• Registering and insuring your motorcycle

• Rules for operating your motorcycle

• Motorcycle safety

Motorcycles

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Registering your motorcycle 2

Insurance protection 3

Rules for operating your motorcycle 7

Motorcycle safety 8

Introduction

This brochure answers key questions

about registering, insuring and safely

operating a motorcycle.

A motorcycle is defined as a vehicle

designed to travel on no more than three

wheels, that has a seat or saddle for the

rider sitting astride and that can reach

a speed of 50 kilometres/hour or more.

For insurance purposes, motorcycles are divided into five categories:

• motorscooter

• sport

• sport touring

• touring

• other

The rules for registering and operating your motorcycle are governed by The Drivers and Vehicles Act and are meant to help lower your risk of a collision. However, if you are in a collision, you need to have enough insurance to minimize the financial risks you and your family may face.

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Registering your motorcycle

Q: How is registering a motorcycle different than a vehicle?

• Motorcycle premiums for compulsory cover-age are based on body style, engine size and the owner’s self-assessed value. It’s important to make sure you accurately assess your motorcycle’s value, because in the event of total loss, we pay the actual cash value or the self-assessed value—whichever is lower.

• Motorcycle coverage is year-round, but motorcycle premiums are charged during the typical riding season. This means you don’t need to pay your premiums until you start riding and you only pay during your riding season, even though your coverage stays active all year unless it expires. The typical riding season is May 1 to Sept. 30, but you may start riding when weather permits.

• There is no all-perils coverage on motorcycles.

• Basic Autopac coverage is limited to collision and upset up to the self-assessed value, to a maximum of $50,000 including taxes.

• Coverage for perils like fire, theft and windstorm can be purchased separately.

Q: How is registering a motorcycle similar to a vehicle?

• You register your motorcycle at any Autopac agent or Manitoba Public Insurance Service Centre.

• You automatically get $200,000 third party liability (TPL) coverage, just as you do when you register an automobile. In a collision, this covers you against other people’s claims for property damage, injury or death. You can buy more TPL coverage separately.

• The deductible on Basic Autopac is $500, but you can buy a lower deductible if you want to.

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• You renew your motorcycle registration and insurance at the same time as any other vehicle(s) you own.

• Anyone operating your motorcycle must carry your motorcycle’s registration/insurance certificate.

Insurance protection

Protection for youAs a motorcycle rider, your risk of bodily injury is increased, as you only have clothing to protect you in a collision. The premiums you pay provide you with coverage through the Personal Injury Protection Plan (PIPP), which is based on four principles:

• Coverage extends to all Manitoba residents injured in automobile collisions anywhere in Canada or the United States.

• Compensation focuses on specific economic losses from an auto injury or death.

• Compensation is guaranteed for all injured Manitoba residents regardless of who was at fault.

• Most benefits are indexed to the Consumer Price Index to reflect changing economic conditions.

Motorcycle extension productsOptional third party liability coverage

If your motorcycle is in a collision, you can be legally responsible for damage or injuries others claim against you—even if you weren’t driving it at the time. Basic third party liability insures you against claims others make against you for up to $200,000 if your motorcycle:

• damages another vehicle or other property in Manitoba

• injures a person or damages another vehicle or other property outside Manitoba but within Canada and the United States (motorcycle liability coverage provides protection against passenger injury claims outside Manitoba)

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Manitoba Public Insurance would also provide you with a defence if you are sued for anything other than your deductible in one of the above situations.

The $200,000 limit is the minimum required by law in Manitoba and other provinces. For more protection, you may want to increase your coverage—especially if you travel outside Manitoba. You can buy optional coverage to increase your third party liability protection to $1 million, $2 million, $5 million, $7 million, or $10 million.

Collision protection

You can keep the basic $500 deductible or choose an optional $300, $200 or $100 deductible.

The optional amounts offer benefits such as not having to pay the deductible if you are in a collision with an animal and having your protective clothing covered against loss or damage due to a direct or indirect collision or accidental upset. Coverage for protective clothing is provided to a maximum of $1,500 per occupant of the insured motorcycle and is defined as leather, Kevlar or other safety material for jackets, chaps, boots or gloves worn while riding. Motorcycle helmets are covered under Basic Autopac.

Comprehensive protection

This extension product protects you from accidental losses including fire, theft or windstorm. You can choose a $200 or $500 deductible. The optional amounts offer benefits such as not having to pay the deductible if your motorcycle is stolen and, if you carry the $200 Comprehensive deductible, your deductible reduces to nil if your motorcycle is vandalized.

