Entering the Biker's Den for Insurance Advice...........
Discussion
Hello......
*music stops......everyone turns to look at me......*
*nervous*
Sorry....I am an asylum seeker from the four-wheeled area
I am thinking of gettigna litle cheapy moped for me and the OH to zip around town on, and for her to zip up to work on (2 miles away)....
Any reccomendations on little cheapy mopeds...?
Also, I know as we are both drivers - licences held for years - we can ride up to a 125cc with L plates...but does our fully comp insurance cover us 3rd part on a moped like it would on another car?????
Any insurance advice.....?
Thanks....
*drinks lemonade and leaves*
gorvid said:No idea on the cheapy moped front but I doubt your car insurance will cover you. Most car policies provide cover for other vehicles only if they're not owned by yourself. You'll need to check your individual policy's wording
Also, I know as we are both drivers - licences held for years - we can ride up to a 125cc with L plates...but does our fully comp insurance cover us 3rd part on a moped like it would on another car?????
In any case I doubt insurance for a 'ped will be expensive.
I guess many would also advise caution about driving anything on 2 wheels if you've no previous experience. Mopeds still require bike handling skills, not to mention the survival skills accumulated on 2 wheels - the roads are a different place without a box around you. Sorry, don't mean to sound patronising, I'm sure you won't take offence
No offence taken - although it would be used only for a little commute or the odd take-away run, I felt it might not be a bad idea to do the CBT....or similar,
However, we are both regular cyclists and are therefore a little bit clued-up as to the world on two wheels (scary at times
)
The original plan was to continue to use the push bikes for town zipping and her daily commute...but having moved the other side of a massive hill, my OH says she would't mind a bit of engine power for some of the 6.00am starts in January - I don't blame her..!
So in some ways it's just a step up from the old peddler....
But with an engine and a bigger helmet...!
However, we are both regular cyclists and are therefore a little bit clued-up as to the world on two wheels (scary at times
) The original plan was to continue to use the push bikes for town zipping and her daily commute...but having moved the other side of a massive hill, my OH says she would't mind a bit of engine power for some of the 6.00am starts in January - I don't blame her..!
So in some ways it's just a step up from the old peddler....
But with an engine and a bigger helmet...!
Can't recommend a moped as I'm not up on current models.
Some car insurance policies also cover the policy holder on bikes, but it’s like the “other car” coverage in that “not owned by you etc. …..” If you buy a moped I don’t think that would be an option, but it may be OK for trying before you buy. Check the small print on your policy.
Good luck and I think you are making the right move by getting 2 wheels.
Some car insurance policies also cover the policy holder on bikes, but it’s like the “other car” coverage in that “not owned by you etc. …..” If you buy a moped I don’t think that would be an option, but it may be OK for trying before you buy. Check the small print on your policy.
Good luck and I think you are making the right move by getting 2 wheels.
I forget the exact date but I think it was mid nineties. Before that you don't need to take the CBT. I didn't have to - it just seemed a good idea.
After this date, automatic entitlement to drag trailers, ride bikes on provisionals etc were removed. Additional tests now need to be done for trailers etc.
*Disclaimer - Bike licencing is complicated and convoluted and quite a few BiB don't completely understand it. I may be confused myself.
After this date, automatic entitlement to drag trailers, ride bikes on provisionals etc were removed. Additional tests now need to be done for trailers etc.
*Disclaimer - Bike licencing is complicated and convoluted and quite a few BiB don't completely understand it. I may be confused myself.
My recommendation, please, please get yourself some decent kit to protect you and your mrs, it need not be expensive, but it will pay dividends in sh!te weather and if you fall off or are knocked off. It might seem like overkill since you reason you're not going that fast, but tarmac is no softer just because you're on a slower machine. The number of (particularly scooter) riders I see in either office clothing, or with no gloves on, or slip on shoes etc never ceases to amaze me. Aside - CBT will make this very point and is a worthwhile exercise.
Sorry if that's a bit stern but it's important stuff.
Good luck with it,
Steve.
Sorry if that's a bit stern but it's important stuff.
Good luck with it,
Steve.
Steve_T said:
My recommendation, please, please get yourself some decent kit to protect you and your mrs, it need not be expensive, but it will pay dividends in sh!te weather and if you fall off or are knocked off. It might seem like overkill since you reason you're not going that fast, but tarmac is no softer just because you're on a slower machine. The number of (particularly scooter) riders I see in either office clothing, or with no gloves on, or slip on shoes etc never ceases to amaze me. Aside - CBT will make this very point and is a worthwhile exercise.
Sorry if that's a bit stern but it's important stuff.
Good luck with it,
Steve.
I was thinking along the lines of decent helmet, gloves and footwear....?
*no nead for full moto gp leathers I take it...
Mad Dave....easy tiger...!
gorvid said:
My recommendation, please, please get yourself some decent kit to protect you and your mrs, it need not be expensive, but it will pay dividends in sh!te weather and if you fall off or are knocked off. It might seem like overkill since you reason you're not going that fast, but tarmac is no softer just because you're on a slower machine. The number of (particularly scooter) riders I see in either office clothing, or with no gloves on, or slip on shoes etc never ceases to amaze me. Aside - CBT will make this very point and is a worthwhile exercise.
