How you could pay less for your motorbike insurance?

How you could pay less for your motorbike insurance?

When it comes to paying for your motorbike insurance, you probably dread that renewal letter landing on your doormat. You open it up, sigh at the cost and grudgingly sign up for another year.

However, it doesn’t have to be like this – it is often possible to find a cheaper motorbike insurance quote if you understand the basics when it comes to renew.

In this article from the motorbike insurance specialist Bikesure you’ll learn some of the basics of insurance and a few things you need to think about if you need a new policy.

Tip #1 – Your bike’s mileage

In a nutshell, the less time you spend on the road the less you will pay for your insurance. This is because you’ll be less likely to make a claim, so when declaring how many miles you expect to do each year make sure you’re as accurate as you can be. If you say you’ll do 1,500 miles a year and you actually do 5,000, it could prove an expensive mistake if you have chosen a limited mileage policy.

Tip #2 – Your bike’s security

Security is key when it comes to paying less for your insurance too. First up, make sure all the motorbike security you buy has the Thatcham or Sold Secure logo – it may be a bit more expensive but can you put a price on peace of mind? For additional protection against theft (and the elements) your insurer may offer a further discount if you invest in a Motorbike Shed or keep it in a locked garage. The more secure your bike, the less chance it will be stolen and the lower your premiums may be.

Tip #3 – Your bike

It seems unfair to punish careful riders with higher premiums, but it’s a sad fact that high-performance machines are more likely to be involved in an accident, and that can be reflected in the cost of a policy, especially for young or inexperienced riders. If you don’t want to pay through the nose for your insurance, choose a bike which is appropriate to your skills and experience.

Tip #4 – Your biking experience

When you pass your test, you’ll be keen to rip up those L plates and get out onto the open road. But before you even think about riding off into the sunset, taking an advanced riding course can help to keep your costs down. Passing this test will show you’re an experienced, and most importantly safe rider. The safer you are on the road, the less likely you’ll be involved in a crash.

Tip #5 – Your bike’s cover

Finally, the price you will pay for your insurance can also depend upon the level of cover you choose. Third Party Insurance is usually the cheapest policy, but it won’t cover any damage to your bike if you need to make a claim. Fully comprehensive is usually more expensive, but provides greater peace of mind – so weigh up your needs and your bank balance. Don’t forget that you can add on certain extras, such as breakdown cover and personal accident and injury to your cover too.

The gift of security!

Can you put a price on security?

Asgard and Bikesure – beating bike theft.

The A-Z Guide of preparing your Motorbike for the Winter Season

As snow is beginning to fall across the UK, it’s time to tuck in your motorbike or moped in for the winter and say goodbye to another riding season.  But before you do, spend a little time giving your bike some TLC to protect it whilst it is in storage and to make sure it’s ready and good condition to ride for next spring.

Have your prepared your Motorbike for the Winter Season?

Have your prepared your Motorbike for the Winter Season?

Not sure where to start? We have put together an A-Z Guide for preparing your motorbike for the Winter Season.

