Motorcycle Insurance .Org .UK

Here is a guest post from the other side of the pond by Matt Seigneur about Motorcycle Insurance.org.uk.

  

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Motorbike trackdays give you the edge on the road

It's a common misconception from fuddy-duddies and some motorists that trackdays encourage racing on the roads. In fact, it's the complete opposite. With some bikes being able to go beyond the national speed limit within a matter of four seconds, a trackday can relieve riders of the temptation to tempt fate with their license. The fact is, with some practice, experience and even a little racing instruction, bikers are one of the best and most aware motorists on the road. The full bike test is more difficult to pass compared to a car license, and by having the opportunity to test your bike fully on track, you can be even more 'at-one' with your machine.

By having a safe environment to understand how your bike reacts to curbs, long-fast sweeping corners and hard braking will give you an edge on the road. In most circumstances, it's necessary to have the correct motorcycleinsurance or a specific trackday insurance, however as it's becoming more of a trend, some insurers will have a bolt-on package for each trackday. When you have other bikers around you testing their bike's limits around you, the chances of having a collision are just as much as they are on the road, except they are usually at higher speed. 

No one wants to see how much gravel rash their fairings can take so before your trackday, ensure your tyres have good tread, or invest in some trackday tyres, and that they engine is in tip-top condition. With a safe, well-maintained bike you can enjoy your trackday more. With your bike in rude health, you need to make sure you've slept well and have had a good meal, to maintain your strength and fitness when flip-flopping your way down the Craner Curves. 

A few pointers for newbie bikers that are encountering their first trackday:

•              Make sure you have a good helmet and leathers

•              Listen and learn from the track officials

•              Make sure your bike passes scrutineering (and no, bunging £10 to the tester isn't what I mean!)

•              Don't punch above your weight and go into the advanced group. No matter how much road experience you have, if it's your first track day then you're a newbie and should go in the beginner class.

•              Don't get over-zealous. You want to be able to do another trackday, right? Then make sure you keep it on two wheels. 

So, you've sorted out your motorbikeinsurance and you have taped up your lights, ensured you're fit and healthy, and have a leak-free motorbike. Warm up your tyres, check your mirrors for faster bikes and let them get on with it, and ride your own 'race'. Practice perfecting your lines, braking zones, exit speeds and being smooth and in control. This will guarantee you have a more enjoyable day that you can look back on with a beer (when you get home!) and plan your next trackday. Chances are you won't want to ride your bike fast on the roads ever again. 

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So, If you ride in the UK and need insurance, check them out.

Ride on,

Torch

Donate Your Scrap Bike to Charity in the UK

I was contacted by the nice folks at Giveacar in the UK  and asked if I would spread the word that you can now donate your scrap bike and the funds will go to good charities. Here is the blurb from there website:

At Giveacar we’re not just about cars. We arrange the donation of all types of vehicles to charity. From mobile recording studios to campervans, we can turn your unwanted vehicle into much needed funding for your favourite cause. This includes Motorbikes, which despite their small stature can still raise a hefty sum for charity.

So if your bike has seen better days or, perhaps, you just don’t have the time to ride it anymore, Giveacar can offer you a simple, free and ethical way of getting rid of it.

Just like with our cars, no matter what state your bike may be in it will be collected free of charge and at a time to suit you. Once you have arranged to donate your bike with us we will pass you details on to our partners in your area, who will organise the collection with you. They will take your bike to their nearest site, dismantle it, and sell on the working parts. A donation will then be made to the charity of your choice based on the price of your old bikes parts.

When donating a bike with Giveacar, you are not only helping to support your favourite charity, but you are also helping others to keep their beloved bikes on the road. As well as helping out fellow bike enthusiasts, this also has an environmental benefit. By keeping old bikes on the road you are reducing the demand for new bikes, thus reducing the significant environmental damage caused by their production.

Motorbike donation is a relatively new initiative here at Giveacar, but it is something we are sure will raise a great deal of money for charity while helping us to fulfil our green objectives.
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So, if you are in the UK and looking to upgrade your motorcycle, or have an unused one lying around please donate it to a worthy cause.

Ride on, 

Torch