Everything You Need to Know About Out-Of-Province Motorcycle Inspections

Registration in Alberta for Motorcycles from Outside the Province

All motorcycles brought from outside Alberta must pass an out-of-province inspection before they can receive an Alberta registration and license plate. Performance Cycle and Auto is a fully approved licensed inspection facility. 

The inspection looks at these systems, they must function correctly and cannot be worn beyond OEM specifications.  

· Onboard Diagnostic Systems – Engine light, Antilock Brake System (ABS) as well any warning indicators cannot be illuminated. 

· Controls – Handle bars are not bent and secure, clutch, brake, throttle cables are adjusted correctly, no broken levers, horn must operate. Starter Interlock system must operate if equipped.

· Lamps – Headlamp high/low must work, brake and tail light signal and brake lamps (must meet DOT standard), and license plate lamp must be present. Dash indicator lights all must function, front and rear reflectors must be present, Head light aim is checked.

· Steering and Suspension – Stem bearings must not be loose or notchy, swing arm must be tight no side to side play, rear shocks and fork seals must not leak or be damaged.

· Tires and Wheels – Tire size and type must be correct, tread depth no less then 1.6 mm, rotation must be correct, tire pressure must be correct, wheel bearings must be smooth and can not have any play. wheels must not be damaged or bent.

· Brakes – Brakes must not pulse, disc brake pads, brake rotors must be with in spec. calipers can not be dragging or leaking, brake lines and hoses are routed correctly and not leaking. Drum brakes must not show signs of wear on the brake arm. If so wheels must come off to inspect brake shoes and drums.

· Power train – Fuel and cooling system must not leak, exhaust system must be secure and have no holes and a baffle must be present. drive chain / belt must be adjusted to the correct free play and must have a chain / belt guard.

· Body – Seat, fairings must be secure, front fender, rear fender must be present, passenger foot pegs, speedometer odometer must operate, needs two mirrors, min 10cm diameter for round, 6.5 x 12 cm for rectangle. must have a license plate mount.

TIP:  

Find an original photo of the motorcycle and see if any the components have been modified from the original equipment (OE). Modified components may not pass inspection. Inspect the motorcycle for things like reflectors, signal lights (DOT), original rear fender, chain guard, license plate light and passenger foot pegs. It will need all these parts to pass.

THE PROCESS:

1) You will need an Inspection Request Form. This can be purchased at any Alberta Registry. In order to obtain the form you will need to bring proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or certificate of title. If you are from outside of Canada, there is an additional form you’ll need to fill out.

2) You then bring the form and the motorcycle to an Approved Inspection Location in Alberta such as Performance Cycle and Auto.  We use the code on the form to initiate an electronic file on the motorcycle. A licensed motorcycle mechanic will then take a look at various aspects of the motorcycle to ensure they are up to Alberta regulations. 

3) Upon passing the inspection, the electronic file is updated, a paper copy generated and then the owner can return to any Alberta registry to finalize registration.

KEY POINTS:

• Inspection certifications are only valid for 14 days, and the vehicle must be registered in Alberta before it expires

• If your vehicle fails the inspection then the repairs need to be made within 10 days of the initial inspection and then re-inspected once they are complete

• This inspection needs to be completed whether you bring a motorcycle from another Canadian province or the United States

What happens when my bike fails the inspection? 

The failed components must be addressed before a re-inspection can be done. Record of Inspection (ROI) may be presented to any vehicle inspection facility within 10 days of the initial inspection and only the failed items noted on this ROI are required to be re-inspected.

If the vehicle is not returned for re-inspection within 10 days of the initial date of inspection, a new inspection must be conducted. 

Failed inspection options: 

#1: Leave your bike with Performance Cycle and Auto and we make the necessary repairs, once complete we re-inspect your bike at no charge. 
We make every effort to complete your bike repairs as soon as possible however delivery times are dependent on parts availability and scheduling. 

#2: Vehicle is taken away and repairs completed (returns within 10 days)
Re-inspect charge

#3: Vehicle leaves and Is not re-inspected within the 10 day expiry, a new Inspection Is required.

We are more than happy to answer any questions regarding an OOP Motorcycle Inspection.  You can give us a call during regular business hours Tuesday - Saturday

 Phone: 403-258-3588

References: https://ama.ab.ca/registries/auto/vehicle-inspection/out-of-province
http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType41/Production/Motorcycle_Inspection_Manual_Version_2Point0_July2011.pdf

Are Winter Tires Worth It?

As the weather gets colder, and the snow starts sticking to the ground, lots of us ask ourselves the same question: Should I buy winter tires? The answer is: Absolutely.

