Gone are the days where motorcycles are unreliable. With longer service intervals and longer-lasting consumables, motorcycles are no longer just a Sunday toy. Understand the best way to keep your costs down with our maintenance guides.
Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), formally known as road tax, must be displayed on vehicles registered in the United Kingdom and is an annual fee. The Roads and Finance Act of 1920 implemented road rax, now known as VED, with the idea of creating revenue in order to maintain UK roads to a roadworthy standard. Table …
Sometimes, there may be a reason why you do not want to, or are unable to ride your bike on the road. This may also mean you no longer want to tax or insure the bike, and instead keep it off road for a period of time until you are able to repair or sell …
The motorcycle MOT test is an annual check for motorcycles over 3 years old. Passing your MOT means your motorcycle meets the required legal standards for road use, however, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your motorbike is in good condition. The certificate you receive will show that your bike is legal to ride on the …
Table of Contents Life on the open road offers priceless thrills and exhilaration that money just can’t buy. Purchasing and owning your first bike however will set you back a penny or two, so it helps to know what to expect before you buy. Licence Fees If you do not already hold a full UK …
Changing your motorcycle’s engine oil isn’t challenging but you do need to make sure you have all the right tools, fresh oil and a new filter plus an idea of what you’re doing before you start. You should follow your motorcycle owner’s manual to ensure you use the manufacturer’s recommended engine oil. In this guide, …
E10 petrol will be coming to the UK very soon. For some bikers, E10 can cause problems with their fuel tanks. But don’t fret; this guide shows you how you can deal with the E10 issue and even where you’ll be able to get a regular supply of normal petrol. Table of Contents What is …
From a humble YBR125 to a fire-breathing YZF-R1; your Yamaha deserves the best engine oil. In this guide, we’ve listed Yamaha’s recommended engine oil for a broad range of models, dating back over two decades. As well as the best oil grade, we’ve also listed, where possible, the recommended minimum and maximum capacity for each …
Aprilia motorcycle engine oil finder. We have researched the right oil to the best of our ability but it goes without saying: always consult your owner’s manual where you will find the manufacturer’s recommended engine oil. Table of Contents Aprilia Engine Oil Chart We’ve listed all the Aprilia motorcycles we can find, the manufacturer’s recommended …
Whether you’ve got the latest S1000RR superbike, the new R1250 flat-twin or even an older Rotax-powered BMW, the right engine oil makes all the difference. We’ve listed the recommended engine oil for your BMW and we’ve also listed where possible BMW’s recommended minimum and maximum oil fill level. With our best picks for each engine …
While Ducati recommends Shell as it’s preferred oil, you don’t HAVE to use Shell to keep your Ducati running sweetly. Shell’s Technical Partnership with Ducati Corse started in 1999 when they first worked together in World Superbike (the glorious Foggy era!). Shell claims that what they learn from their extreme testing environment on the racetrack …
This guide is designed to help you find the best oil for your Harley. While H-D supply their own oil, you definitely don’t have to use it to ensure your Harley runs smoothly. The chart below shows you the recommended engine oil and the amount of oil you need for each model. The chances are, …
Whether you’re running a used and abused Africa Twin, a shiny new Fireblade or a workhorse PCX125 scooter, the right engine oil is essential to keep your bike running smoothly. The chart below will help you quickly choose the right engine oil, without having to enter your bike’s number plate, frame number or jump through …
Whether you’re running a rip-snorting 701 Supermoto, a cheeky TE model or a smooth Vitpilen, the right engine oil will ensure you don’t have any unwanted mechanical issues and your engine runs as smoothly as the day it left the factory. Our chart below guides you on the best engine oil and shows you the …
The right engine oil makes all the difference. Whether you’re running a 200bhp Ninja ZX-10R on track, commuting on an ER-6F, or bashing out the miles on a Z1000, the right engine oil makes all the difference. Our selector below helps you find the right grade engine oil and where possible we’ve listed Kawasaki’s recommended …
Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM are well-known for their high-revving singles, from Motocross bikes to Supermotos but they now also make a growing range of twin-cylinder-powered bikes, from big Adventure tourers, to nimble street bikes. High-revs means high power so it pays not to skimp on engine oil if you want your engine to be reliable …
One of Europe’s largest manufacturers of two-wheelers, Piaggio owns brands such as Vespa, Gilera, Moto Guzzi and Aprilia but they also produce Piaggio models. All Piaggios are scooters and they’re a mix of 2-stroke and 4-stroke bikes. With our chart below you can quickly find the right engine oil for your scooter, whether that’s a …