Air Filter This is a good time to clean and change the air filter of your bike.
Aluminium / Chrome Parts and Rims Cleaning the chrome and aluminium parts, then coating them with a good chrome polish will keep these areas relatively clean, and easier for Spring clean-up. To keep the tarnish off (especially on the aluminium), a coat of silicone lube will give some protection (to be washed off in the Spring).
Battery Use a battery conditioner during the Winter months. Remove the battery from the motorcycle. Clean the terminals. Check the fluid level (add if necessary). Hint: Use a flashlight to shine through the case to view the level. Attach a Battery Tender/ Trickle Charge to keep the battery in good shape. Place the battery on a wood plank (not directly on concrete).
Belt Drive The belt is often ignored until there is a problem. Check the belt for signs of wear and damage, and clean the belt with mild soap and water when washing your bike. Towel dry while inspecting. Belts typically last in excess of 50,000 miles.
Compressor Make sure your tires are properly inflated. If you have a compressor then deflate your tires first to expel any moisture, then inflate with clean compressed air. You should repeat this step before riding again in the spring.If possible, elevate your bike so both tires are not under load. This is especially important if the bike will be stored in freezing conditions. Make sure your bike is secure. Motorcycle lifts with bottle jacks have been known to fail when left under prolonged load.
Drive Chain Adjust per the specification. If you have a chain drive, lube the chain with chain lube or even a light grease (leave a note to clean excess in Spring). Put newspaper or cloth under this area to catch the drips.
Exhaust Pipes Prevent any Insects and bugs climbing into Exhaust Pipes, so stuff a clean rag in the end of your pipe, or cover with a plastic bag (secured with a rubber band). Leave a note to remove the rags in Spring. Note: A touch of fuel oil or WD-40 on the cloth or shop towel will discourage most critters from making a home in the pipe (with the rag). Be cautious on the amount of fuel oil or oil used. Dampen, not soaked, then stuff in the pipe(s).
Frame (and other painted areas) Apply a coat of wax on the painted areas of a bike to keep condensation from damaging the metal. Note: The frame is often neglected, but it should be waxed prior to winter storage just like other painted parts.
Gasoline Run Carb(s) out of Gasoline before winter storage, and add some gasoline stabilizer to your tank per the instructions. Also change the filter plug when storing your bike away.
Helmet Liner There are products advertised to “freshen” your helmet that work okay. However, a simpler and cheaper method is to use a little Ivory dish soap or Dr. Bonner’s Peppermint Oil Soap and warm water along with a soft bristle brush to clean and refresh your helmet foruse in the Spring. Note: A damp cloth rubbed around the inside does wonders every week or so. Allow the helmet to dry before using.
Location Store your Bike away from the window (light fades paint and cracks leather).
Leather Eagle One Carnuba Leather Cream – This is one of the best leather conditioners on the market. No petroleum products added. Apply  this to your leather seat, tank (leather) bib, and backrest. Note: Several light coats are much better than a single heavy one. Buff with a soft cloth after the conditioner/cleaner has dried. Note: When your leather gets wet, a light coat of Lexol is an excellent way to condition and preserve the leather from water damage.
Mudguard Extenders Fit mudguard extenders to protect the bike from being ‘sandblasted’ by salt and road grit
Oil Change and Lube It is good to change motorcycle oil prior to Winter storage. Change, then run it for a few minutes to get the new oil coated on the engine.Also lube moving parts (cables, etc.) with recommended lubricants.
Radiator Check your radiator levels, add aluminium safe antifreeze as necessary.
Stabilizer Moisture collects during storage and fuel can go a little off because of it. Filling the tank, adding the stabilizer and running the engine for ten minutes can minimize this effect.
Storage Try not to cover your motorcycle with a cover as although it will protect the bike from dust, it will cause condensation from forming on your bike, but it keeps dust, etc. off your bike.Instead – Make sure you store your motorcycle in a safe and secure place.  If you don’t already have a suitable area, e.g. a garage or secure shed – the Asgard Motorbike Garage is a secure and convenient alternative.  For more information, visit the Asgard Motorbike Storage range here.
Temperature Gauge Take out your “temp gauge oil” dipstick (if you have one). Put in the original for the Winter. Store the “temp gauge” in a moderately warm place. Write down that you need to reinstall the dipstick in the Spring.  If you have other (removable) equipment, do the same with it. Exposing to extreme low temperatures may affect sensitive “gauges” during Winter months.
Tire Pressure Check the tire pressure. Adjust as needed and leave a note to check in Spring.
Vinyl Clean vinyl with a vinyl cleaner, then use a vinyl protector. There are several on the market. Buff with a soft cloth when dry.
Wash Bike Thoroughly Your motorcycle needs a thorough wash job before storage. Blow dry with a leaf blower, and then towel off excess water.
Windshield Splat! – This windshield cleaner is safe for windshields and does a great job removing bugs. Note: You need to get the bugs and bug parts off as soon as possible regularly.  As well as being harder to clean when dry, Bugs have chemicals that can etch your paint and damage your windshield.

(Article SourceMotorcycle Winterizing Tips )

Have any other suggestions for storing your winter bike? Share your hints and tips with us by commenting below and we will add it to our Guide.

The 2011 International Dirt Bike Show

It’s a sad time of the year for many bikers as they tuck their bikes in for the winter, but the event of the year is here to put a smile back on your faces! The 2011 International Dirt Bike Show promises a packed programme of events, making a visit to the twelfth off-road exhibition at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire a must-do date for the diary.

Don’t miss the 2011 International Dirt Bike Show this weekend!

Don’t miss the 2011 International Dirt Bike Show this weekend!

And here are some of the fantastic events lined up!

