Posts tagged cheaper motorcycle insurance
Finding cheap motorbikes to insure
May 23rd
Photo by Geraint Warlow (Click for image credit)
With hundreds of different models out there every biker should be able to find their perfect machine. But it’s not just about speed, manoeuvrability and ride: what about costs? Specifically, what about insurance costs? It’s perfectly possible to buy a bike and then have to fork out twice as much (or more) per year on insuring it.
Here the boffins at Bikesure, the freethinking motorbike insurance broker, offer a list of some decent bikes that won’t cost an arm and a leg to insure.
Japanese giant Honda is the biggest bike manufacturer in the world. The CB600 Hornet is a relatively cheap bike to insure and, according to motorcyclenews.com, it’s fun, easy to ride and offers great handling. The Hornet’s Nest is the home of the Hornet owners’ club and has loads of advice and information.
Other Honda bikes that are relatively cheap to insure include the 250 Superdream and the CB450.
Suzuki fans on an insurance budget should check out the GSF600 Bandit. Released in ’95, the first major changes were made in 2000 and include a bigger petrol tank and new steering geometry. Don’t let the relatively low insurance costs deceive you: according to Visor Down this is ‘a superb bike’ that spawned a host of imitators.
Kawasaki claims their ER-5, a 500cc naked commuter bike, offers ‘amazing fuel economy’. That’s a budget win-win when you add in its cheap insurance costs. If you have any questions then Bikers Oracle runs an owners club with an active
forum that may be able to help.
Bikers after a cheap-to-insure cruiser will find that the Yamaha XV535 and XV650 both fit the bill. There’s a selection of tourer spares and accessories for them at Motorbikes&Parts, a site that also offers a loyalty scheme which gives up to 20% discount.
Hog fans can find a cheap to insure machine in the Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster. In production for over 50 years, it’s a great looking bike with bags of pedigree. The Sportster.org site has a wealth of information for owners, including tens of
thousands of pictures, and a great tech section filled with essential maintenance tips. Once you’ve bought the bike, Jersey Harley-Davidson offers spares at VAT-free prices for online purchasers.
When it comes to insuring your motorcycle, the way to get the best price is to look around. It’s often worth ringing, too, as a good broker can be better at cutting costs than a computer programme. Whether you search around online or on the phone, be sure to ask Bikesure for a quote.
Holy Bike Leathers, Batman!
Jul 20th
BANG! WHACK! K-POW! You can’t get cooler than Batman, but even those of us who grew up watching Adam West biff the bad guys from his Batcycle, would probably not don a lurid Spandex one-piece before hitting the road. And the revamped outfits of Messrs Keaton, Kilmer and Clooney were hardly any more appealing to the average man in the street.
But, riding to the rescue on his unbelievable BatPod motorbike came Christian Bale, in The Dark Knight – a movie notable for a lengthy chase involving lots of motorcycle riding goons.
In Christopher Nolan‘s re-imagining of the Batman franchise, the costumes are brought right up to date, and capitalising on this to the max are UD Replicas, with a range of biker gear based on the movie. You can get Bruce Wayne’s biker jacket, or sport the leather numbers worn by the Joker’s henchmen.
But the best is yet to come, with the imminent release of the Batman replica motorcycle suit, comprising gloves, jacket, trousers and boots. Comprising Kevlar body armour and moulded leather attached to a hard-wearing Cordura base, with Spandex confined to a supporting role, so that you can actually move your limbs.
All in all, if you want to scare old ladies and wow children, this is the outfit to be seen in on you bike, although admittedly perhaps not if you ride a Vespa! But if you’ve spent you hard earned money on a nice set of leathers, make sure they are protected with a decent helmet and leathers policy – and I mean decent, many inferior products on the market will not cover the amount that this suit will retail for. You can buy the suit soon at http://www.udreplicas.com/.
Bikesure at MAG “into the valley”
May 27th
As MAG’s official insurer, we were invited to East Yorkshire to attend “into the valley”. A two day event on the grounds of the Sledmere estate. Its a chance for MAG members and friends from around the country to turn up, set up camp and drink.
On arrival we were quick to put the Bikesure stand up and may I say with military precision. Its fair to say we are seasoned pro’s at this now. It was the usual plan of action for the weekend, give out quotes, hand out goody bags and generally talk insurance!
