Warm weather and sunny skies make it tempting to hop on a motorcycle and enjoy the open roads.
NFP is an insurance brokerage leader for motorcycle insurance coverage - take it from us, you'll want to make sure you're prepared before strapping on your helmet and kicking your bike into gear. We've put together a list of five tips to know if you are new to being a motorcycle rider.
5 Tips for new motorcycle riders
1. Book a rider training course before buying a motorcycle
The rider training course is designed from the ground up for beginners with no practice needed beforehand. Rider school provide small, banged up motorcycles for you to learn on in a closed parking lot with professional instruction. Passing the course gets you the best first year insurance rates available.
2. Pick the right bike to start on
New rider insurance rates heavily favour smaller bikes, but experts recommend starting on a bike that suits your height, weight and style. Simply put, smaller is cheaper and bigger is more expensive, with CC classes (cubic centimetres) quantified in the hundreds (e.g. 301 - 400cc, 401 - 500cc, 501 - 600cc, and so on).
Motorcycles in the same CC class will have similar rates. Experts recommend staying away from 600 or 1,000 CC sport bikes to start off as insurance rates will not be as favourable.
3. Get an insurance quote before buying a bike
Not all bikes are rated the same way, especially for riders that have been moto licensed for less than six years. You need insurance to legally be on the road and should know before purchasing what the rate will be on the bikes you are looking at.
4. Save money for gear
The motorcycle is just one part of the package - you need to protect yourself as well. Purchasing a good quality helmet along with gloves and a jacket are crucial to your safety on the road.
5. Move at Your Own Pace
Motorcycling is fun but you want to be able to ride for the rest of your life. Your moto skills will improve with experience and repetition, so don't ride beyond your limits.
Experts recommend against riding on highways until you feel 100 per cent comfortable in traffic at lower speeds. It's a good idea to do at least one follow-up/refresher or extra skills course every year through advanced training, track school, off-road schools and more. Contact us today by email or phone (1.888.385.8466) to learn more.