Blogging on two wheels

Going the extra mile: Why enhanced rider training pays off

Bikers are often advised to take additional training courses to boost their skills and help them stay safe and save money, but how do they work in reality? Biker babe Gemma Rathbone takes a look at the government-backed Enhanced Rider Scheme and what benefits it can bring to riders.

Before 2008, any rider could call themselves “advanced” and there were no regulations or tests to prove their competence on two wheels.

With the development of the Enhanced Rider Scheme, bikers now have a clear way of demonstrating their skills and can reap the rewards.

It was brought in by the government with help from biking groups, including the Motorcycle Rider Training Association, and the aim was to give structured, post-test training that would help keep bikers safe and reward them with genuine savings and benefits.

Develop riding capabilities

Expert trainers across the UK offer bikers, both new and experienced, the chance to develop their riding capabilities and enjoy cheaper insurance premiums by taking enhanced rider assessments and  training.

These trainers are highly skilled bikers with proven abilities on the roads. They undergo regular checks to ensure they stay up-to-speed with the latest regulations and maintain high levels of instruction.

Lee Baines is the leading motorbike instructor at Cam Rider in Chester and has been training riders for two years.

“The scheme has been developed to help bikers not only save money and stay safe, but get more out of their time on two wheels,” he explains.

Cope better on open roads

“The motorbike insurance discount is a big bonus, but we find that many bikers simply want to learn how to better cope with the situations they face on the roads.”

Enhanced rider training does not involve a test and it is open to all bikers, whether they have just passed their test or are returning to biking after a break. It is also great for those moving on to a bigger machine or who find themselves in new situations.

“I have helped all sorts of bikers, from 18-year-olds who want to start their life on two wheels armed with the best knowledge and skills, to pensioners who are re-discovering the open roads,” Lee says.

“Although they are all safe to ride having passed the test, they benefit from additional support and advice on the areas they are not so confident with.”

Riding style assessment

As part of the scheme, bikers have their riding style assessed during a ride out with the trainer. This involves different traffic conditions and situations. If they do not require further training, they receive a DSA Certificate of Competence straight away.

If further instruction is required, bikers then receive tailored training to develop their skills. This focuses on the areas that need to be improved and may cover things such as cornering, filtering, negotiating bends, positioning and riding smoothly.

Once these sessions are completed, the DSA certificate is issued.

Cheaper motorbike insurance

Bikers who hold this document receive an average discount on their motorbike insurance of 10 per cent, with most of the top brokers and insurers recognising the scheme.

“The motorbike insurance discount is not the only benefit though,” Lee says. “By becoming better riders and learning how to react to road conditions and traffic situations, those who complete the Enhanced Rider Scheme will see better fuel economy, and less wear and tear on their machines.

“And they will be far less likely to have an accident thanks to their improved knowledge, skills and confidence, so it’s well worth doing for many reasons.”

Stay safe with good rubber this Bike Tyre Safety Month

Good rubber is a marvellous thing for staying safe, which anyone on two wheels should be well aware of. As Bike Tyre Safety Month gets underway, Confused.com Biker Babe Gemma Rathbone assesses how and why bikers should look after their tyres.

A few inches of rubber is all that keeps bikers stuck to the road, so keeping tyres in top condition is vital in order to stay shiny side up. Cuts, bulges and low pressure can all increase the risk of coming off, and a lack of tread depth can result in your bike being taken away and points being added to your licence.

April is Bike Tyre Safety Month, and with many bikers returning to the roads after the winter break, taking a few minutes to check the rubber before setting off is important.

“If tyres have been stored poorly over the winter break then they could have suffered rubber deterioration and loss of pressure, which may make them unsafe or illegal, so it is vital they are given a thorough inspection before heading out,” explains Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe.

Even if the bike has been stored on carpet or raised off the garage floor and turned regularly, tyres still need to be checked. And those who have ridden during winter could see rubber degradation from the freezing temperatures, so they too should perform checks regularly.

Before heading off, look around the whole tyre for cuts, cracks or bulges. These can cause the bike to become unstable or even lead to a complete failure - not something you want to experience while on the roads.

Measure the tread depth too – the legal minimum requirement for bikes over 50cc is 1mm across three quarters of the width of the tread pattern with visible tread on the remaining quarter. TyreSafe recommends changing to new tyres before this limit is reached as an added precaution.