No sooner had we placed the free sweets on the table we were inundated with people. Now I’m sure some of these people wanted to talk insurance and generally tell us how wonderful we are but truth is it was all about the sweets!
The weather held out to be a beautiful sunny weekend which for a bank holiday came at more of a shock that Jons choice in music on the drive up.
Around us were stands ranging from helmet sales, camp shops and even a kilt stand! Yea, that’s right kilts! Other attractions included the 
“best in show”, comedians,live bands and the odd drunk biker littered around the site.
“best in show”, comedians,live bands and the odd drunk biker littered around the site.
All in all we had a fantastic time in Yorkshire, from learning there is nothing like mobile phone signal and that the nearest shop in 7 miles away. I would also recommend a pint and a bite to eat in the Triton Inn just round the corner. Biker friendly and easy to find I would rate it 10/10.
This show is only one of a number that fill the calender this year. You are entitled up to a 15% discount from your insurance when you join MAG. Proof that it pays to be a member of one of the biggest rider organisations in the UK.
Grant
Yamaha R1 on influx
Apr 7th
Image by wordman1 via Flickr
Over at influx, the online magazine of Adrian Flux and Bikesure, there is a great post about the new Yamaha R1, focusing particularly on Yamaha’s revolutionary cross-plane crankshaft.
The post is attracting quite a lot of comment from bike fans, with debate over whether the awesome performance of the R1 on the track is down to the new crankshaft, or more to do with Valentino Rossi‘s riding skill.
Perhaps you agree, or maybe you think the equally innovative 6-caliper brakes played a part, either way you can pitch in with your comments on the Yamaha R1, or read up on some of Yamaha’s other motorcycle innovations, over the years.
Sorry Sir, How many points?
Oct 1st
We’re not sure if this is a record, but a biker in Southampton has just been handed 39 penalty points for repeatedly speeding at speeds of up to 88mph in a 30 zone, as well as pulling a wheelie for the camera. He was also banned for 18 months and fined for his trouble – you can see the report here, or watch the local news report.
Of the seven times he admitted to in court, Steven Skilton was caught at speeds of 88, 82, 77, 72, 54, 58 and 83 miles per hour on his Kawasaki ZX-10R.
Anyone can make the odd mistake and go a bit too fast on a bike as powerful as this Ninja, but repeatedly flouting the law is sure to attract the interest of the plods, even if your numberplate isn’t visible. Sure enough, I hear they pulled out all the stops to catch this guy, and eventually tracked him down by his jacket – a rare Dainese number that was sold to only a couple of people in the UK.
It can be difficult getting motorbike insurance with convictions, but thankfully Bikesure can help in most cases, and you may even find, that for one or two SP30s, your quote might not be any more expensive than if you have a clean license, although if you have managed to rack up 39 points, I’m afraid you may be looking at a rather hefty premium for a few years.
Bikesure at Taz Motorcycles – Peterborough
Sep 19th
Saturday 13th September saw us invited down to Taz motorcycles in Peterborough for their open weekend.
Taz Motors is East Anglia’s largest motorcycle dealership and the areas only Aprilia centre. Taz has a reputation of outstanding service with their supply of new and used motorcycles, a fantastic service centre and a clothing department stocking all the top names in clothing and accessories.
As their official recommended insurer we were there to offer quotes for the weekend, give insurance advise and hand out goodie bags.
Oh did I mention we were joined by Chelle and Laura to offer a bit of class and sophistication to the event?
The hardest task of the weekend had to be trying to get them off the bouncy castle, it was mainly the kids complaining, the dads seemed to cheer!
So if your in the area and looking for a great deal on your new or used bike then Taz is the place to go!
Many thanks for making us feel welcome all weekend and thanks for the sandwiches!
Grant
Bikesure FC
Sep 5th
And you thought we just sit on our backsides all day……..and you would be right but hang on….
After narrowly missing out on the signature of Robinho it was business as usual for Bikesure FC!
Bikesure F.C was formed last year due to the fact there was nothing else to do on a Thursday evening but drink ( which isnt a bad thing ). We meet every Thusday evening at the local astro turf and attempt to pass ourselves off as footballers for an hour.
So if theres anyone out there who wants to take on the might and power of Bikesure FC, kindly bugger off because were rubbish!!!
