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Motorbike Modifications and What They Mean to Your Insurance

If you have a motorbike and you’ve recently made modifications to it, it is extremely important that you notify your insurer. I fact, it is usually required. Do not worry about your premium going up if you tell your insurer about the modifications. Instead, you should worry about not being covered in the event of an accident if you have not informed your motorbike insurer of these modifications.

Under the guidelines of your insurance cover, you have a responsibility to tell your insurer about any modifications to your bike. After all, your premium is based upon the specifics of the cover. If you do not inform your insurer about these modifications, you could wind up voiding your policy.

Many modifications will not incur an increase in your motorbike insurance policy premium. Some bike modifications will only affect the policy premium in a minor way. This can include the following types of modifications: crash mushrooms, crash bars, huggers, and road-legal after-market exhausts. If you modify your bike with an up-rated braking system, the effect on your premium is usually very minor. Additionally, a 5% increase in the capacity of your engine usually has a small impact on your bike insurance premium.

Some bike modifications will lead to a modest increase in your premium. This includes things such as tank pads, and changes in your wheels and suspension. The types of modifications that are likely to cause the largest increase in your price are changes in nitrous oxide injection, customising your bike, and increasing the capacity of your engine by more than 5%. So, if you want the modifications, inform your insurer so that you can maintain insurance cover. Don’t put your entire bike at risk because of a few small modifications.

Female Bike Riders

More and more females are picking up their bike helmets, hopping on a motorbike, and taking to the roads. Why not? Motorbikes are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles. Plus, these modern bikes handle well. They are lighter than many of their predecessors and maneuver quite well. Plus, the controls are streamlined now, making it easy for small hands to access them.

Since the statistics of many companies have shown that females are less likely to make a claim, insurers are finally realising that female riders are safe riders. Female bike riders are less likely to get into accidents and this is exactly why they are less likely to file a claim. Therefore, insurance cover for female motorbike riders is less expensive than it used to be. In fact, some insurers discount motorbike insurance cover for females as much as 40% for the same great level of cover.

If you couple the discount that you are offered because you are female with any of several other types of discounts, you could be in for quite a savings. Obviously, the savings or discounts that you are offered will depend on the insurer that you select. However, it is possible to receive discounts for quite a few reasons.

Female bike riders who install enhanced security devices on their motorbikes such as immobilisers and bike alarms should receive an additional discount. Plus, joining a bike club will lead to a premium discount with some insurers. Additionally, a “no claims bonus” discount is available to all riders who can offer it. Simply shop around and see which insurer will offer you the best premium for similar motorbike cover.

What Do You Know About Motorbike Helmets?

Motorbike helmets come in all sizes, colors, and prices. The one you purchase should primarily be selected based upon one simple thing- your head, the shape and size of your head to be exact. In fact, one of the most important decisions that a rider will need to make is the selection of his helmet

. In addition to finding a helmet that fits your head, you want to find one that offers the best protection and safety on the market today. Although many riders will disagree with me, the look of your helmet or its colors and style should be the last point for you to consider. I admit that it is difficult to resist the helmet with the sharpest look or the one that appeals to my highly personalised sense of favourite colors and designs, but it must be done if I am to provide myself with a necessary safety feature.

I am also going to suggest that you consider having your head measured in the store before you make your purchase. The right fit is essential to the perfect protection. If you can wear the helmet and move around and the helmet does not move at all, then, your helmet is probably a good fit. However, if your helmet moves rather than sticking to you like a second skin, it is too big.

All of the motorbike helmets sold on the European market are required to meet the standards. Specifically, this means that all helmets need to conform to the ECE 22.05 standard. Some helmets have an even better standard although this is not always easy to ascertain, except maybe by the higher price on the helmet.

Helmet styles and brands are tested to guarantee their safety features. The ECE 22.05 standard is tested to survive a single impact whereas the American Snell standard is tested to survive two impacts. Obviously, certain conditions must prevail. Check the helmet that you are interested to ensure that it meets these standards.

In general, manufacturers of helmets produce three basic types: American, Asian, and European. This styling is to cater to the different types of head shapes. It should help to narrow down your selection of a helmet.

Moreover, you need to take good care of your motorbike helmet if you want it to last. If you accidentally drop the helmet, you should have it looked at by the appropriate dealer. Fiberglass helmets should be replaced every five years whereas polycarbonate helmets should be replaced every three years.

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