And don’t forget to check the pressure and ensure it is maintained at the manufacturer’s recommended psi.

It also pays to make sure the balancing weights are correctly fitted and aligned. Even a few millimetres or grammes off and the bike can easily be thrown off balance, especially when cornering or braking.

If either tyre is not up to scratch, have both replaced immediately.

The beginning of the end for speed cameras?

Speed cameras have been a contentious issue ever since they were introduced to the UK in 1992. With hundreds now due to be switched off, Confused.com Biker Babe Gemma Rathbone takes a look at what this means for road safety and maintenance.

The first speed cameras were used in the UK in London in 1992 and the devices bring in millions of pounds each year in revenue through fines. They are also vital in the fight against road traffic incidents.

But they are not without their share of controversy. Millions of motorists, bikers included, lament their introduction, thinking of speed cameras as a surveillance method and underhand way of generating revenue to shore-up the transport network.

As of 1 April 2011, more than 370 speed cameras are being switched off in the biggest cutback ever seen. The reduction in central government funding makes the switch-off inevitable and means fewer watchful electronic eyes on our roads.

In most places the bright yellow boxes will be left in place after the photographic equipment has been removed, which may continue to provide some deterrent.

A survey by the Sunday Times of the 37 speed camera partnerships in England and Wales revealed that each is planning to reduce the number of fixed cameras by 10 per cent on average. With 4,000 in place, this means around 400 are likely to go.

The West Midlands and Somerset are the most affected areas, yet in Scotland there are no plans to switch off any speed cameras.

The switch-off is the result of a 28 per cent cut in Department for Transport grants to councils.

Without the millions generated by speed cameras, road conditions could get worse, making more accidents a greater threat.

And if motorists see the lack of surveillance as an excuse to hit the accelerator, the incident, and subsequent injury and death rates could rocket.

Of course, money not spent on operating speed cameras should be spent elsewhere on the roads, and other safety initiatives can be an alternative, but in reality, will it be?

What do you think of the removal of some speed cameras? Will there be more fatal accidents and will this be a decision we regret?  Tell us by commenting below.

Fraudsters blamed for rising bike insurance costs

Motorbike insurance is becoming increasingly expensive, and one reason is the amount of fraud taking place. Confused.com biker Babe Gemma Rathbone discusses the issue.

The costs of owning and running a motorbike are continuing to rise, and one of the biggest factors affecting this is insurance.

The recent ruling in the European Court of Justice means that from 21 December 2012, women can no longer be offered cheaper policies. This does not simply mean that insurance for female motorists will rise, but the cost of cover for all bikers and will increase.

To compound this blow, a rise in fraud cases is impacting on motorbike insurance costs right now and the trend is becoming far more common.

Dishonest bikers

Unfortunately, there are people on bikes setting out to purposefully create accidents in order to claim on insurance policies.

These riders are not only giving us honest bikers a bad name, they are making insurance cover increasingly more expensive. By setting up an accident with other road users that they are not likely to get the blame for, they can then make a claim on the other party’s insurance for damage to their bike and personal injury.

Without witnesses, such claims are often cleared through the system, resulting in a few quick bucks for the “victim” and higher insurance costs for the “guilty” motorist.

As all insurance payouts have an impact on the cost of insurance policies in general, a rise in the fraudulent claim trend is only going to make matters worse and result in higher premiums for all.

If the industry sees that motorcycle accidents are becoming more common and resulting in frequent payouts, the price of policies has to go up.

How can we fight bike insurance fraud?

A report by the House of Commons Transport Committee has called on the insurance industry to fund a dedicated police unit to stamp out false claims, but in the mean-time there is little that can be done to stop the fraudsters from committing the crimes.

One thing the report suggested is more transparency within the market, so motorists know where their money goes, but again, this does little to stop fraud.

For now, bikers and other road users should take steps themselves to reduce insurance costs. Comparing policy prices and shopping around for motorbike insurance will help keep costs as low as possible. And in the event of an accident, taking notes about the road conditions, exactly what happened and the details of all parties involved and any witnesses can not only help highlight false claims, but also keep the industry fairer for all.