Comprehensive coverage automatically transfers to a temporary substitute motorcycle if the policyholder’s original motorcycle is unusable (certain restrictions apply). The substitute motorcycle cannot belong to the policyholder or anyone living in the same home.

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Harley Davidson motorcycles must be inspected by a Manitoba Public Insurance employee prior to comprehensive insurance being purchased for the first time or after a break in coverage.

You can buy comprehensive and collision protection together or separately. Most customers can purchase comprehensive insurance without requiring a separate policy. Special situations may require application through our Special Risk Extension (SRE) department.

Extension Loss of Use coverage

Choose from three levels of Extension Loss of Use to cover the cost of replacement transportation if your motorcycle is stolen or damaged, up to $135/day or a maximum of $4,050 per claim.

Excess Value Coverage

The maximum any vehicle can be insured for under Basic Autopac is $50,000. Excess Value Coverage can insure the excess value on motorcycles worth more than $50,000.

New Vehicle Protection

New Vehicle Protection covers the depreciation on your new or newer vehicle if it’s written off. You’re covered for the price you paid, plus an allowance for inflation, but not for any outstanding debt against a trade-in, service contracts, warranties or insurance. Depending on how old your motorcycle is, New Vehicle Protection covers you for up to two years.

There are some time limits on buying New Vehicle Protection. For brand-new vehicles, you have 60 days from when you first insure your new vehicle. For newer used vehicles, you have 60 days from when you bought the vehicle.

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Leased Vehicle Protection

Leased Vehicle Protection covers your down payment and any trade-in allowance on the vehicle you’ve leased for up to two years if it’s written off. It does not cover your lease payments, even if you pay them all at once. Leased Vehicle Protection is available for new and late-model leases.

There are some time limits on buying Leased Vehicle Protection. For brand-new leases, you have 60 days from when you first register and insure the leased vehicle. For used-vehicle leases, you have 60 days from when your lease starts.

Ask your Autopac agent for more information on these extension products.

The difference between pleasure and all purpose

Pleasure Registering your motorcycle for pleasure means it can only be driven to or from—or part way to or from—work or school up to four days a month and not more than 1,609 km (1,000 mi.) each year.

All purpose

Registering your motorcycle as all purpose means you don’t have restrictions on its use.

When and how to report a collisionA collision should be reported to Manitoba Public Insurance the same way it would be if it involved your vehicle. For more information, check the “When you have a claim” section in your Guide to Autopac or call us at 204-985-7000 (in Winnipeg) or 1-800-665-2410 (toll-free outside Winnipeg). We can assist you in determining if you need to make a police report when you call to make a claim.

Rules for operating a motorcycle

RequirementsTo drive a motorcycle you must:

• hold a valid licence of any class and stage

• pass a written or oral knowledge test

• obtain a Class 6M (Motorcycle Training Course Stage) licence in order to complete the Motorcycle Safety Course offered through Safety Services Manitoba [completion of this course is required before a 6L (Learner Stage) licence is issued]

• hold a 6L (Learner Stage) licence for a minimum of nine months

• pass a road test to advance to the 6I (Intermediate Stage) licence, which you must hold for a minimum of 15 months

Carrying passengers Only the holder of a Class 6I (Intermediate Stage) or 6F (Full Stage) licence may carry a passenger.

Night drivingNo nighttime driving is allowed with a Class 6L (Learner Stage) licence—driving is only permitted during daylight hours, a half-hour after sunrise to a half-hour before sunset.

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Motorcycle safety

Unless exempted under legislation, it’s mandatory to wear an approved helmet such as Snell, DOT or ECE 22 when riding or when a passenger on a motorcycle.

Wearing the following additional safety gear can reduce injuries if you are involved in a collision:

• goggles or clear face shields designed for your helmet

• leather clothing with denim or heavy (ballistic) nylon

• leather boots that cover your ankle for protection and have low heels to prevent slippage from the footpegs

How to choose the right motorcycle for youSelecting a motorcycle that is the right size and weight for you helps you to operate it safely. There are a few factors to consider when purchasing a motorcycle:

• Size: Both of your feet should reach the ground when you stand straddling the saddle and you should be comfortable with the position of the footpegs and handlebars.

• Weight: You should be able to push the motorcycle through a figure-eight and place it on both the side and main stand without straining. You should also be able to lift your motorcycle upright if it falls over.

