NEW RIDER'S RESOURCE
1) WHICH BIKE IS THE RIGHT BIKE FOR ME?
It is a bike that fits you, that looks right and suits the kind of riding you plan
to do. Some people like to ride a scooter or an automatic motorcycle so they
don't have to master the use of changing gears. Pacific has a great selection
of different scooters and bikes.
FIT
Many new riders make the mistake of choosing a bike that is too big to handle comfortably,
especially at low speeds and when parking. It is not necessary to be flat-footed
when stopped, but it certainly increases one's confidence at the beginning if
the full ball of your foot touches . We'll help you choose a seat/handlebar/peg
relationship that will be most comfortable.
RIDING PREFERENCE
Are you interested in long distance touring, commuting, sport riding, adventure
riding, cruising or just generally riding around. Let's talk about this together.
If you can tell us what kind of riding you prefer, we can show you which bikes are
a good match.
Pacific carries a number of models that range from pure-bred sport bikes, globe-trotting
tourers and comfortable cruisers to dual-sports and all-around achievers.
You can see them all side by side in our expansive showroom.
STYLE AND APPEARANCE
This is naturally a matter of taste. Most motorcycles look the way they ride. A
bike meant to go offroad will look more rugged, with more ground clearance and taller
wheels than a touring bike, which will have larger fairings, bigger seats and room
for extra luggage. A sport bike will look more like a race bike, with small fairings,
low handlebars for a tucked-in riding position, and high footpegs for maximum cornering
clearance. Most bikes are fully capable of multiple uses. Generally, the bike you
choose makes a statement about the kind of riding you like to do.
2) HOW MUCH BIKE IS ENOUGH?
The right bike offers you enough performance without being intimidating or uncomfortable.
It should be big enough to carry any combination of passenger & luggage you
might require, without being unwieldy. The answer to this question differs for everyone
and will depend on your experience and riding interests. It's a good idea
to get some mileage under your belt prior to riding with a passenger.
3) HOW DO I GET STARTED?
We recommend that everyone enroll in a Motorcycle Training class, even if you have
had some riding experience in the past, it's a great idea to at least take a
refresher course. See our
links page for some local motorcycle
schools.
If you're an experienced driver with a Class 1–5 driver's licence,
you can get your motorcycle licence by following these steps:
a. Getting started To qualify, you must:
- be 16 or older, and
- study the
Learn to ride smart guide (formerly RoadSense for Riders) then pass
a motorcyle knowledge test.
b. Knowledge test
The motorcyle knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions and takes about 30
minutes
Motorcycle knowledge test »
c. Learner's licence
After passing the knowledge test, you get a motorcycle learner’s licence (Class
6L). Now you can practice riding—with some
restrictions. For example, you can't go faster than 60 km/h or ride
with passengers. While practising, use the
Tuning Up for Riders guide. It will help you apply safe-riding skills each
time you go out for a ride.
d. Motorcycle skills test
After at least 14 days (or passing a certified training course), you take a Class
6 motorcycle skills test. When you pass this test, two riding restrictions
are removed.
Motorcycle skills test »
e. Class 6 road test
After holding your Class 6L learner's licence for at least 30 days, you take
the Class 6 road test. If you pass the road test, you're issued a Class 6 motorcycle
licence. This is a full-privilege licence. All learner restrictions are removed.
Class
6 road test »
4) WHERE DO I GO RIDING? It doesn't get any better than Southern
BC! We have the finest roads and riding terrain: scenic blacktop, endless asphalt,
track days, off-road riding, and of course it's always fun going to the front
of the ferry lines and going riding on Vancouver Island. See our
Great Rides page for more ideas.
5) WITH WHOM DO I GO RIDING?
Pacific sometimes offers special rides - like Sheldon's riddle ride. Also,
stay tuned to our upcoming
Events page which are open
to all. Clubs offer a great opportunity to meet other like-minded riders and get
introduced to the roads mentioned above. See our
Links
page for info on the many riding clubs in the Lower Mainland. These clubs
are extremely welcoming with many interesting and fun people.
6) WHAT ABOUT GEAR?
The needs of a touring rider are very different form the needs of a sport rider.
Most of our gear is climate-adaptive in several ways: outfit yourself with Gore-Tex
of thermal liners, zip pants to jackets to create touring suits, use electric vests
for winter days and Kevlar-mesh pants for Osoyoos heat. For track days we recommend
traditional leather sport suits, Kevlar riding suits or sport/racing leathers.
Check out our
Gear pages
where we discuss fitting helmets, boots, etc.
7) HOW WILL SERVICE TAKE CARE OF ME?
Our service advisors will schedule explain the various service operations
to ensure that you understand the necessary work. You can make appointments by phone
or e-mail or pop by and say hi in person.
8) WHAT IS THE SALES PROCESS?
It begins by getting to know you personally and results in you owning the right
bike for your riding style. You'll learn about low-cost financing programs,
rebates and other customer incentives. We'll inform you about reimbursable expenses,
warranty, roadside assistance, extended protection plans, workshops and rides. We
also offer full insurance agency services for your motorcycling needs. Delivery
includes a thorough explanation of the bike's features and an introduction to
the Service and Parts Department staff.
Let us share our experience and welcome you to our motorcycling family.
Email Us with any questions you might have.