Whether you’re commuting on a Bandit, doing trackdays on your GSX-R or discovering foreign roads on your V-Strom, you need the right engine oil to keep your Suzuki’s engine performing exactly how those clever Japanese engineers designed it to. Our engine oil selector below shows you the recommended engine oil for your bike, including the …
Sanyang Motor Co, better known as Sym manufacture scooters, motorcycles and ATVs from their factories in Taiwan. They are predominantly known for their small-capacity scooters, which are used as workhorses in the Far East but they have been improving their range and reputation in Europe and the USA and now also make a growing range …
If you’re carrying out an oil change on your Triumph, this chart will help you select the best oil for your engine and your wallet. We’ve listed the recommended engine oil grades and where possible, the quantity you’ll need. Whether you’re running an old Bonneville, a new Tiger or a 675-powered Street Triple or Daytona, …
If you’re changing your Kymco scooter or motorcycle’s engine oil you’ve come to the right place. This chooser will help you find the best engine oil grade to keep your bike running smoothly. Table of Contents Choosing the right oil filter for your Kymco If you’re changing your engine oil, it makes sense to change …
Vespa scooters come with either a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine. If you have a 4-stroke Vespa you’ll need to change the engine oil but if you have a 2-stroke Vespa, there is no engine oil as such, just two-stroke oil which is either added as a premix directly into the tank with the petrol or …
Although some would argue that a Guzzi will run on pretty much any engine oil, it pays to use the correct grade. It’s also a good idea to buy the best oil you can afford, as it’ll keep your big Guz engine internals in the best of health. This chooser will help you find the …
Table of Contents What is ULEZ? ULEZ stands for Ultra Low Emission Zone. Most vehicles must meet the ULEZ emissions standards or pay a fee. It was designed to deter air-polluting vehicles from entering the zone, to help improve air quality. How much does it cost Cars, motorcycles and vans up to 3.5 tonnes pay …
There are loads of reasons why you might need a secure storage facility for your motorcycle. You might be looking for a garage to keep your pride and joy away from the elements during winter or longer-term storage for your classic bike collection. You might be moving house and looking to move your bike to …
With less than a month to go before the UK leaves the EU, it is still uncertain what the outcome of Brexit will be. The current situation in parliament is strained, and it is becoming more likely we will leave with no-deal; so what does this mean for motorcyclists? Whether you’re travelling abroad, buying or …
THE COUNTIES of Bristol, East Yorkshire and Herefordshire have the highest number of motorcycle thefts per resident, according to stolen motorcycle data recorded over the last 12 months. The UK-wide study has been compiled by BikerRated.com from data collected by bikersunited.co.uk, the UK’s stolen motorcycle database. Table of Contents The report also compares the number …
Accidents happen, at home, at work and on the road. If you are involved in an accident or collision on your motorbike, you may not know how to handle the situation, or where to turn to for help. Our simple 7-step guide tells you what you need to do if you have a motorbike accident. …
Has Your Bike Been Pinched? Our Guide To What to do if you have your motorbike stolen With motorbike thefts up as much as 44% since 2014, it remains a sad fact that if not properly secured or alarmed, they are far are easier to steal than cars or vans. The recovery rate for motorbikes …
UK Motorcycle Insurance Companies We’ll get straight the point with this one. If you are looking for motorbike insurance, you can ask your car or home insurance provider if they can help, or cut out the middleman and go straight to a company that specialises in motorcycle insurance. Most of the insurance comparison websites will …
Unfortunately it’s not always possible to park your motorcycle in a secure garage or underground car park. If you’re not lucky enough to have a garage, then you’ll have to leave your motorcycle outside – but this doesn’t mean it has to be at risk. Although it is statistically more likely to be stolen if …
If you have been unfortunate enough to have had your bike pinched, your worries may not be over if and when the police locate it. Whilst the chances of getting your bike back in one piece following a theft are slim, it does happen. If the police contact you to tell you that they have …
How To Avoid Police Charges When Recovering Your Stolen Motorbike Read More »
Don’t Pay Through The Nose, Simply Pay As You Go! Why Short-Term Motorbike Insurance Could Work For You. Because insurance premiums are high and road tax is always on the rise, the time is just right for you to consider pay as go motorbike insurance. Why pay more for your motorbike when you don’t really …
