Biker babe Gemma Rathbone looks at ways to make small savings at a time when running and maintaining your bike is costing you more.
The cost of motoring is on the rise in general and it’s affecting bikers too. There’s the rising cost of fuel, and bike maintenance and service costs have also increased with the recent VAT rise.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) says these high petrol costs are eating away at the money bikers are saving thanks to efficient riding habits – but is there anything you can you do about it?
Fuel prices
The cost of filling up has been on the rise for decades, with fuel prices increasing by nearly two-thirds since 1990, the IAM Motoring Facts research revealed.
Although there may be nothing bikers can do to cut their initial outlay on fuel, there are many ways to make your money go further.
In winter particularly, engines run less efficiently, so being mindful of eco-friendly and fuel-saving habits will be beneficial. Cold engines use more fuel and most bikes take a few miles to warm up properly, so try to avoid very short trips in the car. If you find yourself constantly nipping to the local shop or to see friends and family, consider planning your travel better to combine journeys.
Be smoother with the brake and accelerator too, as this will aid fuel efficiency and also produce lower emissions, and do not carry around unnecessary weight in or on the bike.
Bike insurance
Most bikers know that to get the best deal on their motorbike insurance they need to compare different providers, but there are other things that can be done to cut premiums as well.
Taking an advanced driving course will demonstrate that you are a safe rider with the ability to properly judge road conditions and avoid accidents. Insurers reward bikers who have furthered their driving skills with lower premiums, so enrol on a course and you will save money while helping to improve road safety.
Don’t forget to also make the most of your no-claims bonus and compare how using your bike less could save money on bike insurance.
If you are considering changing your bike, take a look at how the different models you are considering will affect your bike insurance price.
“Travel accounts for one sixth of the average family’s spending, and motoring accounts for more than 80 per cent of this amount,” points out Neil Greig, the IAM’s director of policy and research. “Costs are unlikely to go down so we recommend drivers look seriously at ways to control their motoring bills."
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