  • Live Action – Extreme Mountain Bike Show

Danny Butler and his Extreme Mountain Bike Show team will be entertaining the crowds again, with 4 performances a day for the duration of the 2011 International Dirt Bike Show.  Last year the guys wowed Show goers with their astonishing stunts and displays of skill, agility and choreographed routines all achieved without an engine in sight! Visitors can expect this and more from the three-man team of Danny, his World Championship cycle trials team-mate Ben Slinger and younger brother Ashley Butler.

the 2011 International Dirt Bike Show

Get ready for the the 2011 International Dirt Bike Show!

  • Cyclo Trials

Former British Bike Trials Champion and World Championship contender Danny Butler, his brother Ash and team-mate Ben Slinger will also be helping out in Hall 4 with another new element of this year’s Show; a Cyclo Trials try-out arena. A kickstart-style course will include a range of different obstacles such as limbo, see-saw and balance bar, with some optional extras thrown in for good measure.

  • The Suzuki Off-road Experience

The Suzuki Off-Road Experience will be in full swing at the Show. Using Suzuki DR-Z125 and DR-Z70 models, this is where novice riders aged six and over can get a taste of what it’s like to ride.

  • TRIALS TRAINING TASTER SESSIONS 

BUMPY (Birstall Urban Motorcycle Project for Youth) will be running its trials training taster sessions throughout the duration of the four-day show.

  • KIDZ QUADZ

There’s no need to worry about the weather when looking for ways to keep the younger family members entertained at the International Dirt Bike Show this year. Using Aeon Mini Colt 50cc quads, every participant will receive instruction, prior to riding, and helmet and eye protection will be provided.

  • RACE THE STIG!

The Top Gear Experience is a new mobile truck unit touring the UK, Ireland and Europe and between 3rd to 6th November it will be at Stoneleigh Park. Utilising the technology of simulation you’ll be put in some of the most up to date supercars.

All this plus shopping, competitions, and more bike-related entertainment for all the family at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, from Thursday 3rd – Sunday 6th November 2011. For more details about the show, visit the 2011 International Dirt Bike Show website.

Police bike theft squad axed

One of Britain’s last police stolen vehicle squads is to be closed from next year, leaving organised bike theft uninvestigated. The Metropolitan Police’s stolen vehicle squad will be disbanded from April 2012 due to budget cuts.

Stolen bikes recovered by the Met squad

Stolen bikes recovered by the Met squad

The unit has been a powerful deterrent to organised criminal gangs that move around the country stealing bikes to order and dismantling them to sell as parts or shipping them overseas. The squad has just one more undercover operation to carry out before being wound up. A source said: “We have one motorbike job we are actively looking at.  We can’t reveal details as it’s a covert operation. We are not looking at taking on any more motorbike jobs as the unit is closing in April 2012.”

A force spokesman said: “The Metropolitan Police Service is having to make substantial savings in line with reducing budgets. This requires difficult decisions to be made about what areas of activity should be reduced. Following wide consultation about priorities,
the Specialist Crime Directorate is considering changes to the Stolen Vehicle Unit.”

He said the proposal “involve disbanding the dedicated proactive investigation team – whose role is to investigate criminal groups involved in the theft of motor vehicles – and absorbing its responsibilities across the organisation”.

(Article Source : MCN News )

Don’t leave your bike unprotected

With news of the Metropolitan Police’s Stolen Vehicle Squad being axed, bikers across the UK need to step up their own efforts to
keep their motorbikes and scooters safe from theft.  And as the majority of motorcycle thefts reported are often stolen from homes and sheds where bikes are left with little or no security, it now falls on you to make sure your motorbike is kept safe and secure when not in use.

The easiest and most effective way is storing your bike in a secure motorbike shed – such as the Asgard Motorbike Garage Unit.  This all-metal Storage Unit will provide your bike with all-year round security.  Matt Hull from RiDE Magazine is very impressed with the Asgard Unit, saying – “If security is an issue, this is the one..I am converted.”

Prevent Bike theft with the Asgard Motorbike Storage Unit.

Prevent Bike theft with the Asgard Motorbike Storage Unit.

To see the full range of Motorcycle Storage units, visit the Asgard Motorcycle Storage product range here.

Mobility Scooter Storage

For those of you who rely on your mobility scooter on a regular basis will appreciate the freedom it gives you.  The number of mobility scooter users in the UK has increased in recent years and they have become a popular and effective way to increase mobility and independence of users.  It is also one of the most cost effective option for many users and doesn’t require a special license to own or use.

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The convenient and practical transport option for mobility scooter users.

However, although it may be a worthwhile investment, users also need to consider adequate maintenance and storage of their vehicle in order to keep your mobility in good condition when not in use.