To read more about this issue and to try our new car insurance calculator which estimates your  insurance costs, follow this link.

Have you been the victim of an accident set-up and fraudulent insurance claim? Has your policy become more expensive. Let us know your thoughts and experiences by commenting below.

 

Buyer beware: How to get a bike for a bargain

This spring, many bikers will be trading their wheels in for a newer model, giving the used motorbike market a real boost. But looking for a second-hand bargain can be a minefield. Biker Babe, Gemma Rathbone tells Confused.com how buyers can spend wisely.

At this time of year, many bikers will be moving up to a new bike with an ‘11 plate, making the second-hand market rich pickings.

But when buying a used bike, buyers should follow their head, rather than their heart, as not all deals are as good as they seem.

Vehicle information expert, HPI says that if a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. It is also urging bikers not to splash the cash too eagerly. Each year, thousands of people fall victim to dodgy sellers, and end up out of pocket and without their wheels.

To avoid this, informed decisions are vital, explains Nicola Johnson, consumer services manager for HPI.

“People really do need to make sure they don’t make a rash choice and throw their money away on a motorcycle with a dodgy hidden history,” she explains.

Buyers should be on the lookout for stolen, clocked, written-off or financed bikes.

What to do when buying a used bike

While you view the bike, ask the seller questions. Write their responses down and date the document so you have a record of what was said.

All paperwork must be read thoroughly, particularly the V5, which will verify ownership, age and mileage. This should also confirm the engine/frame numbers.

A test ride is the best way to be sure of the bike’s condition - just make sure appropriate insurance is in place before setting off. Also, check for oil leaks, welds, poor paintwork or other evidence of repairs. Different colours or textures in the paintwork, rust or bubbles can all be indicators that the motorcycle has been an accident.

Finally, if everything seems above board, avoid paying the total amount in cash. Paying the seller via the banking system can offer some protection.

Extra precaution

An HPI check on the bike is the quickest and easiest way to ensure it is legitimate and has not been stolen, written-off or clocked, or has outstanding finance.

Cutting the cost of biking: How bikers can save money amid rising expenses

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."

Returning to the roads: Getting back on two wheels after the winter break

 
With spring just around the corner, many of us will be gearing up to get back on our bikes after the winter break. Biker babe Gemma Rathbone is doing exactly that: here she shares her advice with Confused.com readers for ensuring the process goes smoothly.

As we wave goodbye to January and (fingers crossed) have seen the last of the snow and ice, now is the time to start planning a return to biking. In just a few weeks, spring will be in the air, with bikers out in force once more. However, it is not as simple as jumping on your machine and riding off into the distance, as I and many bikers find after taking a break from life on two wheels.

Motorcycle clothing

First of all, do your leathers still fit? Even the strongest-willed among us are likely to have put on a couple of pounds over Christmas and those who go weak at the sight of pudding and pigs-in-blankets may well find zips have become a little more reluctant to do up, so get your leathers out and get them on.

If the post-Christmas diet hasn’t quite gone to plan you may well need to invest in some new motorcycle clothing, but hopefully with just a little encouragement any extra pounds can be shifted. Wear the leathers in again before getting on the bike to ensure they are comfortable and you can still move freely.

The bike

As long as your bike has been properly stored over winter it should be good to go with just a few key checks. If you have been wheeling it around and starting it up often, you should not face problems with tyre wear or flat batteries, but do check these over just to make sure. Fluids such as oil and petrol will degrade so drain the system and re-fill with new liquids to ensure the bike runs smoothly. Coughing and spluttering is not a good look.

Make sure all brakes and lights are working correctly and give the whole bike a good clean - you want to make the right impression on your first outing of 2011.

Stay legal

It sounds obvious, but check that you will be riding legally. When a bike has not been used for a while it is easy to forget the tax, MOT or motorbike insurance, so double-check everything is still in date.

Having your wheels taken away just as you start to enjoy them again is not the best way to begin the biking season. 

Your mind

Finally, are you sure you are ready to get back on two wheels? Of course you have been longing for the freedom and excitement for weeks, but despite the old saying, you can forget how to ride a bike – properly at least. If the slightest hint of ice or fog is likely to make you nervous then do not be too hasty. It can still get below freezing and black ice or slippery manhole covers could end your ride before it has begun.

