BUYING ADVICE

ASK YOURSELF…

1 CAN I AFFORD IT?

Saving money is one of the big advantages of travelling on two wheels rather than four, but don’t throw away the saving by spending more than you can really afford. It’s more important to budget for a high-quality helmet, shoes, jacket, gloves and trousers to keep you safe.

2

How Much Will It Cost

TO INSURE?

Get some quotes before you commit to buying a particular bike, as insurance for young and inexperienced riders can be pricey.

3 WHAT WILL THE BIKE COST TO RUN?

The cost of petrol is sky-high at the moment. The better the bike’s fuel economy, the more money you’ll keep in your pocket.

4 DOES IT SUIT MY STYLE OF RIDING?

On-bike storage can be really handy if you need to take a change of clothes or a laptop with you, so that’s something to consider. If you’re going to use the bike for long journeys, a bigger fuel tank means you’ll go further between fillups, and a bike with a fairing will protect you from the wind when riding at speed.

5 SHOULD I GO FOR A PETROL OR ELECTRIC BIKE?

Petrol bikes are usually a lot cheaper to buy than the electric equivalent, although the cost of charging a battery is a lot less than the price of a tank of unleaded. One thing to remember is that while the petrol bikes are rated by ‘peak’ power, the regulations around electric models use ‘continuous’ power (measured over a set period). The upshot is electric bikes can be quicker than you’d expect.

Top Tip

When choosing between new bikes, don’t just look at the price. Check what warranty is offered, if breakdown cover is included, and if there’s any accident aftercare.