When you are searching for the best storage for your mobility scooter, there are two primary considerations – protection from the weather and security.

  • Protection from the weather – so that your mobility scooter and any of its electrical components don’t get wet during the rain or snow.
  • Security – probably the biggest factor to consider when you are searching for the best mobility scooter storage is the security issue.  Storage Covers will not protect your scooter from theft or vandalism.  You should consider security purpose-built mobility scooter storage unit that has lockable doors.

What’s the best way to store your mobility scooter?

One option may be to use a Storage Cover, which are handy for keeping the dust and rain off your scooter will you are not using it.  However, these covers do not provide much security for your vehicle, and are only advisable as a temporary measure or if you are storing your vehicle in a large garage or other sheltered area.

We would recommend a secure metal storage unit, which has been specially designed to store your mobility scooter when not in use.  Asgard, the specialists in secure steel storage units have specifically designed an outdoor Mobility Scooter Storage Unit based on feedback and customer demand.

The Asgard Mobility Scooter Storage Unit.

The Asgard Mobility Scooter Storage Unit – a ‘must-have’ for all scooter users.

The Asgard Mobility Scooter Storage Unit provides secure outdoor storage of your mobility scooter or electric wheelchair.  Built from very thick, galvanised steel panels this unit is ideal for the outside storage of your scooter.  You can drive your scooter straight in this unit with the convenient double door access and fold-down ramp.  And to keep your vehicle powered up, you can even charge up your vehicle if required, as an electrical mounting plate is included on the side panel.

Whats more, Asgard can even help you assemble the unit for you as well.  For more information and to view the full mobility scooter storage range from Asgard, visit the website http://www.asgardsss.co.uk

Any questions?

Check out these ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ about Mobility Scooters, and to request a Free Scooter Brochure & Buying Guide at the Help My Mobility website.

Clamping down on Quad Bike theft

Quad biking has been gaining popularity over the recent years with many experienced and younger drivers enjoying the thrill of the ride.  However, the rate of stolen ATVs has also increased across the UK and and once your Quad Bike is gone, it can be difficult, if not nearly impossible, to ever get it back.

Did you know? Less then 5% of stolen Off-road vehicles are ever recovered. (TER report)

Whether it’s urban or rural, more and more people are becoming victims of quad bike theft, with Quad bikes and ATV’s known as “hot property” by the UK police.  PC Mark Godsland, Divisional Crime Prevention Design Advisor from the Gloucestershire Constabulary  said; ‘Quad bikes can be a valuable commodity for thieves and it’s therefore very important that owners make sure that they are secured properly’.

The Asgard team have combined their experience from the secure garden storage unit range to respond to demand from the owners of Quad bikes and motorcycles to provide a convenient yet secure outdoor storage unit to store your bikes.  With this in mind, the team  have designed the  Asgard Quad Bike Storage Unit, an outdoor all-metal outdoor unit  giving you safe and secure storage of expensive ATVs, Quad bikes and off road motorcycles.

The Asgard Quad Bike Storage Unit

Store your precious ATV out of sight in the secure Quad Bike Storage Unit.

The Asgard Quad Bike Storage Unit is built from thick, heavy gauge galvanised (weather proof) steel panels with an integral ramp and convenient large double door access. With security as the main focus, this unit is fitted with a unique 5-point locking system, featuring reinforced hinges and doors for maximum security.  This UK designed and manufactured ATV storage shed is an exceptionally versatile storage unit suitable for both domestic and commercial storage of ATV, Quad bikes and off road vehicles.

Don’t let it happen to you

You may think that it could never happen to you, but stay on the safe side by ensuring you follow these basic safety precautions as recommended by Nationwide Insurance:

1. Keep your ATV in a locked garage on your property. If you must park outside, make sure the area is well-lit.  Thieves look for easy targets and lighting can be a deterrent.

2. Keep the key separate  from the ATV . This simple step prevents ride-away theft.

3. Consider aftermarket options such as a disc lock, which prevents wheels from moving without a key, or an alarm system.

4. Invest in a bike chain, particularly one that can stand up to bolt cutters. Chain your ATV to a U-bolt or another secure object, such as a Ground Anchor.

5. Keep the serial number and photos of your vehicle on file.  These items help police identify stolen property and assist you should you need to make an insurance claim.

And don’t forget – by using a secure storage unit for your vehicle, you may be able to qualify for a discounted insurance on your Quad bikes and ATV’s, check with your insurance company to find out more.

For more information about the Asgard ATV Storage unit, visit www.asgardsss.co.uk

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