Owning a motorbike is one of life’s great joys but it’s not something that comes without associated costs.

There’s the upkeep and general maintenance of the bike, as well as the day-to-day running costs, which over time, can really add up.

That’s why we’ve decided to share some tips and advice on how to keep your motorbike running costs down.

Insurance

Insurance costs are unavoidable – it’s the law to have motorbike insurance. But that’s no reason to pay over the odds for your motorbike insurance. Look for insurance providers that give you a suitable deal, as well as any additional extras such as a free lock.

When getting a quote for your motorbike insurance, insurers will ask you about your voluntary excess, as this can also determine the final premium of the quote.

Usually, the higher you set your voluntary excess, the lower your actual insurance premium may be. This is because you’ll be considered less likely to claim if you set your voluntary excess at a higher amount.

Increasing the safety and security of your motorbike can also drive down premiums, for example, storing your bike in a locked garage rather than street parking.

Some insurers give you cheaper insurance if you complete an advanced motorcycle riding course so it’s worth having a look at which ones do.

Maintenance

Having to get your motorbike repaired can end up being extremely costly, depending on what needs to be fixed. If your motorbike does need a repair then there’s no getting around that. However, by regularly checking over your bike, you can get ahead of any potential issues before they become major repairs and save you money in the long run.

A few simple checks before and after you ride can be really helpful and you don’t have to be a qualified motorbike mechanic to do them. It was also increase your bike’s chances of passing its MOT.

Things you should check before and after you ride:

• Tyres – check for any nails, punctures or any pieces of debris that could be lodged within the tyres. Also check tread depth is within legal limits.
• Lights – faulty headlight, taillight, brake or indicator bulbs are the leading causes of MOT failures.
• Other checks – Regularly check chain tension, brake pad wear, oil level and the condition of chain sprockets.

Running costs

Fuel is probably the biggest running cost associated with having a motorbike. Granted, most motorbikes don’t guzzle down fuel at great speed, but there are many things you can do to help your fuel go even further.

• Tyres – again we’re talking about tyres! Ensuring tyres are kept at the correct pressure has a big impact on fuel economy.
• Throttle – the best riders are smooth riders, and smooth riders are also the most fuel efficient. That means not being too heavy handed with the throttle.
• Weight – no we’re not telling you to get on a diet! But reducing the weight of your motorbike will reduce your fuel consumption, so you might want to think about getting rid of any non-essential luggage and hard panniers.
• Fuel – this is pretty obvious but shop around for your fuel to find the best deal!