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new or used motorcycle

Sometimes, but not always. According to the RAC, this will depend on the particular lane. Some of these are reserved exclusively for buses, though there are individual signs which will indicate any other road users who can use these lanes.

If the sign says ‘local’, this means it can only be used by buses, though motorcycles are among the other vehicles which may be allowed in the lane if specified as such on the sign. These also include licensed London hackney carriages, mopeds, scooters, tricycles, and bicycles.

It’s always best to refer to the signs before entering a bus lane as if you do so unauthorised, you could receive a fine. These could be up to £160 inside Greater London (£80 if paid within 14 days), and £65 outside Greater London (£30 if paid within 14 days).

Your new motorbike will need an MOT once it reaches three years old, a standard that applies to all new vehicles regarding MOT testing. For a standard motorcycle, this should cost around £29.65, and you are not required to pay VAT.

You should book your MOT at an approved test centre, featuring a blue sign with three white triangles as this indicates they are authorised to carry out your MOT.

At Vertu Motorcycles, our PDI process ensures your new motorbike is road-ready with basic testing. This means that by the time it gets to you, it will only have 2-3 miles on the clock – then it’s all yours.

No, you cannot use motorbike no claims for car insurance. This is because motorbike insurance and car insurance are both treated separately, meaning you cannot transfer your no claims from your motorbike to a car if you intended to own one.

As with any vehicle you purchase new, the price will vary depending on make and model. Buying a new motorcycle may come with higher costs initially with the purchase price and insurance, though over time the costs of owning a motorcycle should be reasonably reduced.

An electric motorbike uses electricity to generate power from the engine, rather than petrol. As with electric cars, they use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries which will need to be plugged in and recharged once the battery depletes.

Electric motorcycles have some of the same moving parts as with traditional-fuelled motorcycles such as the chain and sprockets, though they do not have a clutch, gas tank or exhaust as they are not powered by an internal combustion engine.

For a new bike the first service is due when it is usually around 3 months old, or approximately 600 miles – whichever comes soonest.

After this, they are serviced annually from the registration date or recommended annual mileage, depending on which comes sooner.

Used motorbikes are definitely worth it and can save you a lot of money in comparison to purchasing a brand-new bike.

As long as they have been kept in good condition with a decent number of miles on the clock, have not been involved in a serious accident and have been made by a reliable manufacturer, used bikes are a great option.

It’s important to make sure you know whether your motorcycle can run on e10 fuel before making a visit to the petrol station. Thankfully, you can use this online checker provided by the Department for Transport (DfT) to determine whether your vehicle can run on this type of petrol.

All you need to do is simply choose your vehicle manufacturer and find out if this is the right fuel type for you.

Yes, although it will obviously be more expensive than buying a used one. With new motorcycles, you won’t need to worry about frequent repairs and your engine will last a lot longer than if you go for a used motorcycle, though as a drawback it may be a more expensive initial investment.

You can easily tax your motorcycle online on the GOV.UK website. You’ll need a reference number for this from one of these sources:

• A V11 ‘recent reminder’ or a ‘last chance’ warning letter from the DVLA
• Your vehicle log book (V5C) which must be registered in your name
• A ‘new keeper’ slip from a log book if you are the new owner of the vehicle

Even if you are exempt from paying tax due to a disability, you must still register your vehicle for tax.

According to the GOV.UK site, rules for licensing differ if you held a motorcycle or moped license before 19^th January 2013.

Just like if you learn to drive a car, you will first need to get a provisional license to learn how to ride a motorcycle on the roads. This will then enable you to complete compulsory basic training (CBT) and receive your pass certificate.

After completing your theory test, you will have 2 years to complete both parts of your practical test, otherwise you will have to begin the whole process again.

Since there are different types of motorbikes, you’ll need to ensure you get the correct type of license in order to ride it.

For mopeds, you must be at least 16 and for motor tricycles, you must be over 21 years old and hold a full car driving license.

Find more information on types of motorbike licensing here.

The training you need to complete in order to ride a motorcycle is known as compulsory basic training (CBT). This course ensures that you can ride safely unaccompanied while you practise the full moped or motorcycle test.

After completing your theory test, you will have 2 years to complete both parts of your practical test, otherwise you will have to begin the whole process again.

Unlike the car driving theory test, this is not a test you pass or fail. Completing the CBT is what allows you to ride a moped if over 16 years of age, or a motorcycle up to 125cc with a power output of 11kW if over 17 years of age.

For either, you must use L plates (or D plates in Wales), and you must pass your full moped or motorcycle test within 2 years or you will need to complete CBT again.

If you are caught riding without a CBT certificate, you could be fined up to £1,000 and receive six penalty points.

Source: GOV.UK

According to The Bike Insurer, costs for the CBT course are usually between £89-£150, which should include a full day of training, the certificate, the hire of a moped/motorcycle, and all necessary equipment.

The CBT certificate lasts for two years, in which time you must pass your full moped or motorcycle test. If you do not obtain your full license within this time, you will have to complete your CBT again.

The RAC reports that if you are over the age of 19 and hold an A2 license, this means you can:

• Ride a bike producing no more than 35kW or 47bhp. These will usually be advertised as such.
• Ride without L plates
• Carry a pillion passenger
• Ride on motorways

When riding a motorcycle, it is a legal requirement that you wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle on any road. Helmets must comply with specific regulations which you can view here.

You must wear glasses or contact lenses if these are needed to read a number plate at the distance specified, and you should wear visors and goggles, which also need to comply with certain regulation standards.

Source: GOV.UK

Yes! You can test ride a motorcycle at your local dealership and see whether it is the right one for you. Use our website here to find your nearest dealer.

Already know which motorcycle you’ve got your heart set on? You can even order online.

Yes – you can take finance on a motorcycle. This can help you to break down the cost of ownership in a way that suits your budget. With a range of finance options available at Vertu Motorcycles, you’re sure to find a plan that works for you. Browse finance options now on our website.

We offer both collection and delivery services which you can arrange at a time that suits you – all the more reason to look forward to getting your new motorcycle!

Home deliveries can be arranged if you live within 30 miles of the dealership, or if you’d prefer you can head to your local dealership and pick it up from there.

Subsequent delivery costs will be calculated at an additional £1 per mile above 30 miles.

Yes, we do buy used bikes. Our BMW dealerships only accept used BMW bikes since they are approved used BMW dealerships, though at our Honda dealerships you’ll find we accept a range of vehicles, so you can sell your bike to us for the next person to enjoy as much as you did and get the best possible price.

You can sell your bike to us by getting in contact with your local dealership, and providing the V5C registration document, service or record book, owners’ manual, spare keys, and details of any accessories for the bike.