The number of UK teenagers that turn to two wheels is growing and it is perfectly natural to want to graduate from a bicycle to a motorcycle, which is an exciting way to get from place to place. If your teenage son is already asking about applying for a provisional driving licence, here is a checklist of things you need to ensure are in place while taking up motorcycling.
- Road Sense – It is possible to gain an insight into road safety without driving a vehicle and by asking your son (or daughter) to think about road safety, you can begin to implant some road sense into the equation.
- Riding Lessons – No matter what age, everyone should undergo some basic motorcycle safety training, which teaches you how to control the bike on all surfaces. Search online for a motorcycle riding class near you and if you don’t have a bike, the school will provide one for you to use.
- Protective Gear – At a leading bike dealer such as Wheels Motorcycles, jackets, leather pants and motorcycle gloves are all available at the best prices. Buy a decent full-face crash helmet, which will last you a lifetime and add a pair of motorcycle boots and you are good to go.
- Driving Licence – You do need to have a valid UK driving licence if you plan to ride a bike on the roads; a provisional licence would allow you to ride a 125cc bike and over a period of 2 years, you can upgrade to a Class A licence, which allows you to ride a bike of any size.
- Insurance – You will need at least 3rd party insurance, although you are advised to take out comprehensive insurance that covers your bike and any personal injuries you might sustain. The bike dealer generally offers the best insurance cover and you can arrange of immediate coverage when you pick up your bike. Here is some useful information if you fancy a night out in London.
- Bike Maintenance – If you are going to buy a bike, you need to have a basic understanding of the inner workings of a motorcycle, which will enable you to service your machine. If you buy a new bike, the first couple of services would be free and carried out by the dealership and regardless of your bike make and model, you can find service information on the manufacturer’s website.
- The Highway Code – This was compiled many years ago and concerns the British Isles and is something that all road users should read and understand. The Highway Code is available online and it should form the basis for road safety practices.
While most bikers stick to summer riding, there is a hardcore group that rides all year round and if you are planning to do that, keeping warm can be an issue. One should never exceed the speed limits, as they are set to reduce the risk of accidents and once you get some riding experience under your belt, you will feel more confident about riding.