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• Riding ability: Make sure the motorcycle is appropriate for your riding abilities.

Before you ride Follow this four-point safety procedure:

• Conduct a motorcycle safety check.

• Put on all your safety equipment.

• Mount the motorcycle from the left side holding both handle grips firmly, and keep the motorcycle upright with both feet on the ground for support.

• Move the motorcycle off its stand, and be sure that the stand is secure and in an upright position.

Riding positionSit in a position that allows your elbows to be slightly bent when your hands are on the handle bars. Keep your back straight and lean slightly forward to reduce wind resistance.

StartingYou must be able to start, upshift and downshift without jerking the motorcycle or lugging the engine. A controlled start requires smooth coordination of the clutch and throttle.

Starting on hillsUse the front brake to hold the motorcycle from rolling back, start the engine and shift into first gear.

StoppingA controlled stop requires that both front and rear brakes be applied at the same time without locking them.

PassingAlways signal well in advance.

Lane positionRide in a position where you can see other traffic and where they can see you. Stay near the centre of your lane without riding on the centre strip between the tire tracks, as it may be slippery from oil leaked from vehicles.

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FollowingRide where the motorist ahead can see you in their rearview mirror and, in ideal driving conditions, use a four-second following distance when riding behind another vehicle.

Lane changingSignal and shoulder check before changing from one traffic lane to another. When changing from one tire track to the next within the same lane, you must shoulder check prior to moving.

In trafficNever pass vehicles by cutting between lanes of traffic. There is no room to manoeuvre if a door opens in front of you or if a vehicle changes positions within the lane.

Group ridingIf there are more than four riders on the road together, it’s best to split into groups and ride in a staggered formation, not beside each other.

ParkingWhen parking near a curb, position your motorcycle at a 45-degree angle. It will be more visible to motorists looking for a place to park.

Alcohol and drugsIt is illegal to be impaired and drive. Manitoba’s impaired driving laws apply to the operation of all motorized vehicles, including motorcycles.

Alcohol can slow down your reaction time and make you less alert on the road. Illegal drugs may cause hallucinations, hostility and aggressiveness in addition to dulling normal thought processes and slowing down eye-hand coordination. Prescription or over-the-counter drugs can also have an adverse effect on your driving skills. Read all warning labels and understand the effects these drugs have on your ability to operate your motorcycle safely.

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If you operate a motorcycle with a blood alcohol concentration between .05 and .08 or fail a physical coordination test or drug recognition evaluation, you are subject to an immediate Tiered Administrative Licence Suspension ranging from 72 hours to 60 days. You will also move five levels down the Driver Safety Rating scale and be required to pay a driver’s licence reinstatement charge.

If your blood alcohol concentration is over .08, you refuse to provide a breath or blood sample to police, you refuse to perform a physical coordination test or drug recognition evaluation, or you refuse to follow a police officer’s instructions regarding either test, you will receive an immediate three-month Administrative Licence Suspension. You will also move five levels down the Driver Safety Rating scale and be required to pay a driver’s licence reinstatement charge and complete an impaired driver assessment. You can also be charged with an impaired driving-related offence under the Criminal Code.

If you are convicted of an impaired driving-related Criminal Code offence, you will face sanctions such as:

• a minimum fine of $1,000

• possible imprisonment

• a minimum one year court imposed driving prohibition

• mandatory driver’s licence suspension under The Highway Traffic Act from one year to life

• mandatory participation in Manitoba’s Ignition Interlock Program

• possible vehicle forfeiture

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Pre–ride inspection ✔

Controls ✔ Make sure they are within easy reach of

your hands and feet.

Lights ✔ Check that there is one red running lamp, one

red stop lamp at the rear and one white light that illuminates the rear licence plate.

Brakes ✔ Test the brakes on the front and

rear wheels.

Mirrors ✔ There must be one rearview mirror on the

left side. Two mirrors are recommended.

Tires ✔ Check that the tires have at least .8 mm

of tread.

Horn ✔ Make sure the horn is audible, under normal

conditions, from a distance of 60 metres.

Additional informationRiders are encouraged to take lessons to stay safe on the road. Training is available for both novice and experienced riders. Contact Safety Services Manitoba at 204-949-1085 or visit safetyservicesmanitoba.ca for more information about classes offered.

Review the Motorcycle Handbook for more detailed information on the topics covered in this brochure.

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