Thoroughly assess the conditions and if you are not sure you will feel comfortable in changeable weather, hold out until spring has properly sprung. Take it easy on your first ride. Build up to longer ride-outs and tours and concentrate first on getting back into good habits.

See you on the roads!

Updating the motorcycle test... again

Since coming into effect in April 2009, the new motorcycle test has come under fire from bikers and instructors. Now, the Department for Transport has revealed a new process will be trialled. Biker Babe Gemma Rathbone takes a look at what this means for learner bikers.The current motorcycle test was brought into effect in April 2009, much to the dismay of new riders and instructors who raised concerns over the lack of test centres and potentially dangerous elements of the practical examination.

With reports of illegal elements and accidents during the test, the Department for Transport launched a consultation with Road Safety Minister Mike Penning promising to listen to the views of bikers and assess the impact of current and expected EU regulations on Britain’s future biking community.

Following this review, launched just a year after the new test was introduced; Penning has revealed a set of changes aimed at delivering a single, on-road test which properly prepares bikers for the road by reflecting real-life situations.

The new test

The report from the government outlines several changes to the current situation, which at present sees bikers undertake two tests - one on-road and one off-road. The new process would involve just one on-road test, solving the problem of a lack of accredited off-road centres.

It also suggests a new hazard avoidance manoeuvre and proposes that some slow tasks, such as a slalom, figure of eight and U-turn, could be assessed at training centres ahead of the main test.

What happens next?

The new test will have to be thoroughly assessed before being adopted, with trials set to take place this year ahead of a public consultation on the proposed changes.

Following further work on safety, cost and value, the Department for Transport would seek a phased introduction before general adoption by the end of 2011 or early 2012.

Explaining the changes, Penning said: "My goal has always been a single, on-road test which is rigorous and reflects real-life conditions.”

Benefits for new riders

By simplifying the test and making it truer to real-life conditions, new bikers should have a better start to their life on two wheels. Rather than having their competency in slow manoeuvres assessed on one single occasion, they could be approved by their instructor ahead of the practical test following a period of lessons and assessments, ensuring they are competent in different situations and environments.

Have you taken the motorbike test recently? Let us know your views and what you think needs to change by commenting below.

Should ABS be compulsory for motorbikes?

Biker safety has always been a hotly-debated issue, with hundreds of riders killed on UK roads each year. Biker Babe Gemma Rathbone takes a look at the EU Commission’s suggestion that making ABS compulsory could keep those on two wheels safe, and explains what it would mean for bikes and their riders.

Motorcycle deaths on the UK’s roads have fallen in recent years, but several thousand riders still get seriously injured in bike accidents and hundreds lose their lives each year.

These figures are what the EU Commission hopes to reduce still further with the introduction of compulsory anti-lock braking systems (ABS) on motorbikes.

What is ABS?

ABS stops the wheels from locking up and prevents skidding while ensuring grip and control are maintained. It reduces braking distances considerably and gives bikers a better chance of staying shiny side up when they have to brake suddenly or take evasive action while slowing down.

The first motorcycle with ABS was introduced in 1988 but it is generally an optional extra, with just 16 per cent of new motorcycles in Europe featuring the technology.

Would ABS improve road safety and alter the riding experience?

The EU Commission has called for ABS to become mandatory on all new bikes above 125cc from 2017. It says this could save 5,000 lives in ten years.

According to a survey by the Swedish highways authority, 38 per cent of all motorcycle accidents involving personal injury and 48 per cent of all serious and fatal accidents could be prevented with the help of ABS.

However, there are others who belong to the school of thought that additional biker aids take responsibility away from the rider and create less-competent bikers. Such thinking suggests that bikers must develop their riding skills and have the knowledge and expertise to control their machine safely without relying on external systems.

On the whole, ABS is likely to make biking safer, particularly for new riders, but those with years of experience may find they have to change their style to compensate for the technology on new machines.

What do you think? Should ABS be a compulsory inclusion on UK bikes, or would this simply take control away from riders? Comment below to have your say.

Prince Charles ‘fears’ bikes – is he right to?

As the Prince of Wales voices concerns about his sons’ love for motorbikes, Confused.com’s Stephen Jones asks: Are bikes given an unfair rep by other road users?

