Motoriding

Archive for December 31st, 2010

Your Prized Possession And Classic Bike Insurance

For many motorcycle owners riding is more than just a recreational activity it’s a lifestyle. Riding represents freedom friends and fun. It’s what fuels daydreams and fills weekends. Vintage or classic motorcycles are the pride and joy of their owners many of whom like to parade and demonstrate them at classic bike festivals or other outdoor events.

With classic motorbikes the insurance implications are different to those with standard bikes. Motorcycle Insurance companies will normally insist on certain criteria on which they base the cost of the annual bike insurance premium for your policy and will also dictate whether your bike falls into the classic bike category.

With classic bikes it is generally acknowledged that an ‘agreed value’ insurance policy is the most effective way to insure. One of the main benefits of an agreed value motorcycle insurance policy is that you have the value of your vehicle agreed at the start of the policy meaning if you have to make a claim there can be no doubt about the motorcycles worth.

To obtain an agreed value policy insurers will usually request a fully completed vehicle condition form and 4 coloured photographs of the vehicle.

Classic bike insurance packages are specifically created to give owners peace of mind that their prized possession is covered for every eventuality

Generally classic bike insurance premiums are much more competitive than an average policy premium based on the market value of a bike and even though older vehicles are more prone to breakdown and repairs and parts for specialist and obsolete models can incur a major expense other factors for the classic bike insurance criteria override these and essentially reduce the risk therefore reducing the price.

So what are the factors which meet the classic bike criteria and how does this allow reductions in the motorcycle insurance premium.

* The motorcycle must be at least twenty years old.

* The policy will have a limited mileage restriction. This usually ranges from 2000 to 3500 or 5000 miles per annum. Obviously the lower the mileage restriction on a motorbike policy the lower the usage on a public highway reducing the risk of a road traffic accident.

* The policyholder must have the sole use of another vehicle for daily use again this reduces the amount the bike is actually used on the road.

* The motorcycle must be kept in a secure locked garage at the home address when not in use. This will reduce the theft risk of the bike which reduces the cost of the bike insurance premium.

* The usage on the policy is restricted to social domestic and pleasure use only excluding commuting again possibly reducing the amount of time the motorbike is on the road.

* Drivers on a classic bike policy must generally be over the age of 30 and must have held a full motorcycle driving licence for at least 2 or more years. This again ensures a better risk based on age and experience thus making a bearing on the premium.

There are usually many benefits provided under a Classic motorcycle insurance policy that would not be normally included under a standard motorcycle policy.

This may be automatic cover for all club organised rallies cover for the insured motorcycles spare and dismantled parts whilst stored in a locked garage or other secure premises and possibly free breakdown recovery in addition to the main benefit of an agreed value.

Policies usually have a minimal excess of 50.00 pounds for both accidental damage fire and theft claims and generally exclude the riding other bikes clause. This is so riders do not take advantage of the competitive lower classic bike insurance premium to use a much higher rated bike.

About the writer:  Anna Stenning loves classic motorbikes which is why the rightclassic bike insurance is crucial for her hobby. If you are a bike fanatic visit http://www.insureyourbike.com/

Your Guide For Beginners Motorcycle Online Shopping

The world of motorcycling is a fun and exciting adventure but before you get started you should know a little something about the sport. You are probably ready to get suited up and ride but learn a little about what you are getting into.

First Steps

The first thing you should do before looking at a motorcycle is to visit the local Department of Motor Vehicles and pick up the free learner’s book they offer for novice riders. You will need a motorcycle driver’s license in order to ride so be sure you get information and practice you will need in order to pass the motorcycle driver’s test.

The next thing you can do to ensure you are taking all the proper safety precautions is to sign up for a motorcycle safety class in your area. Taking the extra time to learn all you can about the practical side of riding a motorcycle may one day save your life.

You should also be sure you are outfitted with the proper clothing. You will need a sturdy pair of boots a leather jacket a good pair of motorcycle gloves and of course a helmet. These items of clothing may prevent you from more serious injuries should you have any kind of accident when you are riding your motorcycle.

Getting Ready to Shop

Now that you know some of the basic procedures you will need to ride with confidence and safety it is time to go shopping for that motorcycle you have been longing for. It is easy to get caught up in the latest styles but you need to purchase a motorcycle that will be the right one for you; not your friend not anyone else but the right ride for you.

You can visit many local showrooms in your area and test drive as many motorcycles you need to until you find the bike that feels like it was made for you. Then armed with all the knowledge you have gathered you are ready to sit down in front of you computer and get started looking for the motorcycle of your dreams.

Buying and maintaining a motorcycle is not a cheap endeavor it can run into quite a bit of money especially for those who are just getting started and need to start from scratch. Never sacrifice quality for price when you are shopping for a motorcycle. Just because the deal seems impossible to pass up be sure that you are buying a motorcycle that will last you for years to come.

Websites You Can Visit

When you are shopping for motorcycles online there is a host of websites you can visit. There are websites in Canada the United Kingdom as well as the United States. You can shop for used or new motorcycles and be able to compare prices quickly and easily. When you shop for your motorcycle online you can find not only a motorcycle but lots of tips and advice for the best websites like The Red Book Cycle Trader and eBay where you can find the best price for the motorcycle you want to buy.

About the writer:  James Brown writes about Motorcycle Superstore discounts AutoBarn.com online coupons and JC Whitney promo code