Meet the team
Kyle “Minty” Benefer – like Hayley’s comet, can be seen passing once every 75 years
Dean “Egg” Twiddy – passing to him is like kicking it against a brick wall, could go anywhere
John “Turbo” Mellish – Faster then Usain Bolt over 100 metres – fact!
Pete “Zilla” Sanctuary – one of those annoying blokes who is good at everything!
Matthew “soppy b***ocks” Sopp – can often be seen shouting the odd swear word at his team, apparently for encouragement!
Phil “philski” Owen – more tricks up his sleeve then Paul Daniels – that’s magic!
Grant “welsh wizard” Varnham – lob me a ball from 70 yards and i’ll slot it home, pass it to me in front of an open goal and over the bar it goes!
Richard “the horn” Rowsell – started off looking like Mr Tickle, now more like Mr tackle ( granted that does sound a bit odd )
Jason ” the fridge ” Masters – big bloke, rubbish centre of gravity….goes down more than……..um………..um…………..Reading.
Tom ” Cassius ” Clay – that one player in your team that thinks he has the tricks then always falls on his arse – to the great pleasure of the rest of the team!
Adam ” Holbinho ” Hollinger – seems to be absolutely fascinated by his feet, always starring at them, even when he passes
Harry ” Sports Bra ” O’Donnell – imagine watching a Linford Christie’s lunch box running the 100 metres, now imagine him with man boobs…….Harry!
Rob ” Chopper ” Balls – hell of a right foot ping on him, unfortunately hell of a nack of tackling……even without the ball being anywhere near him….amazing!
Duncan ” Liability ” Garrick – often gets voted the man of the match…….for the opposing team!
Kevin “big man ” Lee – frustrated striker, the bloke is 7 foot tall but has a head like a 50p – when he pulls back for a strike, the force can be felt as far as Luton.
First married man of bikesure – unlucky!!
Aug 1st
In history, many weird and wonderful things have happened. We put man on the moon, won 2 world wars and invented the ASBO, but only now has something happened to challenge the greatness of the above mentioned………………one of us has only gone and got bloody married!!!!!!!
Saturday 12th July – saw Tim and Linda tie the knot in sunny old Kings Lynn.Tim and his new wife Linda have been together for 4 years and it was about bloomin time she tied him down!
For those of you who don’t know, Tim joined us in February 2008 on the quotes department.He now holds the title of being the only bloke on quotes who is married! As a biker himself, it seemed only too perfect to be assigned to this department until of course he came onto the floor and was positioned next to ME!!…unlucky!
The day was filled with happiness and joy…blah blah blah……then came the reception. Tim decided to invite some of his work colleagues, here’s what happened!
All at bikesure wish Linda and Tim a happy life together……good luck Linda!
Grant
Bennetts Dogs
Jul 10th
Is it just me, or have the Bennetts Babes really gone downhill?
If you want to see some real babes, you can check out the new Flux Babes, as voted for by the public.
And if you want to see how some of our rates compare with other companies, you can check out our bike insurance comparison page.
Bikesure at the BMF Peterborough
May 22nd
Its been a while but I’m back!!
Thanks for all the lovely cards and gifts…who am I kidding, the only post I got was bloody bills!
I digress…….
The 17th and 18th of May saw thousands of bikers descend on the Peterborough showground for the biggest outdoor bike event of the 2008 calender. Attending for the first time was Bikesure and to make sure we got noticed we invited 2 of our Flux babes along to make me and Jon look good. If your not familiar with the Flux babes…SHAME on you…..they are a collection of beautiful woman who accompany us to numerous shows in the year and they all actually work for the company!…..see below 2 good reasons why I love coming to work.
( I mean the girls….not Jon )
The whole show was set out so that the girls went out and gave out our goody bags full of sweets, key rings, magazines and bike stands….no expenses spared! Whilst me and Jon were offering free quotations there and then to anyone on anything!
Needless to say the tradition of the good old British weather having its say on the Saturday didn’t disappoint. The heavens decided to open and it pi**ed it down on the Saturday but that didn’t seem to put off the thousends that came flooding through the door.
As a whole it was good to see so many Bikesure goody bags being carried around the show and the quotes we did on the day seemed to be very well received by the public. An ever growing sign that Bikesure Insurance are becoming a major contender in the motorcycle, quad,trike and custom bike market.
We plan to be at the BMF next year but a lot bigger and better so put this date in your diary and make sure you come say hi…..or just grab loads of freebies!!
Grant