When you purchase a new motorbike, it will usually come with a warranty of some sort. If you buy from new, you will not only be the proud owner of some shiny new wheels, you will also be protected by the manufacturer’s warranty for a period of anywhere from 2 to 3 years. However, if …
Different types of tyres are suited to different bikes, different terrains and different weather conditions. But one thing they all have in common is the owner’s obligation to keep the tread depth on the tyre within the legal limits. Failure to do so will result in an instant MOT fail, but more worryingly will make …
Motorcycle tyre tread depth – what you need to know Read More »
What To Do If Your Motorbike Breaks Down, Home Or Away If you are unlucky enough to break down whilst out in the boonies, or even just around town, you need to know what to do to get you and your bike to safety. By making sure that your bike is well maintained and serviced …
Let’s be honest: when your motorcycle breaks down, it’s a complete pain in the wotsits. Whether your bike won’t start at home or if it conks out on the way to work or during a European trip, it’s a frustrating experience and bound to ruin your day. Having even the most basic motorcycle breakdown cover …
Table of Contents Help! How Do I Get My Bike Back After It Has Been Repossessed? If you have decided to purchase your new wheels using a hire purchase or lease agreement, failure to keep up with the payments could lead to your bike being repossessed. Although a finance agreement may offer what seems like …
Table of Contents My Motorbike Has Been Recalled – What Should I Do? Nobody likes receiving a letter from a dealership telling you that your bike is being recalled. At best it is an inconvenience, but at worst it could relate to a dangerous fault on your motorbike, potentially rendering it unrideable. What Is A …
NCD stands for No Claims Discount and it’s earned for every year you are insured without having an accident or making a claim on your insurance policy. The NCD is sometimes referred to as an NCB (No Claims Bonus) and is a percentage discount applied by an insurer to your quote. Table of Contents NCD …
All motorbikes have service intervals to keep them running and as reliable as the day they rolled off the showroom floor. If you stick to your service intervals, your motorbike will be good for an easy 50,000 miles and we’ve even seen a few with 100,000 miles on the clock. However us bikers are funny …
What’s the difference between a minor and a major motorcycle service? Read More »
The sun is out and you can’t wait to get outside and gleam up your mean machine. But should you be thinking of jet-washing your bike, or will it cause more damage than good? Bikes get dirty, fact! We ride them hard and they look good for it. But nothing instils a sense of pride …
Your bike is a solid piece of machinery that is not super easy to steal if you use a couple of basic levels of security. Should the worst happen, you can rest assured that your insurance company will make good your loss. Your equipment, however, is highly portable and although it may be precious to …
Are your helmet and leathers covered by your motorcycle insurance? Read More »
Annual breakdown cover or Single Trip? Our guide helps you choose. There is a motorcycle utopia out there, where the roads are well surfaced, free from traffic and the locals really do like motorbikes. That utopia is a 30-minute Channel Tunnel ride away and it’s called… France! However, no matter how great Europe is for …
Sometimes we just can’t resist. A little tweak here and there can make our bikes look better than ever before. If you are in the market for adding extra whistles and bells to your motorbike, you may need make your insurance company aware of certain types of modifications to prevent your insurance from becoming invalidated. …
Do I need to declare motorcycle modifications to my insurer? Read More »
Had a prang? Did someone help themselves to your beloved bike? Whatever your reason for needing to make a claim on your insurance, it’s not something that we have to do very often – well, hopefully not anyway. More often than not, we go about our daily lives as safe and sensible road users, with …
Don’t get stung by high motorcycle insurance premiums, shop around for the best deals and use your circumstances to your advantage When it comes to insuring your bike, you want the maximum amount of cover for the most reasonable cost. Insurance cover is not just a legal requirement, it is also your first port of …
Our guide tells you everything you need to know about your motorcycle and its numberplate. From changing it to a private registration to changing the size or font of the plate itself. Table of Contents How Do I Change My Motorcycle Number Plate? If you have purchased a private number plate for your motorcycle, there …
Motorbike Number Plates – Everything You Need To Know Read More »
How To Avoid The Demon Depreciation From the moment you drive your shiny new motorbike away from the forecourt, it is starting its descent into the downward spiral of depreciation. Regardless of the how new your bike may feel to you in the forthcoming months or even years, it is technically a “used” vehicle from …
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