Sorry if that's a bit stern but it's important stuff.
Good luck with it,
Steve.
I was thinking along the lines of decent helmet, gloves and footwear....?
*no nead for full moto gp leathers I take it...
Mad Dave....easy tiger...!
I think the Spada Podium stuff did well in a previous test in Ride Mag. £175 for the jacket, £100 for the trousers. I'm not sure what the current budget choices are and if it's been knocked off the top spot. There's a similar choice of a budget lid, gloves and boots that perform well in tests.
As you say - there seems to be an increased number of riders on the roads with a helmet and nothing else..(in terms of safety gear)
I thought that by wanting gloves, jacket, and sturdy (if not £200 biker boots) footwear I was erring on the side of caution - do you think full gear is needed?
I have looked at some of the gear available, and would want the least 'bikerish' stuff, I don't really want either of us to end up wearing full length racing boots for a 50cc scooter....
Some of the bike 'shoes' seem more appropriate - but then, are they just normal shoes?
What about good solid 'normal' boots + helmet / jacket / gloves ??
I thought that by wanting gloves, jacket, and sturdy (if not £200 biker boots) footwear I was erring on the side of caution - do you think full gear is needed?
I have looked at some of the gear available, and would want the least 'bikerish' stuff, I don't really want either of us to end up wearing full length racing boots for a 50cc scooter....
Some of the bike 'shoes' seem more appropriate - but then, are they just normal shoes?
What about good solid 'normal' boots + helmet / jacket / gloves ??
While safety clothing is a very good idea, also consider the weather. You will need something that is waterproof and warm enough in winter but cool enough in summer. (May require two different sets of clothing or optional thermal lining etc.)
Much of the motorcycle specific "non-leather" fits the bill very well. (I am still surprised how many people think leather is waterproof - it most definitely is not! Buy leather and you will also need to buy a waterproof layer as well.)
What level of safety clothing you get is up to you. Ultimately, the best is metal all round armour, with air bags etc. and two extra wheels for stability - I think they call the complete outfit a car!
Minimum is an approved helmet and enough not to get arrested for exposing yourself. In between is a compromise between comfort, safety and cost. Use the likes of the Ride magazine tests to find the "best in class" options.
Get some training, even it it's just the CBT. (More is better and the best value safety add on you can get.)
Much of the motorcycle specific "non-leather" fits the bill very well. (I am still surprised how many people think leather is waterproof - it most definitely is not! Buy leather and you will also need to buy a waterproof layer as well.)
What level of safety clothing you get is up to you. Ultimately, the best is metal all round armour, with air bags etc. and two extra wheels for stability - I think they call the complete outfit a car!
Minimum is an approved helmet and enough not to get arrested for exposing yourself. In between is a compromise between comfort, safety and cost. Use the likes of the Ride magazine tests to find the "best in class" options. Get some training, even it it's just the CBT. (More is better and the best value safety add on you can get.)
gorvid said:
As you say - there seems to be an increased number of riders on the roads with a helmet and nothing else..(in terms of safety gear)
I thought that by wanting gloves, jacket, and sturdy (if not £200 biker boots) footwear I was erring on the side of caution - do you think full gear is needed?
I have looked at some of the gear available, and would want the least 'bikerish' stuff, I don't really want either of us to end up wearing full length racing boots for a 50cc scooter....
Some of the bike 'shoes' seem more appropriate - but then, are they just normal shoes?
What about good solid 'normal' boots + helmet / jacket / gloves ??
You don't want racing boots - too impractical for the street and hard to walk in. Usually the race boots have less toe protection too, not good in a heavy traffic environment when filtering. Hein Gericke do boots designed for biking that don't look OTT - again they held up well in a review. Most of their kit is pretty good to be fair. Anyway, whatever you choose, you need something that does up above the ankle. Steel toe-cap boots are not so good in biking, as the steel in the cap can damage your feet if the boots flex a lot in a spill.
Steve.
>> Edited by Steve_T on Thursday 13th April 15:13
Just get a set of decent walking boots. Fasten above the ankle, decent protection & look half decent with a pair of jeans (if you must wear them).
Plus, when you and your pillion are tootling along & a big steep hill appears which you have to go up, the pillion can get off & wait for you at the top & not ruin her feet.
Bonus
Plus, when you and your pillion are tootling along & a big steep hill appears which you have to go up, the pillion can get off & wait for you at the top & not ruin her feet.
Bonus
Hi Gorvid, according the DSA, you only need a CBT to vaildate the full moped entitlement on your driving licence if the car licence was acquired after 1/2/01. And, to quote their publications you don't need one if you:
- have a full moped licence obtained by passing a moped test after 1/12/90
- already hold a CBT (DL196)
- hold a full m/c licence and wish to upgrade
- live on specified off shore islands.
Don't know if that helps a bit. However, I think the CBT is a good idea as it provides a relatively safe introduction. Don't want to sound too boring, but safety is paramount, followed by fun!!
- have a full moped licence obtained by passing a moped test after 1/12/90
- already hold a CBT (DL196)
- hold a full m/c licence and wish to upgrade
- live on specified off shore islands.
Don't know if that helps a bit. However, I think the CBT is a good idea as it provides a relatively safe introduction. Don't want to sound too boring, but safety is paramount, followed by fun!!
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