The Freedom of the Open Road
Everyone wanting to buy a motorcycle needs to find a starting point. What kind of bike to buy, and the cost implications. Bike Insurance and licence – there are many things to consider before rushing into such a major purchase. Before taking any motorbike out on the road there is the need for a provisional licence and also to have taken the Compulsory Basic Training which is a one day course. This course can be booked at many centres around the UK and currently costs in the region of £100. It takes a full day to complete the five sections of the course, and the instructor will work at your pace to ensure that you are competent in each part before progressing to the next level. When booking the course, ask whether anything needs to be taken and what is provided. The great advantage of the basic training is that there isn’t any expectation of knowledge before attending. It is assumed that everyone is a complete novice.
Once the course has been taken and you have a provisional motorcycle licence then you are able to take a bike out on the public highway, obviously within the limitations of the licence. Ensure that the correct bike insurance is in place and that it covers everything which has been requested. The easiest way to pay for insurance is by monthly direct debit. Take care with choosing as some companies charge a fee for arranging direct debit payments. As there are many who don’t, spend a few extra minutes in finding a company to help you save money.
It is all too easy, once the provisional licence is there, not to rush into taking the test to hold a full motorcycle licence. The sooner this has been taken and passed, the quicker the insurance premiums will reduce. Many couples who ride motorbikes each have their own bike. They still go out together, but enjoy the experience of driving rather than just riding pillion. Many go on holidays together but on their individual bikes carrying all their clothing either in panniers or in boxes situated at the back of the bike. Understandably, many people thoroughly enjoy visiting and touring round the Scottish islands experiencing the narrow roads which are rarely overcrowded. Travelling by ferry from island to island and spending a few days on each, either in bed and breakfast accommodation or by taking a small tent with them they have the freedom of the open roads ahead of them. The only thing which cannot be controlled, as with all holidays in the UK, is the weather!