Invest and install a set of winter tires, they contain design concepts to handle the weather coming our way. The design and technology behind winter tires make them far superior to all-season and summer tires during snowy, slippery road conditions. Winter tires are manufactured with certain design elements to handle specific winter road conditions that occur during our cold Canadian winters, such as:

Colder temperatures - winter tires are more flexible at lower temperatures than other types of tires, which improves their grip
*All-season tires aren’t as effective below 7 degrees Celsius

Snow - special thread designs help winter tires bite into and expel snow as the tires rotate

Slippery conditions - different grooves and deeper sipes help winter tires grip better

Winter tires can be mounted and balanced each season, or the option to run a winter rim is available for most vehicles. A winter rim allows for a quicker seasonal tire swap. An additional bonus of having winter and summer tires is that both your sets will last longer. By alternating your sets of tires, it gives you the chance to rotate your tires to ensure that all four tires in both sets wear evenly and you get the most out of them.

Care tips for winter tires to increase their lifespan:  

• Keep your tires inflated. Tires can lose air in the cold weather and driving on tires that are low on air can damage them. Keep a close eye on your tire pressures.

• Switch back to your summer tires when it warms up again. Driving on regular, dry roads can deteriorate the tread relatively quickly so you shouldn’t use your winter tires after the winter season is over. Once the snow and ice is all gone, you should switch back to your set of regular summer or all-season tires.

• Proper storage is important to keep your tires in good condition for as long as possible. Never stand the tires on their tread, avoid keeping them in moist conditions, and keep them in fairly neutral locations in terms of temperature. Tire covers are also a good idea to keep them guarded from dirt and moisture.

Most importantly, changing into a set of winter tires once the temperature drops will ensure that you and your passengers stay safe. There is no need to take any risks with your safety, install winter tires so that you have traction even on ice.

You will notice the difference; all seasons can get you moving
but winter tires will help you stop.

If you have any questions about installing, buying, or storing winter tires - give us a call!

Interesting fact: Winter tires are mandatory in Quebec! All motorists in the province must have four winter tires installed on their cars from December 15th to March 15th at least. It doesn’t apply to visitors to the province but it has led to a reduction in road accident injuries and deaths.

How To Winterize Your Motorcycle

You will need a fuel stabilizer, engine oil and a filter, all which can be obtained at your local motorcycle shop, you will need some basic tools a drain pan and a place to work.


Step 1: You want to top up your fuel tank (we want as little as possible metal exposed to moisture). Add your fuel stabilizer to the fuel and run the engine, I like to take a short ride to mix the stabilizer.

Step 2: The hot oil change. It is always best to do a hot oil change because you will get most of the old oil drained if it is hot. Why change the oil? Oil will suspended carbon, moisture etc. within it, when mixed together they make up acids and other nasty stuff,  you don't want this sitting on your engine parts for the next 6 months, another benefit is that in the spring you are ready to go. Dispose of the waste oil responsibly, my shop takes used oil from our customers there is no charge, and remember always use caution when working around a hot engine.

Step 3a: The carburetor. I recommend draining the float bowls.
You will find the drain screw on the lowest point on the float bowl, it is either a phillips, slot or hex head, sometimes getting to the drain can be difficult you may have to remove additional fairing parts etc.
Place a pan under the bike, some carburetors have drain hoses, others do not, for those ones cut a oil container bottom off and makes a small pan to catch the fuel, loosen the drain and let the fuel flow until it stops, do this for each of the carburetors, tighten the drain, Always use caution you are dealing with a flammable liquid, dispose of the fuel responsibly.

Step 3b: If you own a fuel injected engine the stabilizer and hot oil change is all that is needed, there is nothing to drain.

Step 4: Battery Storage. You can connect a battery tender to the battery, it will maintain the voltage. There are many types on the market you will pay around $50.00 - 100.00 for one, the battery can remain in the bike or you could remove it.
I like to leave the battery in my bikes, assuming you have a good charging system and the battery is fully charged, I just disconnect the negative cable. I have done this for years and have had no problems, but before going into service in the spring, I charge the battery, then connect the negative cable, I get 4-5 years of service from my batteries.

Step 5: I like to apply wax to the finish and cover the bike. My bikes are kept in a unheated shelter so I only use a dust cover, if yours sits outside, I recommend a good quality all season cover you can expect pay from $150.00 - $200.00

I let my bikes sit protected by the storage process and only start them up when I’m ready to ride in the spring.

Need a little more help?

Please contact us if you have any questions or to book an appointment.