Car or Bike?

Author
Discussion

bilhound

Original Poster:

79 posts

86 months

Friday 17th March 2017
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Hi all,

I am new to posting but have been a reader for a while.

I received an IAM voucher for membership and the advanced driver/rider assessment as a gift (it was requested, no-one was trying to make comment on my driving!) and currently have both a car and a bike.

My history, needed transport quickly when aged ~20 so did CBT and then full Cat A licence at 21. Rode for 3 years (all seasons) and then decided it was about time to do the Cat B test. Sold bike, bought a car for winter and returned to biking once the spring had arrived. Unfortunately, was knocked off shortly afterwards and was out of action for around 4 months, due to injuries I couldn't 'manage' a bike so returned to 4 wheels for the next 4 years (medically, I could've returned sooner but couldn't afford to run two vehicles). As of April '16 I'm back on the bike again, with the car as well.

I do not know whether or not to use the voucher for the car or the bike? I do far more miles in the car, however I am more vulnerable on the bike (as has been proven) - but am also aware of the transferable skills so does it really matter which one I choose? Is it a case of flip a coin? Has anyone on PH chosen one over the other, and if so, why?

Thanks in advance.

bilhound

Original Poster:

79 posts

86 months

Tuesday 21st March 2017
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Thanks all, it does make sense to go for the self preservation aspect!

Will book into the Bike course. I'm in Bedfordshire, may see some of you in the future.

bilhound

Original Poster:

79 posts

86 months

Wednesday 8th November 2017
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Update and conclusion

I went for the bike in the end - completed my advanced test at the end of October with a First Pass.

Very happy with the training, the observer is an absolute legend (dedicating his retirement to being a better rider/driver).

Cannot recommend it enough.

Now to see if the insurance discount offsets the SP30 I got in May....

bilhound

Original Poster:

79 posts

86 months

Friday 11th May 2018
quotequote all
Bit of an update - have just renewed my bike insurance with IAM surety.

Last years fully comprehensive premium, £523 this was with Carole Nash on the 2nd year of a return to biking after a 4 year gap on a Z1000SX. No points, no claims. All mods declared.

This year - IAM Surety, £169 fully comp (Class 1), 3 points. All mods declared, but they were only bothered about those that increase HP by +10%, so classed as 'unmodified', I did check this thoroughly!

Couldn't believe how low it was, I was expecting a pretty huge hike given the spike in thefts.....