For owner/operator Derek Jantz and employees at Two Wheel Tech, putting in time at the shop is not considered work. It is rather an extension of a shared interest in powersport and marine vehicles, and how each individual chooses to spend recreational time.
“We are all enthusiasts; we love to ride, go boating, fishing, jet skiing and dirt biking,” says Derek. “Whenever we have spare time, we like to be in the outdoors. It’s not a business to us, it’s our hobby too, that’s what sets us apart.”
Powersport technicians work on everything from street bikes, dirt bikes, scooters and all-terrain vehicles (ATV), to personal water craft (PWC), marine outboards, snowmobiles and even generators.
“Our business name is kind of deceiving; we do more than motorcycles,” says Derek. “There’s a wide range of things we work on, we have a lot of experience and all the right tools.”
Everyone at Two Wheel Tech is a Red Seal-trained and certified motorcycle technician qualified to handle small engine repairs of any kind, from minor tuneups to full engine rebuilds. Each technician has a different background that complements one another, which enables the shop to cover all powersport customer needs.
“We work on every brand, every make, every model; Harley Davidson, BMW, Triumph, you name it,” says Derek, also a Yamaha-trained technician who has worked on “almost everything” since entering the field. “One of our technicians was trained with Suzuki, but rides a Harley Davidson. There really is no limit to it; we have experience with everything.”
Born and raised in Powell River, Derek has been a motorcycle mechanic since graduating from BCIT in 2002. He later trained at a five-star Yamaha dealership in Vancouver until moving back to his hometown in 2010 with his wife Jessica.
Upon the couple’s return, Derek initially worked out of his nonna’s backyard on Queen’s Avenue before creating Two Wheel Tech and moving into a space at 7024 Tofino Street. “It has been onward and upward from there,” he says.
Four years later, another move and expansion is underway. Two Wheel Tech opens at its new location at 7564A Highway 101 (old bottle depot) on Monday, April 4. A grand opening will take place sometime in June; a specific date will be announced soon.
“We’re building walls, painting, everything is new; ceiling, floors, shelving and cabinets,” says Derek. “The exterior is being completely painted as well.”
The new space will include separate showroom, display areas and workshop. Staff are excited about the new layout and potential for future growth at the new location.
“It will be bright and colourful,” says Derek. “We’re going to add a lot of new fun things for people to check out.”
Two Wheel Tech also sells parts and accessories for everything worked on in the shop. Available inventory has grown substantially since the business opened and will increase significantly at the new location.
“If we don’t have parts in stock, we can get them here within a couple days,” says Derek. “We stock a lot of parts for the ATV community, which is huge here; spark plugs, brakes, tires and tubes, all the basic tune-up and emergency items.”
Having the right stock allows technicians to “get people going the same day if they need repairs,” says Derek. “We also plan to have a lot of goodies for people to get their hands on; helmets, gloves, goggles and lots of fun after-market stuff.”
According to Derek and staff, motorcycle and ATV use in Powell River has skyrocketed in recent years.
“I’ve been back for five years and have been pleasantly surprised,” says Derek. “There are a lot of bikes in town, and a ton of ATVs.”
For more information, go to twowheeltech.com, call 604.223.2240, email [email protected] or search for the business on Facebook.
