage that means it cannot be safely repaired and relicensed.

Statutory write-offs cannot be relicensed and can only be used for parts or scrap metal.

IMPORTANT

A repairable write-off is not the same thing as a statutory write-off. Knowing which category your motorcycle falls into is the first step.

02
STEP BY STEP

How Does a WOVR Inspection Work in WA?

If you're dealing with a repairable written-off motorcycle, the process involves two separate inspections.

Repair → WOVR Inspection → Finish Repairs → AIS Inspection → Licensing
01
FIRST STAGE

Repair the Motorcycle

Before your motorcycle can go through the WOV inspection process, the required repairs need to be carried out.

This is where keeping good records becomes extremely important.

Keep records of:
  • Receipts for major parts purchased and used
  • Receipts for repairs
  • Photographs taken throughout the repair process
TIP

Keep everything together from the beginning — especially invoices for major components and repair work.

02
SECOND STAGE

WOVR Inspection

Once the relevant structural repairs have been completed, the motorcycle needs to be presented to an authorised WOV business for inspection.

Importantly, this inspection takes place before final body filler, paint, trims and finishes are applied, where applicable.

This allows the inspection process to assess the repairs and relevant components before everything is covered up.

Don't finish everything first. The WOVR inspection needs to happen at the appropriate stage of the repair.
03
THIRD STAGE

Finish the Repairs

Once the motorcycle has passed the WOV inspection, you can complete the remaining work.

Bodywork
Paint
Final finishes
Trim
Other required repairs
04
FOURTH STAGE

AIS Inspection

Once the motorcycle has passed the WOV inspection and the repairs are complete, it needs to undergo a second inspection at an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS).

This inspection covers the motorcycle's identity and roadworthiness.

Brakes Steering Suspension Wheels & Tyres Electrical Systems Driveline Vehicle Identification Modifications

For a motorcycle, it's also important to tell the AIS about the bike's engine capacity and LAMS category when booking.

05
FINAL STAGE

Apply for Licensing

Once the motorcycle has successfully passed both required inspections, you can proceed with the licensing process.

You'll need documentation including the WOV business inspection and AIS inspection certificates, along with the required ownership and identification documents.

GOOD TO KNOW

Once the motorcycle is relicensed, its repairable write-off status is updated to inspected. The written-off history does not disappear and remains recorded against the vehicle.

PREPARE BEFORE YOU BOOK Good preparation can save time and avoid unnecessary delays.
03
BEFORE YOUR INSPECTION

What Should You Have Ready?

01

Your Motorcycle

  • VIN / chassis number
  • Registration details, if applicable
  • Motorcycle make and model
  • Engine details
  • Details of the damage
  • Details of completed repairs
02

Your Documentation

  • Major parts receipts
  • Repair invoices
  • Photos from the repair process
  • Relevant ownership documents
  • Previous inspection documentation
04
AVOID THESE

Common WOVR Mistakes

01

Finishing Everything Before the WOVR Inspection

One of the biggest mistakes is completing paint, filler and final finishes before the motorcycle has been inspected at the required stage.

02

Losing Your Receipts

Keep invoices and receipts for major parts and repair work. Don't assume you'll be able to find them later.

03

Not Taking Photos

Take photographs throughout the repair process rather than trying to recreate the repair history afterwards.

04

Assuming a Visual Check Is Enough

A motorcycle can look great and still have issues that need to be addressed. The required inspection process is there for a reason.

05
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

WOVR Inspection vs Licensing Inspection

WOVR INSPECTION
AIS INSPECTION
Part of the repairable write-off process
Required before relicensing
Completed by an authorised WOV business
Completed at an Authorised Inspection Station
Focuses on the written-off vehicle repair process
Focuses on identity and roadworthiness
Takes place before final finishes, where applicable
Takes place once repairs are complete
Must be passed before moving to the AIS stage
Required before the motorcycle can be relicensed
CAN IT GO BACK ON THE ROAD?

Can a WOVR Motorcycle Be Relicensed?

Yes — if it is classified as a repairable write-off and successfully completes the required process.

A repairable write-off can potentially be repaired and relicensed in WA once it has passed the required inspections and meets the relevant licensing requirements.

!
STATUTORY WRITE-OFF

A statutory write-off is different. These vehicles cannot be relicensed and are restricted to use for parts or scrap.

06
BUYING A WRITE-OFF?

Do Your Homework First

If you're considering buying a motorcycle with a written-off history, do your homework before handing over your money.

A cheaper purchase price doesn't necessarily mean a cheaper motorcycle once repairs, parts, inspections, licensing and labour are included.

It's also important to understand the motorcycle's history and exactly why it was written off.

THE REAL QUESTION ISN'T JUST "How much is the bike?"
IT'S "How much will it cost to get it safely back on the road?"
CHECK THE VEHICLE HISTORY

A PPSR search can help check whether a vehicle has been recorded as written off, stolen or has money owing against it. You'll need the VIN or chassis number rather than the registration plate or engine number.

MOTORCYCLE MASTERS · KEWDALE

Need a WOVR Inspection in Perth?

Getting a repairable motorcycle back on the road can involve repairs, paperwork and multiple inspections. Understanding the process before you start can help avoid unnecessary delays.

Motorcycle Masters is based in Kewdale and provides WOVR inspections for motorcycles in Perth.