Here at Confused.com, our ears pricked up when we heard that the Prince of Wales had announced his dislike of motorbikes during a recent reception at St James’ Palace.

Talking to a young member of the Commando Helicopter Force at a reception for pilots and ground crew, the heir to the throne reportedly asked: “You haven’t got a motorbike, have you?”

“I always worry about them,” he said, before expressing his concerns for his sons’ weekend use of two wheels.

According to the Press Association, William reportedly has a £15,000 Ducati 1198s, while Harry has a slightly more modest Ducati 848 – priced at £11,000.

With top speeds of 180 mph and 166 mph respectively, you might understand why the Prince worries about his sons’ rides. But is he right to have concerns, or is this just another example of a very public misconception about bikes?

Fair or unfair? We want to hear your views, so let us know by commenting below.

Christmas gift ideas for bikers: How to keep the big kids happy

Christmas is fast-approaching, and it pays to get all your gifts sorted as soon as possible so you can sit back and enjoy the festivities. With shopping time running out and the stress building up, Biker Babe Gemma Rathbone has done the leg work and gathered together some of the best gifts for bikers this year.

The festive season can be incredibly stressful, with poor weather to contend with, busy shops to battle through and mountains of food to cook, not to mention kids expecting Santa to bring them the best gifts ever on Christmas Day.

Fortunately, when it comes to buying presents for bikers, ensuring a smile when the wrapping comes off is not as difficult as you may think. Here are some suggestions that are bound to please:

Tickets

An easy gift that is certain to be well received is a ticket to a race meet. Whether that’s the MotoGP at Silverstone on 12 June (take an umbrella), the World Superbike finale in Portugal on 16 October (wear sunscreen) or anything in between, there are a whole of host of races up and down the country and across the world. To make life easier, check out our calendar of biker events taking place over the next 12 months.

Major events such as the Isle of Man TT get booked up very quickly so start planning early, but local meets like the road racing at Oliver’s Mount in Scarborough are great for a more low-key day out on the bike.

Track days

Encourage your biker partner or mates to put your money where their mouth is and prove their skills on a track day. Circuits from Knockhill to Brands Hatch hold several track days each year, giving bikers the chance to become Valentino Rossi for the day. There are different sessions for all abilities, so anyone can have a go at getting their knee down or pulling a wheelie without falling foul of the law. For serious wannabe racers, a track day at the infamous Nurburgring is the ultimate gift.

Biking accessories and clothing

There are a whole host of biking accessories and clothing out there for all budgets, so treat your loved one to something you know they will get use out of. If they are continuing to ride through the winter then thermals, winter gloves, neck warmers and heated hand grips are ideal, as is a backpack and flask so they can stop for a hot drink whenever they want. Or maybe they need some new panniers, leathers or a helmet or have been eyeing up the latest branded hats, jackets or t-shirts to show their support when not on two wheels.

If your biker is always getting lost, invest in a motorbike sat-nav system so they can navigate the roads safely, or for those who are hands-on with their machines invest in a new set of tools.

Toys

Bikers are just big kids at heart, so keep them happy and quiet with a toy. Go for a remote-controlled bike or a model of their favourite racer. There are models they can build as well, without having to worry about getting the finished thing through an MOT. Don’t be afraid to scour the children’s departments for a fun stocking filler.

Subscriptions

A subscription to a biking magazine or newspaper is a great way for bikers to keep up-to-date with all the latest news and really is the gift that keeps on giving, with issues coming through the letterbox regularly throughout the year.

Books and DVDs

There are many books and DVDs for bikers, from autobiographies to season round-ups. Tourers would appreciate books on the best roads and rides, while speed-demons can re-live past races with any one of dozens of DVDs on MotoGP, British and World Superbikes, the Isle of Man TT and North West 200. For those who like to tinker, there are manuals and repair guides and a whole host of publications on everything from the history of motorbikes to the latest stunt riders.

Money and gift vouchers

If time runs out then simply admit defeat and give money or gift vouchers for a bike shop so your biker can buy what they want. It may be seem a bit like a cop-out, but the happy recipient will likely not bat an eyelid.

Got any gift ideas of your own? Let us know by commenting below.