For urban dwellers, when it comes to buying a vehicle, their first choice is often a car. Ultimately, it’s easy to understand why, as cars are the most commonly seen vehicle on the road. Yet, depending on the city, you may be wondering whether you truly need a car. Places like London, for instance, already have far too much automobile traffic, and public transport solutions are efficient enough to justify not buying a vehicle.
But if, instead of a car, you are considering buying a motorbike for the first time like many Britons, it’s worth investigating your options. Ultimately, bikes are a completely different kettle of fish, and the considerations you may have had for a car do not apply here.
What do you need to know?
Set a realistic motorbike budget
In theory, motorbikes are more affordable than cars. However, the price range can vary greatly.
On one end, you have premium or specialist brands with larger engine models, such as the Combat Motor Wraith, which comes at over £120,000. Needless to say, this is way more than most people would be comfortable investing in a vehicle.
On the other end of the spectrum, you have reliable, second-hand commuter bikes that are well-maintained and a lot cheaper. If you are buying with a focus on city commuting, these are the models you want to consider.
But if you have other plans for your bike, it may be more suitable to invest in a more expensive vehicle, which means your motorbike could end up being more expensive than an urban car. For first-time buyers, the key is to determine clearly not only what you expect from the motorbike, but also what its true purpose(s) is/are. You’ll need to know that to establish your budget.
Choose the right insurance cover
If you are or were a car driver, chances are you’ve had to pay for car insurance. But car insurance and motorbike insurance are very different. You will be better protected by choosing an insurer who specialises in motorbikes,
What to look for in a motorbike insurer? You need to look beyond the headline price. As a general rule of thumb, motorbike insurance is going to be cheaper than car insurance in most cases. It’s a much smaller vehicle with less significant costs.
That’s why you need to focus on the details:
- Does the insurance offer financial compensation for accidents? Even a minor crash on a bike is going to hurt a lot more than one in a car.
- Is there any legal expenses coverage, even if you were not at fault in the event of an accident? Protecting your rights as a biker is important.
- What about protection against uninsured drivers? Being involved in an accident with an uninsued drivers could wreck a lot more than your vehicle, so how can you recover your loss and protect yourself?
Factor in proper riding gear
You know the drill: bikers need helmets. But when it comes to buying a helmet, you have more than one option. In fact, brands like Shoei, Ruroc, and AGV are specifically known for designing protective helmets that also look the part. So, when you are calculating your motorbike budget, make sure it also includes enough for a helmet and riding outfit.
If you are thinking about buying your first motorbike, it’s your sign to approach the purchase with an informed mind, so you don’t regret it.
